Nairobi, Kenya, April 24, 2025 — The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), in collaboration with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Kenya, the Kenya-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Hunan HaoTong Group, hosted a high-level strategic meeting at Serena Hotel in Nairobi to gear up Kenyan exporters for the upcoming China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) 2025, set to take place from June 12-15, 2025, in Changsha, Hunan Province, China.

The preparatory forum served as a critical engagement to inform and equip Kenyan exporters and business associations with key insights, tools, and strategies needed to tap into the vast opportunities of the Chinese market. With China continuing to be a top export destination, the meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to align their approaches and readiness for the Expo.

Ms. Floice Mukabana, Chief Executive Officer of KEPROBA, emphasized the importance of this partnership in bridging Kenya’s trade gap with China.

“China remains a critical trade and investment partner for Kenya. In 2024, Kenya’s exports to China stood at USD 196.8 million, while imports from China reached USD 4.3 billion a trade imbalance we must actively work to address,” said Ms. Mukabana.

“Our leading exports including titanium ores, macadamia nuts, avocado, fish, black tea, coffee, gum, and resins are just the beginning. There is vast untapped potential in fresh produce, value-added agricultural and processed foods, textiles, and leather products.”

Kenya currently ranks 56th among China’s export markets and 127th as a source market, highlighting a significant opportunity for strategic repositioning. KEPROBA’s ongoing efforts around Export Diversification and Product Adaptation are aimed at enhancing Kenya’s visibility and competitiveness in emerging Chinese provinces such as Hunan, Guangdong, and Sichuan, where demand for African-origin goods is rising.

Representing Hunan Province, Ms. Guo Ning, Deputy Director General of the Commerce Department, highlighted CAETE 2025 as a golden opportunity for Kenyan exporters:

“The Expo offers a unique avenue for Kenyan businesses to showcase their products, engage with Chinese distributors, and receive invaluable market feedback.”

Echoing this, Miss Andrea Li, Deputy General Manager at HaoTong International Transportation Agent, noted:

“This year’s theme, ‘China and Africa: A Shared Future,’ sets the stage for deeper trade partnerships. The Expo will spotlight African specialty foods, agri-products, handicrafts, tourism, and daily consumer goods.”

As part of its broader export promotion strategy, KEPROBA will continue to offer Export Readiness Programs, capacity-building on compliance, branding and packaging for international markets, and B2B matchmaking sessions, particularly with Chinese buyers. These efforts have already borne fruit, notably increasing Kenya’s horticultural exports such as avocados to the Chinese market through virtual engagements.

KEPROBA encourages all interested exporters and trade associations to prepare for CAETE 2025 by participating in upcoming readiness workshops and seizing this unparalleled platform to drive Kenya’s export growth and bilateral trade with China.

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About Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency

The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) is a State Corporation established under the State Corporations Act Cap 446 through Legal Notice No.110 of August 9th, 2019, after the merger of the Export Promotion Council and Brand Kenya Board. KEPROBA’s mandate is to implement export promotion and nation branding Initiatives and policies to promote Kenya’s export of goods and services.

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