KENYA-EU FORUM 2025: RUTO CHAMPIONS DIGITAL TRADE TO BREAK BARRIERS AND BOOST GROWTH

KENYA, EU STRENGTHEN TIES TO UNLOCK NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

President William ruto has emphasized Kenya’s readiness for business and called on the kenya-european union economic partnership agreement council to find innovative solutions to trade barriers. Themed “digitalizing trade’’ the kenya-eu business forum brought together high-level policymakers, business leaders, and innovators to explore how digital technologies can unlock new trade opportunities.

“On our part, we are implementing pro-trade policies to build a competitive, resilient economy, strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships, and fostering inclusive wealth creation and generating opportunities,” he said.

The kenya-european union business forum 2025 has kicked off in nairobi today, marking the second edition of this key platform aimed at deepening trade and investment relations between kenya and the european union. The forum’s theme, “digitalising trade,” highlighted the role of digital transformation in enhancing trade efficiency and inclusivity.

Speaking at the event, president william ruto, reiterated kenya’s openness and readiness for business. He urged the kenya-eu economic partnership agreement (epa) council to explore innovative ways to overcome current and emerging trade barriers to fully unlock the potential of kenya-eu trade.

“Kenya is open for trade and investment through an innovation-driven economy supporting start-ups and smes. Eurocham and kncci to provide a unified voice,” he said.

“Through digitization, we unlock innovation, catalyze industrialization, and create seamless access to markets,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to nurturing start-ups and smes.

President ruto emphasized that kenya is implementing pro-trade policies focused on building a competitive and resilient economy, strengthening partnerships, and fostering inclusive wealth creation and opportunities for all Kenyans.

“Our goal is to build a competitive, resilient economy that benefits every Kenyan while strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships with allies like the eu,” said president ruto.

“This signals our commitment to an innovation-driven economy that nurtures start-ups, msmes, and investors alike,” argued the president.

The forum also featured discussions on leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions such as e-commerce, block chain, artificial intelligence, and secure digital payments to boost trade flows while promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

“From e-commerce to block chain, artificial intelligence to secure digital payments. These innovations are reshaping how we do business and offer enormous potential to deepen our economic ties,” said the European ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger.

By focusing on digitalization, the forum aims to equip businesses from both Kenya and the eu with the tools and knowledge to enhance competitiveness in the global market, increase market access, and foster sustainable growth.