Kenya and Germany continue to deepen ties in trade and investment as the East Africa CEO and Investment Forum 2026 held a bilateral engagement in Nairobi, where Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam met with Hon. Manfred Pentz, State Minister for Federal, European and International Affairs and Bureaucracy Reduction of the State of Hesse, Germany.
The bilateral engagement focused on strengthening the two countries in trade, investment and skills development that will help in cooperation in emerging sectors.
The Principal Secretary expressed gratitude to the government of Germany, particularly through the Germany agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), for its continued support of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in Kenya.
She noted that the partnership will contribute to skills development and underscore the importance of strengthening cooperation, particularly green business, trade in services and digital skills.
The bilateral meeting took place against the backdrop of the inaugural East Africa CEO and Investment Forum 2026, a two-day forum that brought together business leaders, investors and government representatives to advance regional trade and investment.
The forum seeks to make trade easier, connect investors with viable projects that will strengthen government-business dialogue, address Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and make regional markets more accessible to businesses.
By linking regional markets with global investors, the forum strengthens East Africa’s role in the AfCFTA and positions the region as a gateway for continental trade and investment.
The forum is co-hosted by the East African Development Bank (EADB) and the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with the East African Community (EAC), GIZ, the European Union, the African Development Bank and the Rwanda Development Board.
