Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve
Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has unveiled an ambitious target to double bilateral trade volumes with Zimbabwe from US$35,3 million in 2024 to US$70 million by 2026 in a move set to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
The proposal was made by KNCCI President Dr Erick Rutto during his address at the recent Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Congress 2025, where he outlined a strategic framework to unlock untapped potential through policy reforms, partnerships, and productivity enhancements.
Dr Rutto spoke on unlocking business potential through policy, partnerships and productivity, calling for the urgent need for Africa to translate vision into action.
He mentioned the stark disparity in intra-African trade, which lags at 18 percent compared to Europe’s 67 percent and Asia’s 59 percent.
“Africa’s business potential will remain potential unless we translate vision into strategy and strategy into action.
“The figures should not only concern us, they must mobilise us. They signal both a missed opportunity and an urgent call to unlock potential,” he said.
The KNCCI president said trade between Kenya and Zimbabwe declined by 35 percent in 2024, with Zimbabwe’s exports to Kenya dropping from US$22,23 million in 2023 to US$14,48 million.
“A US$35 million bilateral trade volume between two of Africa’s top entrepreneurial nations is not success, it is underperformance,” he said.
Dr Rutto outlined a three-pronged approach to revitalise trade, which includes policy, partnerships and productivity.
Emphasising the need for actionable policies, Dr Rutto said KNCCI is engaging county chambers across Kenya to shape inclusive regulations, simplify complianc, and align industrial policies with SME realities.
“We are advocating for cross-border collaboration and KNCCI is promoting joint ventures in agro-processing, logistics and light manufacturing.
“Let’s not talk about MoUs, let us build bankable, executable joint ventures,” he said.
As part of measures to address Africa’s productivity gap, Dr Rutto said KNCCI is launching digital marketplaces for MSMEs, advocating for skills reform and supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
To achieve the US$70 million target, he proposed concrete initiatives, leveraging Zimbabwe’s raw materials and Kenya’s logistics hub to create value-added products.
“We need programmes to enhance competitiveness and market access for small businesses, sustainable supply chains to power e-commerce and reduce carbon footprints,” he said.
Dr Rutto said there is need for fast-tracking goods under AfCFTA rules of origin to streamline trade.
“We must insist on fast-tracked implementation of the AfCFTA protocols on goods, services and investment. Kenya is ready. Zimbabwe is ready. The chambers must now lead the way,” said the official.
Trade between Kenya and Zimbabwe has historically been modest but holds significant untapped potential.
Kenya primarily exports pharmaceuticals, paper, and machinery to Zimbabwe, while importing tobacco, minerals and agricultural products.
However, logistical bottlenecks, regulatory hurdles and limited financing have stifled growth.
The AfCFTA, ratified by 47 African nations, presents a US$3,4 trillion opportunity to boost intra-African trade by 52 percent by 2035. Yet, challenges such as non-tariff barriers, weak logistics and regulatory misalignment persist.
Dr Rutto said to unlock higher potential, both nations must reduce red tape and harmonise standards under AfCFTA, invest in transport and payment systems to lower trade costs, provide financing and training to empower small businesses, as well as leverage digital platforms to connect buyers and sellers across borders.
He cited KNCCI’s recent trade missions to Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana, which generated US$265 thousand in export orders and 100+ B2B linkages.
“Our people are not asking for more speeches. They are asking for access to capital, freedom to trade, technology to scale and fair markets. If we, as chamber leaders, do not unlock this potential, who will?” said Dr Rutto.
He reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to a new era of regional enterprise, smart partnerships and shared prosperity, inviting Zimbabwean businesses to collaborate through joint trade platforms, cross-border investments and innovation hubs.
KNCCI is Kenya’s premier business membership organisation, advocating for policy reforms, trade facilitation and SME development.
Under Dr Rutto’s leadership, KNCCI has spearheaded initiatives to enhance intra-African trade and private sector competitiveness.
