Nairobi to host Africa commerce summit in October amid calls to push for increase in intra-Africa trade

Nairobi to host the second ACIS 2026. [iStockphoto]

More than 5,000 delegates and 350 exhibitors from across Africa and the globe are expected to gather in Nairobi for the second Africa Commerce and Industry Summit (ACIS 2026).

The summit, which is being organised by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and promoted by 63 chambers of commerce across the continent, will be held from October 14 to 16.

“We have invited over 50 countries, and we expect to have over 300 exhibitors and over 5,000 professional delegates from across the globe who will participate in this trade, exhibition and investment conference,” said KNCCI President Dr Erick Rutto on Thursday.

“We are urging the private and public sector to join us so that we can have a conversation on the Africa Free Trade Continental Area (AfCFTA) to increase it from the current average of 15 to 18 per cent, considering we now have almost 37 countries from the initial eight that have come under the continental marketplace.”

Rutto said some of the discussions at the policy level will be on how to eliminate non-tariff barriers to allow seamless flow of goods without being stopped at border points.

He said Africa has the talent, markets and the entrepreneurial spirit to become one of the world's most dynamic economic regions, noting that what is needed are stronger connections between businesses, investors, governments and innovators.

Rutto further revealed that several trade deals are expected to be signed at the summit. So far, 100 deals in the private sector have been prepared for signing, as well as several memorandum of action on public-private partnerships in large infrastructure projects in roads, railways, seaports and modernising the agriculture sector.

The official further noted that top companies are expected to be recognised during business awards that will take place at the conference.

The United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Country Director Richard Amenyah called upon African leaders to open up trade routes to increase intra-African trade.

“The statistics tell us that by 2045, we can increase intra-Africa trade by about 45 per cent. This will help address the current needs of the 2.5 billion people we shall have by 2050 since the next frontier for business is Africa,” said Amenyah.

“We need to move from dialogues and start signing agreements that will make businesses thrive. Kenya is doing well in terms of policies and technologies; we just need to leverage that to open up businesses and remove any trade barriers.”

Director of Foreign Service Polycarp Otedo, who read a speech on behalf of the Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs Dr Korir Sing’oei, noted that the summit provides a timely platform for governments, private sector, investors, entrepreneurs and development partners to deliberate on practical solutions that will accelerate sustainable economic growth.

“It is also an opportunity to showcase Africa not only as a destination for investment but as a dynamic and competitive marketplace capable of driving economic growth," he said.

Kazakhstan Ambassador to Kenya Barlybay Sadykov said his country will be using the summit to scout for more investment deals in Africa. In May, Kazakhstan signed several trade deals with Kenya during President William Ruto's visit to the central Asian country.

“Our GDP is now more than $300 billion (Sh39 trillion), we trade with more than 120 countries, and we are very much interested in cooperating with Kenya and other African countries. It's our strategy and policy to be present on the African continent because we know its great human and natural resources, science and technology potential, and that is why we recently opened our embassy in Kenya,” he said.