Kenya Eyes Bigger African Trade Role as Top Leaders Head to IATF 2025

Deputy President Kindiki, Speaker Wetang’ula Lead Delegation to Algiers

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Nairobi, Kenya – September 3, 2025. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula have departed Nairobi at the helm of a high-powered Kenyan delegation bound for Algiers, Algeria, to attend the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025).

The five-day event, opening on September 4 under the theme “Gateway to New Opportunities,” brings together governments, investors, and businesses from across the continent to deepen trade, investment, and industrial linkages under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Context in Brief

• Event profile: Convened by Afreximbank, in partnership with the African Union and AfCFTA Secretariat, the IATF has become Africa’s premier platform for intra-continental trade since its launch in 2018.

• Scale: IATF 2025 is expected to host 1,600+ exhibitors and tens of thousands of delegates from across Africa, creating a marketplace for deals, partnerships, and trade showcases.

Kenya’s Objectives at the Trade Fair

• Export growth: Speaker Wetang’ula highlighted Kenya’s ambition to tap into an integrated African market of 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.5 trillion.

• Diversification: The delegation aims to expand exports of manufactured goods, processed agricultural products, and services beyond traditional markets.

• Investment hub: Deputy President Kindiki emphasized positioning Kenya as a regional innovation and investment hub, attracting infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing projects.

Voices from the Delegation

“IATF provides a unique platform to tap into Africa’s economic potential,” said Wetang’ula before departure at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

“We want to showcase Kenya’s capabilities and seize opportunities that will grow our economy,” added Deputy President Kindiki, underscoring the government’s commitment to AfCFTA-driven integration.

Continental Trade and Economic Significance

• Reducing overreliance: Analysts note that increasing intra-African trade could lessen dependency on overseas markets, strengthening regional supply chains and domestic industries.

• Job creation: Stronger continental trade is projected to generate employment while supporting homegrown entrepreneurship.

• Industrialization: AfCFTA’s tariff-free trade regime is expected to accelerate manufacturing and value additionwithin Africa.

Kenya’s Planned Engagements

The delegation is expected to hold sideline meetings with:

• Trade ministers from partner countries

• Private investors seeking opportunities in logistics, agribusiness, and manufacturing

• Regional financial institutions financing cross-border projects

Timeline

• 2018: First IATF held in Cairo, Egypt.

• 2021: IATF 2021 hosted in Durban, South Africa.

• September 4–8, 2025: IATF 2025 runs in Algiers, Algeria.

What to Watch

• Partnership announcements: Kenya is expected to unveil new trade and investment deals before the summit ends.

• AfCFTA progress: Updates on how countries are implementing free trade protocols will be closely monitored.

• Next steps: Kenya may outline follow-up plans to attract African regional headquarters for select industries.

Related Coverage

• “AfCFTA at Five: How Africa’s Free Trade Pact Is Changing Markets”

• “Kenya’s Export Strategy 2025: From Tea to Tech”