This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Kenya is set to host its annual Business Summit on November 4 – 5, 2019 in Nairobi, marking its second year in partnership with the Kenya and U.S. governments, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The Summit aims to strengthen two-way trade and investment between the U.S. and East Africa, fostering long-term economic ties and mutual prosperity.
According to AmCham Kenya Board President Phillipine Mtikitiki, the Summit provides an opportunity to discuss collaborative measures and ways in which American and local businesses can leverage regional and U.S. economic opportunities for mutual benefit.
The focus on East Africa this year reflects growing interest in the region as a single market, with participation from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
Matchmaking sessions and sector forums on manufacturing, agribusiness, infrastructure, energy, health, and the digital economy will be featured, offering businesses opportunities to engage, transact, initiate, and close deals.
AmCham Kenya Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Okello noted that the Summit provides a platform for direct business-to-business engagement, enabling partnerships to develop and transactions to take place, expanding markets and catalyzing business growth.
Kenya continues to attract American enterprises, with recent entrants including Cigna, Abbott Laboratories, Corteva, and the American Tower Corporation.
At the 2018 Summit, over 500 delegates representing 140 U.S. and Kenyan companies participated, with 70 U.S. government representatives and business leaders in attendance.
During the Summit, six commercial deals worth Kshs 10.3 billion (US$100 million) were signed, witnessed by His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Under Secretary of Commerce Gilbert Kaplan.
