- Next month, the 2nd Canada-Africa Business Conference in Nairobi signifies an opportunity for stakeholders to explore avenues for investment.
- Canada has been one of Kenya’s big trade partners with Kenyan exports to Canada estimated at US$18.71 million in 2022.
- The Canada-Africa Business Conference is a testament to the growing economic ties between the two regions.
Nairobi will host the second Canada-Africa Business Conference slated for February 2024, as the North American country looks to increase its grip on regional investments.
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business announced that the annual gathering slated for the 19th to 20th of February 2024 in Nairobi, will be inaugurated by Kenyan President William Ruto and will seek to foster bilateral trade relations and investment opportunities between Africa and Canada.
The conference will serve as a platform for government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs from both nations to engage in constructive dialogue, explore potential collaborations, and showcase innovations across various sectors.
Program Chair for the event Deepak Dave said that the Canada-Africa Business Conference signifies an opportunity for stakeholders to explore avenues for investment, further solidifying the bonds between Canada and Africa.
“We eagerly anticipate sharing program updates as we confirm the participation of leading decision-makers,” said Deepak.
Key topics at the Canada-Africa Business Conference
In the first edition of the Conference, key themes addressed included renewable energy, agriculture, technology, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
The sessions featured expert panels discussing market trends, regulatory frameworks, and investment incentives, providing valuable insights for attendees seeking to expand their business ventures or establish new partnerships.
Canada has been one of Kenya’s big trade partners with Kenyan exports to Canada estimated at US$18.71 Million in 2022, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.
Accompanying President Ruto will be Maninder Sidhu, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, collaborating with the High Commission of Canada in Kenya.
“Our previous engagements in Kenya have always been an incredible success, and this is a testament – in no small part – to the key role of Kenya and KEPSA in Canada-Africa trade and investment,” said Garreth Bloor, President of the Canada-Africa Chamber.
In partnership with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the High Commission of Canada, the conference will convene industry leaders for a comprehensive program at the esteemed Muthaiga Country Club, followed by a VIP Reception on the 19th of February 2024.
The program will extend into a second day of site visits in Nairobi on the 20th of February. With Kenya and Canada sharing a commitment to economic growth and sustainable development, the conference highlights the importance of leveraging each country’s strengths and resources to drive innovation and address common challenges.
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“We are excited to collaborate with the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and look forward to the forum promoting trade and investment between Canada and our great continent of Africa. This forum aims to widen the scope of available opportunities in medical care, infrastructure, energy, FinTech, and project financing,” said Carole Kariuki, Chief Executive Officer of KEPSA.
The Kenya Canada Business Conference is a testament to the growing economic ties between the two nations and underscores the potential for mutually beneficial collaborations.
As both countries continue to navigate the post-pandemic recovery and pursue ambitious development goals, forums like these play a crucial role in fostering cross-border cooperation and unlocking new opportunities for prosperity and advancement.
Trade concerns
The conference comes at a time when the two countries have clashed over quality standards after, over 100,000 pairs of jeans made in Kenya for babies and distributed at retail outlets in America were recalled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
According to CPSC, the pairs of jeans meant for babies have been deemed dangerous to the wearers due to some faulty features that happened during manufacturing.
