NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya and France have stepped up efforts to deepen bilateral trade and investment cooperation following a high-level engagement bringing together Kenyan public institutions and French companies in Nairobi.
The meeting, hosted by Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam, focused on strengthening economic partnerships and unlocking new investment opportunities across key sectors of the economy.
The engagement was convened in partnership with Business France and MEDEF International.
Stakeholders from both countries discussed opportunities in energy, transport, digital economy, agribusiness, logistics, and investment promotion as Kenya continues positioning itself as a regional commercial and industrial hub.
Speaking during the event, Ombam said Kenya was prioritising practical partnerships capable of delivering measurable economic benefits, including employment creation, technology transfer, skills development, and value addition.
“The importance of practical and results-oriented partnerships that translate into jobs, investments, skills development, and value addition for the Kenyan economy cannot be overstated,” she said.
The PS noted that Kenya’s strategic location and expanding regional trade access continued to make the country attractive to international investors seeking entry into East African and continental markets.
She added that the government remains focused on creating an enabling environment for sustainable investment and long-term economic growth.
The talks also highlighted growing economic cooperation between Kenya and France at a time when the two countries are expanding collaboration in infrastructure, renewable energy, digital transformation, and industrial development.
The meeting came as Nairobi hosts the Africa Forward Summit 2026, a major Kenya-France forum bringing together heads of state, investors, policymakers, and business leaders from across Africa and Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron is among the global leaders attending the summit alongside President William Ruto.
The summit has already produced several bilateral agreements covering transport, climate action, renewable energy, agriculture, technology, and education cooperation.
Kenya has increasingly sought to position itself as a gateway for foreign investment into Africa through reforms targeting manufacturing, logistics, financial services, and digital innovation.
Officials from both countries said the latest engagement reflected a shared commitment to building partnerships capable of driving trade, innovation, and sustainable economic prosperity.
