NAIROBI — Kenya’s government is calling on women entrepreneurs to seize new export opportunities emerging alongside the country’s expanding diplomatic ties.
At the recent AccelerateHER Trade Summit, Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), urged women business owners to capitalise on Kenya’s growing presence on the global stage.
“Trade is more than just business it is a pathway to equity, dignity, and economic growth,” Mang’eni said. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sourcing 40 percent of goods and services locally, signalling a strong push to empower homegrown businesses.
She also highlighted the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) scheme, a framework designed to give women entrepreneurs preferential access to public contracts.
The summit, hosted by the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), an initiative of the Dutch government, together with the Passion To Profit Initiative, aligns closely with Kenya’s broader goal to use trade as a tool for sustainable development and diplomatic strengthening.
Mang’eni stressed the importance of building partnerships between women-led businesses and trade support institutions, enhancing knowledge on market access, and creating fresh avenues for trade deals.
“Women entrepreneurs must leverage these evolving partnerships and the government’s support to break new ground in international markets,” she said.
Experts agree that Kenya’s expanding diplomatic ties offer a valuable platform for small and medium enterprises, especially those led by women, to grow exports and deepen regional and global business linkages.
Yet, challenges remain, including navigating complex export requirements and securing reliable market information. Trade facilitators at the summit called for ongoing training and resources to help women overcome these barriers.
As Kenya broadens its diplomatic footprint, the government and development partners are working to ensure women entrepreneurs are not left behind in the pursuit of international trade success.
