EU unveils European chamber of commerce in Kenya
By Nancy Marende, May 12, 2025The European Union (EU) has launched the EU Chamber of Commerce in Kenya, called EuroCham Kenya, to support and amplify the European private sector in the Kenyan market.
The chamber will also advocate at the highest level for an improved business and investment climate and promote increased trade and investment between the EU and Kenya.
The EU launched the Chamber during the EU-Kenya Business Forum 2025, themed ‘Digitalising trade’, on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi.
Speaking during the launch, President William Ruto stated that the Chamber aims to deepen Kenya-EU private sector collaboration.
“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.
Additionally, the head of state urged the Kenya European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Council to explore innovative ways to address current and emerging barriers to unlock the vast potential of Kenya-EU trade.
“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.
He also revealed that Kenya is attracting global technology giants like Microsoft and Apple, which have already established their presence in the country.
“Global Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) leaders such as CCI and Sam have all anchored their operations in Kenya, positioning Kenya as a leading regional hub for software development, business process outsourcing and digital services .”
European Union
On her part, the European Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, stated that the Kenya-EU EPA came into force on July 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the deepening and growing partnership between Kenya and the EU.
Further, she stated that the Forum’s theme speaks to the shared ambition to use digital technologies as drivers of inclusive growth, sustainable trade and stronger connectivity.
“From e-commerce to blockchain, artificial intelligence to secure digital payments. These innovations are reshaping how we do business and offer enormous potential to deepen our economic ties,” she said.
The two-day forum being held on May 12, 2025 and May 13 2025 is focussing on six areas, namely digital customs and trade facilitation, smart and sustainable trade, digital tools as a trade growth engine, data as a value chain, innovative financing and Fintech as well as Digital solutions for export standards compliance.