Nairobi to Host Major Pan-African Trade and Investment Conference as Kenya Leads Push for Increased Intra-African Trade

Taifa Leo news 

Kenya will host one of Africa's biggest trade and investment gatherings this October as the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), in partnership with African Chambers of Commerce and Industry, convenes a high-level Pan-African Trade, Investment and Exhibition Conference aimed at accelerating trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The conference, scheduled for October 15–17, 2026, is expected to attract delegates from more than 50 countries, over 300 exhibitors, and approximately 5,000 professional participants, including business leaders, investors, policymakers, development partners, and entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond.

Speaking during the official media launch in Nairobi, the organisers said the three-day forum will feature exhibitions, investment forums, business-to-business meetings, and high-level policy discussions focused on unlocking Africa's economic potential through stronger regional trade and investment.

The conference seeks to increase intra-African trade, which currently stands at between 15 and 18 per cent, by creating a platform where governments, private sector leaders, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and investors can exchange ideas, build partnerships, and address policy barriers affecting cross-border commerce.

Organisers said the event will also provide an opportunity to assess progress in implementing the AfCFTA and strengthen collaboration between African governments and the private sector to accelerate economic integration across the continent.

Preparations for the conference are already at an advanced stage, with the organisers confirming strong backing from the Government of Kenya. They said the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry has expressed its support, with Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui represented during the stakeholder engagement meeting held in Nairobi.

"We expect the full support of the Government of Kenya, from the highest level of leadership to all relevant ministries, to ensure the success of this important continental event," the organisers said.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is also involved in preparations as Kenya positions itself to host one of the continent's most significant trade and investment forums.

The organisers further disclosed that several African Chambers of Commerce have already confirmed their participation, including those from South Africa and other African countries, reflecting growing continental interest in expanding business opportunities under the AfCFTA framework.

A high-level preparatory meeting held in Nairobi brought together senior government officials, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, and representatives of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss strategies for making the conference a success.

The organisers also acknowledged the support of key international partners, including the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the AfCFTA Secretariat, which are working together to mobilise governments, development partners, and non-state actors to participate in the forum.

They called on Kenya's private sector and businesses across Africa to take advantage of the conference by showcasing their products, exploring investment opportunities, and forging strategic partnerships that will drive industrialisation, regional integration, and sustainable economic growth across the continent.

The October conference is expected to reinforce Kenya's position as a regional trade and investment hub while providing a vital platform for shaping Africa's economic future through stronger collaboration, innovation, and expanded intra-African trade.