Stanbic Bank Kenya is helping local businesses access China’s lucrative market by connecting exporters with international buyers, investors and potential business partners through the 2026 China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.
The bank is participating in a Standard Bank Group initiative supporting 20 African businesses from seven countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda, to explore new trade opportunities and establish commercial partnerships in China. The delegation comprises businesses operating in agriculture and value-added agro-processing, dealing in products such as coffee, tea, cocoa, wine, avocados, grains, cashews and sesame.
Through the expo, Kenyan exporters will have an opportunity to showcase their products to Chinese buyers, distributors and investors, while learning about market requirements and establishing relationships that could help them expand their international business.
Stanbic’s participation forms part of Standard Bank Group’s wider efforts to strengthen trade between Africa and China, one of the continent’s major trading partners. Over nine years of participating in CIIE, Standard Bank Group has supported more than 242 African businesses in accessing buyers, improving their export capabilities and pursuing commercial opportunities in China.
Previous participants have recorded significant business deals through the platform. A Ugandan coffee exporter secured three confirmed orders worth more than US$650,000 at the 2023 expo, while a South African rooibos producer generated bulk export business valued at over R1 million. A Mozambican macadamia exporter also shipped six containers of nuts worth more than US$350,000 to China in 2024.
The bank says changing trade conditions are creating further opportunities, with early shipments from Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Nigeria already processed under a new zero-tariff framework. Improved payment systems, including Chinese Renminbi (RMB) settlement options, are also helping businesses conduct cross-border transactions more efficiently.
Luthando Vuba, Head of International Trade at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank Group, said the expo has helped African businesses build valuable relationships and turn market opportunities into commercial deals.
“For nine years, CIIE has provided a powerful platform for African businesses to showcase their products, capabilities and innovation to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets. We have seen firsthand how access to the right networks, buyers and market insights can translate into meaningful commercial outcomes for our clients,” said Vuba.
Through its Africa-China Trade Solutions (ACTS), Standard Bank Group provides exporters with trade financing, foreign exchange services, buyer introductions and market advisory support. Its partnership with China’s Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) further strengthens access to Chinese markets.
Since joining CIIE, the Group has facilitated more than 500 buyer engagements, supporting exporters from 12 African markets. For Kenyan businesses, the initiative provides an opportunity to diversify markets, attract new customers and expand exports beyond traditional destinations.