TRADE RELATIONS

US trade delegation in Kenya to explore openings

The delegates represent various institutions in corporate America

In Summary
  • Survey data by Deloitte, commissioned by Africa CEO Forum in August this year, ranks Kenya fifth with 23% on Investment Attractiveness Index.
  • This was a drop in rank from last year when the country was ranked second in the continent with an index of 6.9%.
Equity Group MD James Mwangi
Equity Group MD James Mwangi
Image: Handout

Investors from then from USA are in the country to explore opportunities in a week-long trade relation trip.

Equity Bank Kenya welcomed them on Monday after their previous missions in Tanzania and Zanzibar. They represent various institutions in corporate America.

They will engage over 500 local entrepreneurs , Micro Small and Medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and corporates with an aim to boost bilateral trade. 

This will be through organised panel discussions, one on one business networking sessions and site visits to businesses in Nairobi and its environs.

According to a survey by Deloitte, commissioned by Africa CEO Forum in August , Kenya ranks fifth in the continent with a score of 23 per cent on Investment Attractiveness Index.

This was a drop in last year's ranking when the country was placed second in the continent with an index of 6.9 per cent.

Addressing the delegation, Equity Group CEO James Mwangi reiterated the lender's commitment to serving MSMEs, women owned businesses and the youth in supporting government’s plan to close trade gaps.

“We look forward to positive engagements that will lead to business realisation,” Mwangi said.

The US commercial officer Joshua Startup said the trade mission comes at a time when Kenya is identified among the top ten fastest growing economies in Africa, a potential market and hub for global trade.

“This makes it an excellent investment opportunity for American companies looking to invest and expand their business profile in Kenya and Africa at large,” Joshua said.

The trade mission is organised by Equity Bank Kenya and Tanzania in partnership with the United States Embassy in Kenya, East African Business Council, Minnesota Africans United, Global Minnesota and Prosper Africa.

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