The International Trade Centre (ITC) is currently conducting a trade mission in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed at empowering women-led businesses from Africa and the United Kingdom (UK). The event coincides with the Absa InspireMe Conference, where these businesses are actively forging new partnerships and expanding their market reach.
Hosted by Absa Bank Kenya, the SheTrades Kenya Hub facilitated participation from 10 UK-based buyers, 17 African corporate representatives, and 65 women entrepreneurs from SheTrades Hubs in Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, the Gambia, and South Africa.
The event kicked off with addresses from Her Excellency Mrs. Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya, and Mr. Abdi Mohamed, Managing Director of Absa Bank Kenya. Panel discussions focused on critical topics such as finance access, digital market navigation, and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area.
First day @AbsaKenya conference with @JamesMason_78 and the @ITCnews team. Speaker Esmeralda De Souza co-founder Spez Limited says “consistent, competent people of character will make or break your business” pic.twitter.com/Umy0UCLTC9
— Nikki Clow (@ChamberInt_NC) June 18, 2024
A highlight is one-to-one business meetings between women-led businesses in sectors like agrifood, textiles, apparel, handicrafts, and accessories, and potential UK and African buyers, facilitating concrete business deals and collaborations.
Mr. Jamal Hussain, UK Regional Trade Advisor for East Africa, discussed export opportunities through the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme and Economic Partnership Agreements. These initiatives aim to facilitate market access for African businesses, building greater economic integration and growth.
Building on this momentum, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of ITC, stated “at ITC, we work to deliver concrete results for women in trade. Our collaboration with the SheTrades Hubs and the Absa InspireMe Conference is providing fertile ground for women entrepreneurs to strike business deals with corporations from across the continent and the United Kingdom.”
Representatives from SheTrades Hubs will also explore potential collaborations with three UK delegates from the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber International, and West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
An inspirational @Absa #SheTrades conference in Nairobi, Kenya🇰🇪
— James Mason (@JamesMason_78) June 18, 2024
Brilliantly hosted by @CarolineMutoko, with presentations focussing on
Female Leadership, Gender parity & how to empower more women to start a business. So many fantastic stories.#YourStoryMatters#Absainspireme pic.twitter.com/bGP7GX2LKu
The final day will feature sector-specific field visits to Kenyan companies in relevant sectors for conference participants, as well as individual site visits for African and UK buyers to delve deeper into business opportunities with Kenyan women-led businesses.
