Strengthening Kenya-Somalia Bilateral Trade: Insights from the Somalia-Kenya Trade Week

Honored to have participated as a panelist at the ongoing Somalia-Kenya Trade Week at BBS Mall, Eastleigh! The discussions focused on enhancing trade and investment between our two nations, unlocking opportunities for businesses on both sides. With Kenya’s exports to Somalia valued at USD 155 million in 2023—including dairy, cereals, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials—and imports from Somalia at USD 348,000, there is immense potential to deepen economic ties.
At Afrigrowth Partners, we are committed to:
✅ Investment Matching: Connecting investors and businesses across borders.
✅ Market Access & De-Risking: Handling licensing, regulatory approvals, and due diligence.
✅ Trade Facilitation: Supporting SMEs to scale through cross-border partnerships.
✅ Capacity Building: Equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed in new markets.
It’s time for Kenya’s business community to tap into Somalia’s agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, and digital economy, while Somali investors explore Kenya’s manufacturing, finance, and technology sectors. Let’s build a future where investment fuels sustainable growth across the region.
Unlocking Kenya-Somalia Trade Potential: A Call for Investment & Collaboration
This week, I had the privilege of participating as a panelist at the Somalia-Kenya Trade Week, a significant forum aimed at deepening economic ties between our two nations. The event brought together key leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss how we can enhance trade and investment opportunities across the region.
Kenya’s exports to Somalia in 2023 stood at USD 155 million, covering key sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and construction. Meanwhile, Somalia exported USD 348,000 worth of goods to Kenya, mainly fish, livestock, and agricultural products. These figures highlight an untapped potential that can be harnessed through strategic partnerships.
How Afrigrowth Partners is Bridging the Investment Gap
At Afrigrowth Partners, we recognize that while the opportunities are vast, many investors face barriers in accessing new markets. Our role is to de-risk and facilitate trade by:
- Investment Matching: Connecting investors with high-potential opportunities in Somalia and Kenya.
- Regulatory & Market Support: Assisting businesses with compliance, licensing, and government approvals.
- Trade Facilitation: Enabling SMEs to navigate cross-border trade efficiently.
- Capacity Building: Providing insights, training, and business development support for entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways from the Somalia-Kenya Trade Week
1️⃣ Strengthening Bilateral Ties – Both governments must prioritize policies that promote seamless trade, infrastructure development, and financial inclusion.
2️⃣ Encouraging Private Sector Participation – Kenyan and Somali businesses should leverage platforms like Afrigrowth Partners to explore agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and technology investments.
3️⃣ Tackling Investment Barriers – Addressing regulatory, logistical, and security challenges will unlock more opportunities for sustainable growth.
The Path Forward
The future of Kenya-Somalia trade relations lies in fostering long-term investment partnerships. As Afrigrowth Partners, we invite investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to collaborate with us in fueling economic growth across Africa.
Let’s build bridges, drive investment, and unlock prosperity together!