From April 8 to 14, the LCCI business delegation visited Kenya. The delegation included Latvia’s non-resident ambassador to Kenya H.E. Andris Razāns, LCCI Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs Natālija Juškova, LCCI representatives in Kenya, Namibia, and Benin, as well as six Latvian entrepreneurs from various sectors.

Participation in the WCF Africa Summit

The delegation took part in the WCF Africa Summit in Nairobi, organized by the World Chambers Federation, which brought together leaders from business, government, and international organizations. WCF President Rifat Hisarcklioglu criticized protectionist tariffs, particularly U.S. policies, and highlighted the role of business in advocating for free trade: “If governments build walls, business will build bridges.” He praised Africa’s potential and called for closer cooperation between countries and businesses. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja noted that by 2050, one-quarter of the world’s population will live in Africa, yet currently, only 3% of global economic output comes from the continent. He emphasized the role of municipalities in innovation and Kenya’s climate commitment—93% of its energy comes from renewable sources. Like Latvia, Africa’s economy is made up primarily of small and medium-sized enterprises (80%), which drive economic development.

Kenyan President William Ruto stated that despite global uncertainty, Africa holds the future. The continent is rich in human resources, critical minerals, renewable energy, and agricultural land. Efforts continue in regional infrastructure, human capital investment, and digital services development.

Aleksejs Korņejevs, CEO of “X-Infotech” in Kenya, shared his insights: “The summit served as a dynamic forum highlighting Africa’s growing role in the global economy and the importance of inclusive trade, digital transformation, and SME empowerment. High-level panels emphasized the continent’s potential to become a hub for innovation, green energy, and sustainable growth. Our participation confirmed the importance of intercontinental collaboration and opened new partnership opportunities in key African markets.”

Meetings with Chambers of Commerce

On April 10, the Latvian delegation met with the leadership of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI). The meeting included Ambassador Andris Razāns, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Ruto, and UNCCI Legal Adviser and Acting Executive Director Pheona Wall. The focus was on potential cooperation in strategic sectors such as sustainable agriculture and information and communication technologies (ICT), where Latvian companies in the delegation are actively seeking partners. They also discussed deeper collaboration between the chambers, including joint training and information sharing on webinars for businesses from both countries.

ICT and Digital Solutions – A Field of Potential Cooperation Between Latvia and Kenya

On April 11, the delegation attended the East Africa Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit. Ģirts Bitenieks, board member of “Goldingen.Tech” delivered a presentation on the dynamic development of data centers and their strategic importance in the modern digital economy, addressing infrastructure trends and sustainable energy generation and storage. The delegation also met with Kenya’s Secretary of State for ICT and Digital Economy to discuss cooperation in the IT sector. Companies “Goldingen.Tech” and “X-Infotech” explored the role of digital innovation and Kenya’s potential to become a regional tech hub supporting Africa-wide digitalization.

First Latvia–Kenya Business Forum

The first-ever Latvia–Kenya Business Forum was held on April 11 in Nairobi, becoming a key platform for strengthening bilateral economic relations. Ambassador Razāns highlighted Kenya as one of the fastest-growing economies in East Africa and a reliable partner for Latvia. He encouraged entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity to build new contacts and foster practical cooperation. Latvia, he noted, offers innovative technological solutions and knowledge transfer, complementing Kenya’s growing economy. Several Latvian companies are already operating successfully in Nairobi, serving as a motivation for potential investors.

Networking and Business Contacts

On April 12, LCCI, in cooperation with ASSEK—a leading entrepreneurship and innovation platform in Kenya—organized a dynamic networking event in Nairobi. Entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders gathered to establish B2B contacts, share experiences, and explore cross-sectoral cooperation. Discussions also addressed the challenges and opportunities in Kenya’s business environment, emphasizing innovation and international cooperation for sustainable growth.

One of the most sought-after participants was SIA “Hortimed,” which provides organic agriculture solutions. The company’s work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 2: End hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.

SIA “Hortimed” representative Ričards Zaumanis shared: “This visit gave us a deeper understanding of how the African market operates, its priorities, and the local work culture. Networking and B2B sessions opened many valuable opportunities to meet representatives from both small and large businesses, offering insights into Kenya’s agriculture sector. It’s clear now that Kenya—and Africa more broadly—is seriously committed to sustainable, organic, and eco-friendly solutions, and is very interested in our products.”

SIA “Humanity Water” was also highly active, not only participating in the Latvia–Kenya Business Forum but also meeting with the Secretary of State for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, and attending multiple networking events. Co-founder Edgars Poga noted: “This trip to Kenya was extremely valuable—I met over four potential partners and clearly see vast growth potential in Kenya and Africa as a whole. Kenya is a wonderful land full of opportunities for our business. Our mission is to ensure safe and sustainable access to water for local businesses and communities. This region is ready for innovations and partnerships to help tackle the growing water scarcity crisis.”

The LCCI delegation’s visit to Kenya was intense and productive. Delegates participated in several business-focused events and visited numerous Kenyan companies. Latvian entrepreneurs gained valuable insights into the local market, built meaningful connections, and explored collaboration opportunities.

While this visit laid a strong foundation, it was only the first step toward sustained, goal-oriented, and mutual engagement.

As the President of Kenya emphasized: “Africa’s future is bright. Kenya is open for cooperation.”

Special thanks to the Embassy of Latvia in Egypt, SIA “Orkla Latvija,” the LCCI representative in Kenya, and all cooperation partners in Kenya. Thanks also to each delegation member for their active involvement and contribution to the success of this visit.