Nairobi is playing host to a historic meeting of economic minds this week as the World Chambers Federation (WCF) Africa Summit brings together delegates from more than 70 nations. 

Against the backdrop of Africa's evolving trade, this April 9-10, 2025 gathering, which is a collaboration between the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), World Chambers Federation (WCF), and Absa Bank Kenya, is poised to serve as both a strategic think tank and launchpad for the continent's next phase of economic transformation.

Held under the auspices of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the summit's ambitious theme, "Africa's Global Future: Integrated, Innovative, and Sustainable." 

The opening day's agenda will tackle pressing issues shaping modern commerce, from artificial intelligence's disruptive potential in cross-border trade to green investment frameworks that align profit with planetary health. 

Further, the trade talks place special emphasis on breaking down barriers for women entrepreneurs and youth-led enterprises, recognizing them as untapped drivers of inclusive growth.

During the summit's opening ceremony President Ruto cited the importance of Chambers of Commerce in pushing for trade integration especially in Africa.

“Chambers of Commerce are indispensable because they bring a proactive and a 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," observed Dr. Ruto.

He added, "Their advocacy and support empower local entrepreneurs to think globally and act boldly. In Kenya, we fully embraced this transformation and in 2022, 41 percent of our exports were destined for African countries. Our manufacturers and tech start-ups are expanding across the region demonstrating our strong conviction that Kenya’s and Africa’s fortune lies in intra-trade."

On her part Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Elizabeth Wasunna lauded the efforts of the KNCCI 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." 

"Our commitment to empowering Africa’s tomorrow together remains steadfast, and this summit presents an opportunity for Absa to demonstrate our dedication to advancing Africa’s economy,” explained Wasunna.

“We know that Africa faces a big challenge of a financial gap of US$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, provide business intelligence information so that MSMEs can be able to trade across Africa and globally, and distribution solution mechanisms which KNCCI is best known to solve trade disputes,” said KNCCI President Erick Rutto.

The two-day 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.

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