NAIROBI, Kenya— The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with DHL Group to build the export capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country, in a bid to make them more competitive in international markets.
The agreement will see DHL provide tailored training sessions to SME owners, focusing on export processes, compliance, and strategies for accessing global markets.
The collaboration also leverages both organizations’ networks and expertise to facilitate cross-border trade and address long-standing barriers such as limited market visibility, logistical constraints, and a lack of technical knowledge.
“Despite the potential, SMEs contribute less than 15% of the total exports, mainly due to challenges in compliance, visibility, and market access,” said Floice Mukabana, CEO of KEPROBA.
“This MOU will aid in addressing issues on access to last-mile delivery solutions, warehousing, and fulfillment centers abroad, which are critical for scaling cross-border trade. “
DHL Express Kenya Managing Director Paul Makolosi noted the broader impact of the initiative, saying the move will go a long way in empowering SMEs in Kenya.
“By empowering SMEs to participate in the global marketplace, not only are we supporting the economic growth of countries where we operate, but we are ensuring that societies prosper, and there is ultimately sustainable growth and worldwide prosperity.”
Donavan Brent, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, emphasized the broader economic significance, stating, “SMEs have been the driving force behind economic transformations.
They contribute more than 60% of employment and up to 40% of GDP in many African countries. Across the continent, there are an estimated 90 million SMEs, most of them informal.”
The partnership supports Kenya’s broader agenda to drive SME growth, entrepreneurship, and integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering structured capacity-building programs and trade enablement tools aimed at fostering sustainable growth.
