By Dennis Muritu
Absa Bank Kenya has officially flagged off a delegation of its Business Club members for a business exchange trip to Estonia and Finland, set to take place from February 15 to February 25, 2025.
The trip will provide Kenyan entrepreneurs and industry leaders from the ICT, manufacturing, Industry 4.0, healthcare, and fintech sectors with valuable insights and key business connections in the European markets.
Speaking at the send-off event, Dr. James Mwaura, Chairman of the Nairobi Chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), emphasized the significance of the initiative in fostering innovation and global market expansion for Kenyan businesses.
“Absa Bank has provided its customers, particularly those in the technology sector, with an invaluable platform to engage with Estonia, a recognized global hub for technology and innovation,” said Dr. Mwaura.
The business exchange program is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, technology adoption, and investment opportunities between Kenyan and European businesses. According to Dr. Mwaura, the trip presents opportunities for Kenyan enterprises to establish partnerships, explore new markets, and leverage Estonia’s e-residency program, which offers access to 28 European countries.
Beyond technology, the delegation will also promote Kenyan exports such as coffee and tea, with Estonia serving as a strategic entry point into the European market.
“This initiative is about more than just networking; it’s about closing real business deals. We have businesses interested in timber, IT, and agro-exports, and we are committed to ensuring these opportunities translate into tangible investments,” added Dr. Mwaura.
The exchange program builds on similar initiatives led by KNCCI, including trade missions to Romania and Hungary, which successfully opened markets for Kenyan tea, pineapples, and avocados in Eastern Europe.
Absa Bank’s business exchange trip aligns with its broader commitment to supporting local businesses in scaling up and accessing international markets, ultimately driving economic growth and job creation in Kenya.
