Kenya, Tunisia ink pact to boost women-led small businesses

Women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Kenya and Tunisia have come together for the inaugural three-day expo in Nairobi.

The Tunisian Food and Handcrafts Expo, which runs from June 16 to 18, is the first of its kind in Kenya and seeks to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Tunisia's Ambassador to Kenya, Anouar Ben Youssef, stated the significance of the expo in promoting not only Tunisia's rich cultural heritage but also economic cooperation.

"Today, we celebrate not just the richness of Tunisian culture but the boundless potential of Tunisia-Kenya economic synergy. This Expo is meant to promote Tunisian products, facilitate business partnerships with Kenyan actors, encourage investment, and establish connections with strategic partners," said Youssef.

He noted that bilateral trade between the two countries had risen to $28.5 million (Sh3.54 billion) in 2024, up from $18 million (Sh2.34 billion) in 2023, with Tunisia becoming the leading exporter of olive oil to Kenya, supplying 388 tonnes valued at $2 million (Sh260 million).

This represents 79 per cent of olive oil demand in Kenya.

Mr Youssef also stated the critical role of women in shaping the economic future of the continent.

"In Tunisia, women lead 25 per cent of startups and dominate sectors like agribusiness and handicrafts. Kenya, a pioneer in women's empowerment, sees 50 per cent of SMEs owned by women. We must think about initiatives like this expo to enhance relationships between businesswomen and create a 'Tunisia-Kenya Women Business Network' to connect women entrepreneurs for mentorship and market access," he said.

Amb Dennis Mburu, Deputy Director General of Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who represented the government, lauded the initiative and expressed optimism about deeper collaboration.

"This expo is more than a showcase of food and handicrafts. It is a platform that reflects our shared vision as African nations: a vision of innovation, entrepreneurship, and unity. Kenya continues to open its economy, and I invite Tunisian investors to explore our vibrant sectors, particularly in agro-processing, food production, and artisanal industries," he said.

He lauded the role of women in both economies, noting that 48 per cent of micro and small enterprises in Kenya are women-owned.

"We must work together to change the challenges women face in accessing financing, markets, and training. Empowering women is not just a moral obligation, it is an economic imperative," said Mburu.

President of the National Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CNFCE) and Vice Chair of the Comesa Federation of Women in Business Leila Belkhiria Jaber, described the Expo as a symbol of collaboration, vision, and empowerment.

"This Expo showcases the amazing work of the Market Fund beneficiaries; brilliant women and youth in agriculture and handicrafts who are rewriting the story of African entrepreneurship. When women come together across countries, when institutions and partners stand behind them, we do more than grow businesses; we shape the future," said Jaber.

Director of the ILO (International Labour Organisation Country Office in Dar es Salaam Caroline Khamati Mugalla, termed the expo a beacon of South-South cooperation and praised the participating entrepreneurs as changemakers.

"This is a powerful platform bringing together entrepreneurs, changemakers, and innovators from across the region, all united by one shared vision: to explore new opportunities and build development that is sustainable and rooted in local realities," she said.

Vicky Karuga, President of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Kenya, called for bold, borderless ambition.

"This collaboration is not symbolic; it is strategic. It says: we are ready to trade, learn, mentor, invest, and grow together. We are building a future where African women own capital, influence policy, and dominate value chains from North to East, and across the continent," said Karuga