President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a strategic gateway to Africa, urging Belgian and Benelux investors to tap into the continent’s vast economic potential through partnerships with Kenya.
Speaking at the Kenya-Belgium Business Forum in Brussels, President Ruto said Africa is “the opportunity of the century, ” pointing out that it’s endowed with natural resources, a growing workforce, and could be the main driver of global economic growth.
The President pointed out that one of the advantages of investing in Kenya is that through it, investors are able to reach Africa’s population of 1. 4 billion people as well as the main international markets, which makes Kenya the best choice for trade, investment, and innovation.
At the forum, Ruto called for a new Africa-Europe partnership based on the principles of sovereign equality, mutual benefits, and shared prosperity. He also pointed out investment opportunities in several sectors like agribusiness logistics technology, clean energy, and the circular economy.
During the firum, President Ruto invited companies from Belgium and the other Benelux countries to cooperate with Kenya in the areas of value addition manufacturing innovation, and sustainable industrialisation as he believes that such partnerships would result in job creating and economic growth on both continents.
The head of state also launched the KenyaBenelux Chamber of Commerce. This chamber is set to be a long, lasting platform linking Kenya’s businesses with investors, innovators, and markets in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
“We showcased investment opportunities in agribusiness, logistics, technology, clean energy, and the circular economy, and invited Belgian and Benelux businesses to partner with Kenya in value addition, manufacturing, innovation, and sustainable industrialisation.” he said
According to Ruto, the chamber will be an instrument for enhancing commercial relations, promoting trade and investment, and expanding economic cooperation between Kenya and the Benelux countries.
The President again assured that Kenya will continue to be an active partner in the global community. He also emphasized that working together is the way to increase trade, create jobs, and achieve shared prosperity.
“Africa is the opportunity. Kenya is the gateway, ” said President Ruto, encouraging businesses to explore the new opportunities that the continent is presenting through Kenya partnerships.
