A new chapter in international trade and cooperation has opened with the official launch of the Australia East Africa Chamber of Commerce in Nairobi, an initiative designed to deepen business ties between Australia and the East African region.
Australian High Commissioner to Kenya Andrew Barnes said the chamber will help strengthen trade across borders connecting businesses and unlocking trade and investment opportunities.
“The chamber of commerce will accelerate cross-border trade by connecting businesses, unlocking trade and investment opportunities and advocating for the members themselves,” Barnes said.
The chamber will help grow recognition of the untapped potential between Australia and East Africa, providing a platform for companies, investors and institutions to share market information, identify opportunities and develop partnerships.
By establishing a formal body, the chamber seeks to promote bilateral trade in sectors such as agriculture, mining, education and technology. It will also support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by offering networking opportunities and mentorship.
Australian Trade and Investment Commission Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paul Grimes emphasized the establishment of the chamber reflects the growing commercial engagement between Australia and East Africa.
“The establishment of the chamber, most importantly, recognizes something that those of us who work in this region know… relationships create opportunities, open doors and help us navigate challenges when they inevitably arise,” Grimes said.
It will also provide access to a dynamic region with a youthful population, expanding infrastructure and rising consumers’ demand.
The chamber was established following discussions that considered setting up a Uganda-Australia Chamber of Commerce before its founders opted for a regional approach covering East Africa.
Intrepid Regional Manager Samuel Karani said the company joined the chamber as a founding member, citing its operations across 11 African countries as an example of business operating across national borders in the region.
Ultimately, our success and the success of this organization is not going to be built by the number of forums that we hold together. It is going to be built by the investments that are going to be unlocked, by the relationships and the partnerships that are going to be created,” Karani said.
The Australia East Africa Chamber of Commerce is expected to roll out programs in the coming months, including trade missions, investment forums and educational exchanges.
