MSEA is supporting Kenyan Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) to position themselves for expanded regional trade through enterprise formalization, business development support, and market linkages, as the just-concluded Africa Commerce & Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026 opened new conversations on the future of African trade and industrialization.
Held at Uhuru Gardens National Monument & Museum in Nairobi, the three-day Summit brought together policymakers, investors, business leaders and entrepreneurs under the theme “Driving Africa’s Next Era of Trade, Investment and Industry.” Convened by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), the Summit was officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, who called for stronger cross-border partnerships, improved market access and regional value chains to position Africa as a competitive destination for investment. He also highlighted the importance of facilitating trade and business mobility across the continent.
Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, giving his remarks during the official opening of the Africa Commerce & Industry Summit 2026 at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi County.
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for MSMEs Development, Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni, CBS, who also addressed the forum, called for stronger collaboration between Government, Chambers of Commerce and the private sector to prepare enterprises for regional and international markets. She also congratulated KNCCI on its 60th anniversary, recognizing its contribution to enterprise development and private sector growth.
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for MSMEs Development, Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni, CBS, giving her remarks during the official opening of the Africa Commerce & Industry summit 2026 at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi County.
The PS further advanced this message during a panel discussion titled “Trade Roots Africa: Connecting Kenyan SMEs to Africa’s Markets,” held alongside the Kenya activation and stakeholder launch of Trade Roots Africa. The initiative seeks to connect Kenyan MSMEs to continental markets through export readiness, trade compliance, trade finance, logistics and customs, digital trade, mentorship and market acceleration. Hon. Mang’eni highlighted Africa’s estimated 1.6 billion consumers as a significant opportunity for locally produced and manufactured goods, urging African countries to strengthen trade with neighboring markets and capitalize on opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including its Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade. She also called for greater adoption of digital platforms, enterprise clustering and structured mentorship to help MSMEs overcome information barriers, improve competitiveness and meet the requirements of their target markets. Government interventions in market-readiness training and financing, including credit guarantee arrangements, the Uwezo Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, Hustler Fund and Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), were also highlighted as important enablers of enterprise growth
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for MSMEs Development, Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni, CBS, giving her remarks during the panel discussions.
At the Summit, MSEA brought these priorities closer to entrepreneurs through its exhibition stand, where the Registrar of Micro and Small Enterprises facilitated enterprise registration and formalization, while Business Development, Marketing and Trade Officers engaged MSEs on available support services and regional market opportunities. The team also facilitated registration for enterprises interested in participating in the upcoming 26th East African Community (EAC) MSMEs Trade Fair, scheduled for 30 October to 8 November 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda. The trade fair will offer Kenyan enterprises an opportunity to showcase their products, connect with buyers and establish business partnerships across the region. MSEA-registered enterprises also demonstrated the diversity and innovation of Kenya’s small-business sector through locally manufactured and value-added products. Exhibitors included Berry Whole Foods from Nyandarua County; Boka Eats from Kisii County, specializing in banana value addition; Seven Twenty Holdings, manufacturers of curtain rods and accessories; Smartcom Traders, which transforms animal fats into organic skincare products; Fix-T, producers of kombucha; Bagman Kenya, specializing in leather bags and accessories; and Shariez Handmade, known for its handcrafted yarn bags. Their participation showcased how MSEs are transforming local resources into market-ready products with potential for growth beyond Kenya’s borders.
MSEA officers receiving and attending to stakeholders at the exhibition stand and various MSEs exhibiting during the 3-day summit at Uhuru Gardens.
During a tour of the exhibition stands, Hon. Mang’eni interacted with exhibitors, commending their innovation and encouraging them to use the Summit to build business networks, engage potential buyers and explore new markets.
ACIS 2026 reinforced the importance of connecting enterprise-level support with wider regional trade ambitions. For Kenyan MSEs, access to larger African markets depends not only on trade agreements but also on the capacity to formalize, produce competitively, understand market requirements and establish reliable business connections. Through its enterprise development services and facilitation of participation in regional trade exhibitions, MSEA continues to support MSEs in taking these steps towards sustainable growth.
As Kenya pursues greater participation in intra-African trade, MSEA’s focus remains on turning market opportunities into practical pathways for enterprise growth, enabling more Kenyan MSEs to showcase their products, build commercial partnerships and compete in the expanding African marketplace.
Pictorial highlights during the Africa Commerce & Industry Summit 2026.
