President William Ruto officially opens the 2nd edition of the Kenya-EU Business Forum

The 2nd edition of the Kenya –EU Business Forum was held in Nairobi on 12-13 May 13, 2025.

Under the theme “Digitalizing Trade” the forum jointly organized by the EU Delegation, EU member states embassies and key Kenyan stakeholders brought together high level policy makers, private sector leaders, innovators and development partners to explore how digital transformation can serve as a catalyst to enhance trade efficiency, increase market access and promote sustainable and inclusive growth.

Speaking when he officially opened the forum in Ole Sereni, Nairobi President William Ruto said Kenya was open and ready for business.

‘‘We are implementing pro-trade policies with the goal of building a competitive, resilient economy, strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships and fostering inclusive wealth creation,’’said President Ruto.

He noted that the Kenya-EU EPA aims to deepen trade ties between the two parties and urged the EPA Council to explore innovative ways to address the current and emerging barriers to unlock the vast potential of Kenya and EU trade.

The EU Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič termed the EPA as a landmark achievement and the most ambitious deal that the EU has signed with a Sub Saharan partner.

“The EPA reflects the shared commitment to strengthen and diversify our economies and create jobs and foster sustainable growth,” said Šefčovič.

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said EU was a vital trade partner for Kenya and underscored the need to fully leverage on the EPA not only to boost Kenya’s exports but to foster a more balanced and a mutually beneficial trade relationship.
‘‘The business forum provides an opportunity and a rare platform for the large and medium size European Corporates looking for new opportunities to invest in Kenya and Africa at large,’’said CS Kinyanjui.

The EU remains one of the Kenya's largest trading and development partners accounting for 16 percent of the country's total exports while EU is Kenya's third largest source of imports totaling to 10 percent of Kenya's imports.

The Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) which came in force in July, 2024 is expected to further deepen the trade ties between the two partners by opening duty -free and quota- free market access for Kenyan products into the EU while enabling European businesses to benefit from rules based trade environment in Kenya and the wider region.