NCBA Bank has flagged off 110 of its Commercial and SME Banking customers for a 12-day trade and business exposure mission to China, aimed at expanding their global business networks and market access.
The curated trip, running from October 12 to 23, 2025, will take participants through Shanghai, Yiwu, and Guangzhou, including attendance at the 138th Canton Fair, one of the world’s largest trade exhibitions.
The initiative is part of NCBA’s continued efforts to empower Kenyan entrepreneurs through global market exposure and networking opportunities. Participants will visit trading facilities, manufacturing hubs, and industry leaders across key sectors including FMCG, technology, construction, manufacturing, real estate, agriculture, and green energy.
Speaking during the send-off, Dennis Njau, NCBA Group Director for Retail Banking, said the mission underscores the bank’s commitment to helping local businesses integrate into global value chains.
“By facilitating access to international markets, we are enabling our customers to strengthen their supply chains, expand their business reach, and in turn contribute to a stronger economy back home,” Njau noted.
Kenya-China trade continues to grow, with China remaining Kenya’s largest source of imports. In the first half of 2025, Kenya imported goods worth Sh304.65 billion from China. The trade mission, NCBA says, will help SMEs understand the Chinese market dynamics and leverage new opportunities in sourcing, manufacturing, and partnerships.
While in China, participants will engage with business associations and chambers of commerce, tour major wholesale markets in Guangzhou and Foshan, and experience cultural and leisure activities designed to deepen cross-cultural understanding.
The Canton Fair will provide direct access to global suppliers and manufacturers, enabling Kenyan entrepreneurs to identify innovative products, negotiate favorable deals, and explore emerging industry trends.
NCBA’s China trade mission builds on the bank’s broader SME empowerment programs, which include capacity-building workshops, networking forums, and tailored financing solutions to unlock business growth.
“China has been a critical ingredient to the Kenyan business sector’s growth being one of Kenya’s top export destinations, particularly for agricultural products. It is a top source for imports for Kenyan businesses; and is a key player in Kenya’s infrastructural & investment, tourism & cultural exchange and geo-political significance. This initiative is timely for our SME and Commercial Banking clients as they scale their businesses to the next level,” added Njau.
Through such initiatives, NCBA continues to position itself as a trusted partner in driving business growth and fostering international trade connections for Kenyan enterprises.