Tuesday 25th February 2025, Nairobi: The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Chartered Institute of Exports and International Trade (IOE&IT), marked a significant milestone by honoring the first graduating class of the Exporters Academy.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Weston Hotel in Nairobi, celebrated the successful completion of a groundbreaking initiative designed to equip Kenyan professionals with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in the global trade arena.
Launched in 2022, the Exporters Academy is the result of a collaborative effort between KEPROBA, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the Chartered Institute of Exports and International Trade (IOE&IT). This initiative was created to meet the increasing demand for specialized trade education in Kenya, ensuring that local businesses and professionals are well-prepared to compete on the international stage.
The academy offers a highly regarded Diploma in International Trade, accredited by the UK-based IOE&IT. This program is tailored to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and trade professionals, providing them with the knowledge and skills to effectively navigate the complexities of global markets.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including members of the KEPROBA Board of Directors, CEOs and Managing Directors from various government agencies and trade support institutions, as well as representatives from ITC. Together, they celebrated the program’s achievements and its role in fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving Kenya’s export growth.
The pilot project initially launched in Ghana in 2020 in partnership with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), expanded to Nigeria in 2021 with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and is now set to extend to Kenya in 2022 through KEPROBA. The initiative aims to create a proof of concept that can be replicated across other countries, fostering a network of partners and localizing content to meet regional needs.
“Today, we are not just celebrating the accomplishments of our graduates but also the incredible impact of teamwork in driving Kenya’s global trade goals. This diploma program reflects our dedication to empowering professionals with the expertise and tools they need to succeed on the international stage.” Remarked KEPROBA’s CEO Ms Floice Mukabana.
Ms. Mukabana also expressed her gratitude to ITC and IOE&IT for their invaluable contributions to the program’s success. “Our partners have played a pivotal role in ensuring that Kenyan professionals receive top-tier training in international trade, and we are deeply thankful for their support,” she said.
The Diploma in International Trade delves into critical topics such as the business environment, trade finance, marketing, and logistics. By equipping graduates with these essential skills, the program directly supports Kenya’s National Export Development Strategy and Vision 2030, both of which aim to establish the country as a premier trade hub in Africa. This initiative is a significant step toward building a more competitive and globally connected Kenyan economy.
Key components of the project include capacity building for local institutions, learner support services, and subsidies for at least 25 candidates in the first year. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be established with local partners, alongside efforts to develop sustainable pricing models and secure industry and government support.
Dr. Grace Muriithi, the chair of the KEPROBA Strategy Committee, highlighted the critical need for ongoing education in the dynamic and ever-changing world of global trade. “This diploma is far more than a certificate; it is a vital instrument that empowers our graduates to become influential leaders in shaping Kenya’s trade landscape,” she stated. Dr. Muriithi encouraged the graduates to harness their newly acquired skills to propel Kenya’s export sector forward. “You now possess the tools to drive meaningful change. Apply this knowledge to improve trade facilitation, strengthen policy execution, and advance strategies for promoting international trade,” she urged. Her words underscored the transformative potential of the program and the pivotal role the graduates can play in Kenya’s economic growth.
‘This diploma delivered in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT) ensures that professionals in Africa receive world-class training that is not only globally recognized but also tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in African trade. You, our graduates, now have the expertise to shape policies, grow businesses, and drive Africa’s trade agenda forward.’ ITC Deputy Executive Director Dorothy Tembo remarked during her the ceremony.
Ms Dorothy Tembo called upon government institutions to embrace the trainings to better equip their staffs with trade knowledge, “To the private sector, government institutions, trade associations, and development partners. If we want to see Africa thrive in global trade, we must invest in human capital. I invite organizations to sponsor their staff for the Diploma in International Trade, ensuring that their teams have the skills to compete, innovate, and lead in international markets.”
The graduation ceremony on February 28th underscores the program's success in equipping trade professionals and KEPROBA staff with the skills needed to drive Kenya's export growth and strengthen its position in global markets.