NEW: NCBA, KEPROBA to drive SME export growth in Kenya

NCBA has reaffirmed its support for Kenyan businesses seeking to compete in regional and international markets by convening its SME Exporters Forum, bringing together government representatives, the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), development partners, exporters and industry stakeholders.

The forum focused on practical solutions to strengthen Kenya’s export ecosystem, improve competitiveness and help more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access growing opportunities abroad.

Participants were introduced to NCBA’s integrated Trade Finance and Global Markets solutions, which offer exporters access to trade financing, working capital and transaction support. The suite also includes foreign exchange, hedging and market intelligence tools designed to help businesses manage cross-border trade and currency risks.

The event comes at a critical moment for Kenya’s trade agenda. While merchandise exports grew by more than 10 per cent in 2024 to exceed KSh1.1 trillion, the KNBS Economic Survey 2026 shows the country’s merchandise trade deficit widened to approximately KSh1.65 trillion in 2025. The figures underline the urgency of boosting export competitiveness, value addition and international market access, particularly for SMEs looking to expand beyond Kenya.

At the same time, new opportunities are emerging. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Kenya’s trade agreements with the European Union and the United States, and China’s decision to grant approximately 98.2 per cent zero-duty market access for eligible Kenyan products under the Early Harvest Agreement are opening fresh pathways for exporters.

Dennis Njau, NCBA Group Director, Retail Banking, told the forum that Kenya’s next phase of economic growth will increasingly depend on businesses able to compete beyond the country’s borders.
“Kenya does not lack products the world wants. Our task now is to ensure more Kenyan businesses have what they need to take those products to the world. Access to markets creates opportunity, but businesses also need financing, trade expertise and trusted partnerships to convert that opportunity into sustainable growth. That is where NCBA comes in,” Njau said.

He added that market access alone is not enough. “At NCBA, we believe every export journey begins with belief. But belief alone is not enough. It must be matched with capability through access to finance, working capital, foreign exchange solutions and strong partnerships. Through our purpose of Banking on Belief. Empowering Ambitions., we are committed to helping Kenyan businesses compete confidently on the global stage.”

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 KEPROBA Economic Intelligence Officer Kevin Oluoch stressed the need for collaboration. “Kenya’s export ambitions will only be realised through strong partnerships between government, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector. Together, we can equip SMEs with the market access, financing and support they need to compete globally and unlock greater value for the country’s economy,” he said.

The forum underscored the value of a collaborative export ecosystem that combines financing, market intelligence, technical knowledge and market linkages. Drawing on its Ubuntu philosophy of “I am because we are,” NCBA emphasised that sustainable export growth depends on cooperation across the entire value chain.

As part of its ongoing support for exporters, NCBA will later this year host its annual China Market Linkage Programme. The initiative will connect Kenyan businesses with buyers, suppliers and strategic partners in one of the world’s largest trading economies, helping participants explore commercial relationships, understand market dynamics and build connections for expansion into China.