In a move aimed at enhancing intra-African trade, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) embarked on a Kenya-Nigeria Trade Mission on March 17-18, 2025.

With a gross domestic product (GDP) of over $100 billion, Kenya is an economic powerhouse on the continent. In recent years, government policies have spurred the development of industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services, making it a top investment destination in Africa.

Stable economic policies, a strategic location, and an investor-friendly business environment have boosted the country’s attraction to investors, and in 2023, it attracted more than $1 billion in foreign direct investment. As trade within Africa grows, Kenya is perfectly positioned to serve as a gateway for regional commerce.

Like most African countries, Kenya’s major trading partners are outside the continent, with Uganda and Tanzania as its major trading partners on the continent. However, efforts by foremost organisations like KAM and KNCCI indicate a growing desire to trade with more African countries.

With more than 200 million people and a GDP of over $350 billion, Nigeria is an excellent trading partner for Kenya. But despite their economic strengths, trade between the two nations has historically been limited. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to change this by eliminating the barriers to trade between both countries.

During the trip, the Kenyan delegation embarked on a number of visits to key Nigerian institutions in a bid to understand how trade works in the country and identify potential avenues for collaboration. A major highlight was a visit to Idumota Market, Lagos, one of West Africa’s largest and oldest markets.

Engaging directly with importers, exporters, and traders provided valuable perspectives on market operations, consumer preferences, and supply chain challenges. Further exploration of local supermarkets offered a deeper understanding of retail distribution channels, pricing strategies, and product placement.
A meeting between the KNCCI and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) focused on fostering partnerships between East and West African businesses.

Engr. Leye Kupoluyi, Deputy President of LCCI, received the Kenyan delegation along with other members of the LCCI executive team. Conversations between both teams revolved around virtual B2B engagements between both organisations and reciprocal trade missions.

READ ALSO:Meet Ebuwa Agbonwaneten, Edo-born business executive and media entrepreneur

Additionally, the Kenyan delegation held discussions with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), exploring potential areas for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Recognising the importance of financial institutions in trade facilitation, the delegation collaborated with Wema Bank Plc’s Africa Business and Structured Finance Desk. Access to finance and efficient payment systems remain key challenges for businesses of all sizes in Africa, and partnerships such as those with Wema Bank will help to streamline transactions and mitigate the financial risks associated with cross-border trade in Africa.

A high-level focus group engagement with Nigerian importers and traders, including representatives from the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), facilitated dialogue on existing trade barriers.

Discussions centred on tariffs, logistics, regulatory hurdles, and the need for standardisation of products.

With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) driving innovation and employment across Africa, the trade mission reaffirmed a collective commitment to support them by providing the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks to thrive in a competitive market.

Looking ahead

Since the AfCFTA was implemented in 2021, trade between African countries has risen steadily, with figures rising to $192.2 billion in 2023. However, despite this progress, there is still a long way to go to ensure that more African countries trade with each other and unlock economic value in the process.

The Kenya-Nigeria Trade Mission facilitated by Tradeflow Africa is just one avenue for achieving this goal. By addressing existing challenges and capitalising on shared opportunities, African nations can open up a new era for successful intra-African trade. But to achieve this, continuous engagement, policy alignment, and mutual respect will be crucial in building a prosperous and integrated African economy.