Ethio-Kenya Business Conference: A New Horizon for Collaboration

Imagine a partnership that unlocks the potential of an entire continent. Ethiopia, standing as a strategic entry point into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emerges as a natural gateway for Kenya, facilitating access to the expanse of North Africa. This notion was passionately articulated today by Tobias Alando, the CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), at the Ethio-Kenya Business Conference convened in Addis Ababa.

In a bustling conference room filled with innovative minds, Alando remarked, “Our nations can work jointly not just to access each other’s markets, but to explore opportunities in countries around us. This collaboration stands to significantly benefit both Kenya and Ethiopia.”

Kenya and Ethiopia’s commercial and cultural exchange isn’t a mere business transaction; it’s a convergence of shared pride and ambitions. It’s as much about the people as it is about the numbers. Alando expressed pride in associating with Ethiopian entrepreneurs and was confident that Ethiopia felt similarly about Kenyan counterparts.

A Tapestry of Diplomatic Relations

As the conference progressed, Zekarias Assefa, the Acting Secretary General of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, took the stage, reflecting on the robust diplomatic ties that have connected Ethiopia and Kenya since the early 20th century. “This long-standing relationship,” he noted, “hasn’t only been maintained out of necessity but has flourished, nurturing bilateral trade and investment, especially in agriculture and tourism.” These sectors, critical to both economies, thrive on mutual interests and cooperative drives.

The collaborations have not merely been institutional or economic; they have also contributed to social upliftment, as institutions in both countries have continuously promoted development. This sustained effort leads us to wonder: How far can we take this partnership if we continue to encourage such cooperative strategies?

New Economic Frontiers

Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, George Orina, added layers to this discourse by highlighting Ethiopia’s evolving market landscape. The recent changes are not trivial. For instance, in July 2024, the National Bank of Ethiopia implemented reforms in its foreign exchange regime, now permitting banks and investors to engage more freely in foreign currency transactions. This reformary step might just be a game-changer.

Orina’s mention of the Ethiopian market’s transformation is a reminder of the fluid nature of progress—a narrative constantly in motion, marked by policy shifts and adaptive strategies. With such developments, opportunities abound. What remains is for stakeholders to seize them.

A Partnership Rooted in Principle

Yohannes Fanta, Director-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offered insights that transcended economic statistics. He reminded attendees of the foundational elements of Ethiopian-Kenyan relations—principles of mutual respect and understanding. “Both our countries are brimming with potential,” he stated. “The trade and investment prospects are immense. It’s upon us to leverage this shared potential and ensure we grow together.”

The Ethio-Kenya Business Conference, a collaborative effort by the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations in conjunction with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, wasn’t just a forum. It was a beacon of future possibilities, a testament to what can be achieved when nations work in harmony.

What remains for us, and possibly for other nations looking to Africa as the next frontier of growth, is to ask: In a world often divided by boundaries, how do we cultivate partnerships that transcend borders, driven by shared dreams and the promise of prosperity for all?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.