By Kimuri Mwangi
The European Union Delegation to Kenya has announced that the second edition of the EU-Kenya Business Forum will take place in Nairobi on May 12 and 13, 2025.
Building on the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and its connectivity projects in Kenya, this year’s forum will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and civil society representatives from the European Union and Kenya to explore how digital technologies can enhance trade and economic growth under the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which entered into force in July 2024.
Under the theme “Digitalising Trade,” the forum will examine how innovations such as e-commerce, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and secure digital payments can facilitate trade and investment flows while promoting sustainable and eco-friendly trade practices.
High-Level Participation
The event will feature key speakers, including H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, European Union Commissioner for Trade, Mr. Thomas Östros, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, Hon. William Kabogo, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications & Digital Economy and Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry.
Additionally, trade and business delegations from EU Member States will attend, alongside representatives from Kenya’s private sector.
Key Highlights of the Forum
These include the official launch of the European Chamber of Commerce in Kenya (EuroCham Kenya) and the first meeting of the EU-Kenya EPA Council, chaired by Commissioner Šefčovič, to assess the agreement’s implementation and future prospects.
“Since our last EU-Kenya Business Forum in 2023, the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement has come into force. This Business Forum provides an opportunity to explore what the EPA can do for Kenyan businesses, highlighting trade and investment opportunities and linking SMEs with similar businesses and financiers. We encourage the business community to register to attend this forum,” stated Henriette Geiger, the European Union Ambassador to Kenya.
On his part, Hon. William Kabogo remarked: “I am pleased to welcome the announcement of the Second Edition of the EU-Kenya Business Forum, scheduled for 12 and 13 May 2025 in Nairobi. This Forum comes at a pivotal moment for Kenya, as we accelerate our digital transformation journey and deepen our partnership with the European Union under the newly implemented EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement.”
Opportunities for Businesses
Participants can expect to expand their business networks and connect with key decision-makers, gain insights into digital trade trends, opportunities, and challenges under the EPA, discover cutting-edge digital solutions to enhance trade efficiency and engage in B2B meetings to foster new partnerships.
Registration
Businesses interested in attending can register via the official link:
EU-Kenya Business Forum 2025 Registration
EU-Kenya Trade and Investment Snapshot (2023)
- Total trade: €3.4 billion (a 53% increase over the past decade)
- EU imports from Kenya: €1.4 billion (primarily vegetables, fruits, and flowers, sustaining 500,000+ jobs)
- EU exports to Kenya: €2 billion (mainly machinery, mineral, and chemical products)
- EU investment stock in Kenya: €2.8 billion (a 61% increase since 2013)
The forum underscores Kenya’s growing role as a digital and trade leader in Africa, aligning with the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic partnerships.
