Another notable accomplishment for AfCFTA as Kenya’s MSMEs dispatch their first exports to three member countries

Kenyan Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have commenced their inaugural export shipments of various products to the the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), South Sudan, and Zambia under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, through the TradeConnect initiative.

In the coming year, this initiative aims to mobilize and transport 1,000 containers of diverse goods valued at US$1.2 million across the African continent.

The Kenya government intends to leverage the TradeConnect initiative to boost the country’s annual export levels by 10 percent while simultaneously reducing logistical challenges for exporters by 30 percent.

This initiative is a collaborative effort involving several partners, including the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), UBA Bank, TradeMark Africa (TMA), and the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, stated during the flag-off ceremony, “By producing what we consume and consuming what we produce, the TradeConnect initiative will empower Kenyan businesses to enhance their competitiveness and self-reliance, fostering growth and innovation.”

In 2023, Kenya’s exports to Zambia reached US$70 million, with manufactured tobacco and related products being the leading export, accounting for 10.6 percent of total exports to the country. Other significant exports included margarine and other edible mixtures (9.5 percent) and therapeutic or prophylactic medicaments (6.8 percent).

Kenya’s exports to the DR Congo have seen fluctuations, dropping from US$239.4 million in 2014 to US$132 million in 2019, before rising to US$134.4 million and then US$189.9 million in the following years, including 2023.

Conversely, Kenya’s imports from the DR Congo have increased from US$3 million in 2014 to US$22.3 million in 2023. From 2014 to 2023, Kenya’s average exports to the DR Congo were US$181.1 million, while imports averaged US$15.5 million, resulting in a favorable trade balance for Kenya throughout the past decade, peaking at US$236.4 million in 2014 and dipping to a low of US$108.5 million in 2020.

Floice Mukabana, CEO of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency, emphasized that the TradeConnect initiative aligns with their mission to “Brand Kenya, Export Kenyan, Build Kenya.” Through the “Made in Kenya” mark, they aim to elevate the quality, authenticity, and uniqueness of Kenyan products.