Nairobi has hosted delegates from over 70 countries during the World Chambers Federation (WCF) Africa Summit.
The Summit was scheduled to run from April 9, 2025, to April 10, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The theme of the summit, “Africa’s Global Future: Integrated, Innovative, and Sustainable”, will focus on innovation and digital transformation, including technologies like artificial intelligence, to boost trade and development.
The WCF summit, which has been organized in partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), the World Chambers Federation (WCF), and Absa Bank Kenya, aims to unite global and regional stakeholders in trade, investment, and development.
Ruto Address During Nairobi WCF Summit
President William Ruto, who was present during the opening session, emphasized the crucial role of Chambers of Commerce in driving trade integration, particularly within Africa.
“Chambers of Commerce are indispensable because they bring a proactive and solution-oriented perspective, thus, the KNCCI and World Chamber Federation serve as vital bridges between government and enterprise, helping businesses navigate risks, unlock opportunities, and expand into global markets,” Ruto said.
Further, he highlighted that in 2022, 41% of Kenya’s exports were directed to African countries.
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Absa Bank Director Remarks
On her part, Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Elizabeth Wasunna commended the efforts of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and the World Chambers Federation in providing a platform for a vital discussion on Africa’s trade and investment future.
“This forum gathers the right people, including government leaders, business leaders, and policymakers, to align on strategies that unlock Africa’s full economic potential. At Absa, we focus on strategically providing the necessary frameworks to support SMEs, including women, for growth in Kenya, across Africa, and globally,” she said.
According to Wasunna, the Nairobi summit offered an opportunity for Absa to demonstrate its dedication to advancing Africa’s economy.
“We know that Africa faces a big challenge of a financial gap of USD 100 billion annually, while governments build physical infrastructure, as Chambers of Commerce, our focus is to form trusted networks enabling trade despite the physical limitations in terms of logistics in Africa,” she added.
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About the Nairobi Summit
The two-day Nairobi summit will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and engaging networking sessions designed to drive Africa’s economic transformation and pave the way for the continent’s next era of growth and prosperity.
It will address the integration of sustainability into trade and investment discussions, aiming for commitments to green growth, climate-friendly business practices, and strategies for inclusive trade that involve women and youth in commerce.
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