NETFUND PARTICIPATES IN THE THIRD KENYA TRADE WEEK EXPO 2019

By Gloria Makau The former Prime Minister of Kenya and AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa. Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, and Hon. Peter Munya, the CS for the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives visited the NETFUND exhibition booth during the third edition of the Kenya Trade Week 2019. The event that took place from July 15 to 21, 2019 under the theme ‘Powering Regional Integration Through Trade’ occurred alongside the first Source 21 COMESA International Trade Fair and High-Level Business Summit, from July 17 to 21, 2019.
The event was officially opened by the Vice President, H.E. Dr William Ruto and was attended by H.E Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, the Chairman, other key guests and the public.
This year’s event aimed to take stock of Kenya’s progress in implementing the Integrated National Export Development and Promotion Strategy (INEDPS). The Expo aimed to position Kenya as a leader in the realization of the ACFTA (The African Continental Free Trade Area) as well as increase intra-Africa trade to 50% from the current 15% on average over the last decade.
In his keynote address, Dr William Ruto stressed the need to explore all avenues to ensure that Kenya meets its targets within the global markets. He further stated that trade is central to our national development, economic aspirations and a cross-cutting enabler of the Big Four. This means that is critical that we explore all avenues to expand the reach and value of Kenyan products within and without our borders, while deepening our trade collaboration with the European Union and the USA.

Infrastructure Development in Africa. Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, and Hon. Peter Munya, the CS for the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives visited the NETFUND exhibition booth during the third edition of the Kenya Trade Week 2019. The event that took place from July 15 to 21, 2019 under the theme ‘Powering Regional Integration Through Trade’ occurred alongside the first Source 21 COMESA International Trade Fair and High-Level Business Summit, from July 17 to 21, 2019.
The event was officially opened by the Vice President, H.E. Dr William Ruto and was attended by H.E Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, the Chairman, other key guests and the public.
This year’s event aimed to take stock of Kenya’s progress in implementing the Integrated National Export Development and Promotion Strategy (INEDPS). The Expo aimed to position Kenya as a leader in the realization of the ACFTA (The African Continental Free Trade Area) as well as increase intra-Africa trade to 50% from the current 15% on average over the last decade.
In his keynote address, Dr William Ruto stressed the need to explore all avenues to ensure that Kenya meets its targets within the global markets. He further stated that trade is central to our national development, economic aspirations and a cross-cutting enabler of the Big Four. This means that is critical that we explore all avenues to expand the reach and value of Kenyan products within and without our borders, while deepening our trade collaboration with the European Union and the USA.

The former Prime Minister of Kenya and AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa. Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, and Hon. Peter Munya, the CS for the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives visited the NETFUND exhibition booth during the third edition of the Kenya Trade Week 2019. The event that took place from July 15 to 21, 2019 under the theme ‘Powering Regional Integration Through Trade’ occurred alongside the first Source 21 COMESA International Trade Fair and High-Level Business Summit, from July 17 to 21, 2019.
The event was officially opened by the Vice President, H.E. Dr William Ruto and was attended by H.E Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, the Chairman, other key guests and the public.
This year’s event aimed to take stock of Kenya’s progress in implementing the Integrated National Export Development and Promotion Strategy (INEDPS). The Expo aimed to position Kenya as a leader in the realization of the ACFTA (The African Continental Free Trade Area) as well as increase intra-Africa trade to 50% from the current 15% on average over the last decade.
In his keynote address, Dr William Ruto stressed the need to explore all avenues to ensure that Kenya meets its targets within the global markets. He further stated that trade is central to our national development, economic aspirations and a cross-cutting enabler of the Big Four. This means that is critical that we explore all avenues to expand the reach and value of Kenyan products within and without our borders, while deepening our trade collaboration with the European Union and the USA.

Hon. Peter Munya, in his address, said that the next (fourth) Kenya Trade week to be held in 2020 will focus on analysizing actions taken this year with regard to export growth. He urged participants to have less talk and more action to actualize the goals set out in the Integrated National Export Development and Promotion Strategy (INDEPS).
The Source 21 COMESA International Trade Fair & High-Level Business Summit was, on the other hand opened by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya. The event, themed “Hallmark of Quality” brought together private sector and policymakers drawn from the 21 member countries to discuss how to promote and advance cross border trade amongst member states.
The event also presented an opportunity for the Presidential Public-Private Round table that looked into among other things, the future of COMESA, global sourcing – what needs to be done to clear the path for Africa’s products into the regional and world market; reducing regional trade barriers, integrating SMEs into regional supply chains, building bridges for business partnerships in Africa and, digital and financial inclusiveness for enterprises. In addition, an industry roundtable took place, in which focus was on the internationalization of Africa brands – integrating the African market through compliance with the standards and quality products.
Both events attracted exhibitors representing various sectors drawn from across the COMESA member states. NETFUND showcased and promoted two of its GIA III beneficiaries, Sweet and Dried Enterprises and Folia Dasimz, who got a chance to network and sell their products. The event concluded with source 21 international trade fair business seminars and capacity building for women trading in COMESA.