April 24, 2024, marked the beginning of a four-day strategic trade and investment mission in Addis Ababa, bringing together Kenya and Ethiopia’s business communities, policymakers, and Competent Authorities from the Kenya-Ethiopia Trade and Investment Missions.
With funding from USAID-ERRA, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), in collaboration with the Addis Ababa Chambers of Commerce and Sectoral Association, kicked off a one-day conference, heralding a four-day event packed with business exhibitions, B2B sessions, networking and matchmaking opportunities, and industry visits.
The objectives of this trade mission are to explore and leverage trade and investment opportunities, strengthening ties between the two countries and to facilitate direct engagement between Kenyan businesses, the Ethiopian government and policymakers, and private sector entities/business member organizations (BMO) that will enhance intra-Africa trade and investment.
Anticipated outcomes of this mission are not only promising but transformative, and are expected to, among others, enhance trade between Kenya and Ethiopia, fostering economic growth and regional integration; map out import-export products tailored for various international markets, boosting Africa’s trading position in the global market and stimulate knowledge exchange and industry benchmarking.
The event attracted esteemed dignitaries, including the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia, represented by Amb. Ababi Demessie, who served as the chief guest; the Kenyan Ambassador to Ethiopia, Amb. George Orina MBS; the President of Addis Ababa Chambers of Commerce and Sectoral Association, Ms. Mesenbet Shentune; Commissioner, Ethiopia Investment Commission, Ms. Hana Araya Selassie; Head of KAM Consulting and Business Development, Ms. Joyce Njogu, MCIM; TradeMark Africa’s Ethiopian Country Director, Mr. Ewnetu Taye Chafu; and the Kenyan National Assembly Trade Committee members. Over 300 business delegates from Kenya and Ethiopia’s manufacturing sectors also graced the occasion.
