China Market Access: New Opportunities for East African Businesses

The 2026 programme will give businesses exposure to suppliers, technology, trade networks and export opportunities in one of the world’s largest markets.

More than 100 businesses from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda are preparing to explore new trade and investment opportunities in China through an NCBA-led market exposure programme.

The bank has brought together its Small, Medium and Large Enterprise customers for a regional pre-departure forum ahead of the 12-day China Market Linkage & Business Exposure Programme.

The programme will run from October 13 to 24, 2026, in Beijing and Guangzhou.

It marks the first time NCBA has brought customers from its East African markets together for a single China business exposure programme.

From Sourcing to Market Access

The programme comes as businesses across East Africa seek new suppliers, technologies and international markets.

Participants will explore opportunities across manufacturing, agribusiness, electronics, construction, automotive, consumer goods, renewable energy and technology.

They will also engage manufacturers, exporters and international suppliers while visiting industrial parks, production facilities and wholesale markets.

The delegation will further attend the Canton Fair in Guangzhou. The global trade exhibition will give participants an opportunity to identify suppliers, products and potential business partners.

NCBA previously took 108 customers to China in 2024. During that trip, participants visited more than 80 factories and wholesale markets and attended the Canton Fair. Eight customers extended their stay to pursue business deals.

Businesses Look Beyond Imports

The China opportunity is increasingly extending beyond importing goods into Kenya.

Kenya is working to expand its exports to China through improved market access. In March 2026, the State Department for Trade said China had granted approximately 98.2 per cent zero-duty access to Kenyan products under the Early Harvest Agreement.

The arrangement could create opportunities for Kenyan businesses seeking Chinese buyers for products such as agricultural and processed goods.

The first shipment under the zero-tariff arrangement included fresh avocados, avocado oil, hides and skins, coffee and green beans.

For businesses, this creates a wider conversation around China. The market can serve as a source of products and technology while also offering opportunities for Kenyan exports.

Connecting Businesses to More Than Finance

Dennis Njau, Group Director, Retail Banking at NCBA, said businesses need more than capital to compete globally.

“Businesses need more than financing to compete in an increasingly interconnected world. They need access to knowledge, technology, markets, networks and the right partnerships,” Njau said.

He said the programme would give customers practical exposure to China’s trading ecosystem while creating opportunities for long-term business relationships.

The bank will support participants beyond the China visit through trade finance, working capital, asset finance, commercial lending, foreign exchange, treasury and transaction banking solutions.

NCBA has also been expanding its regional business banking capabilities. Its ConnectPlus platform has been scaled across the region to provide a more standardized business banking experience.

Building East African Trade Networks

Bringing entrepreneurs from four East African markets together also creates opportunities beyond China.

Participants will interact with businesses from neighbouring markets, share experiences and explore potential regional partnerships.

That could support stronger regional value chains as businesses look to source, manufacture and distribute products across East Africa.

The approach also aligns with Kenya’s broader push to increase exports and strengthen its position in regional and global value chains. The State Department for Trade has identified export growth and deeper market access as key priorities for the country.

Turning Exposure Into Business Growth

The China programme highlights a broader shift in how financial institutions can support businesses.

For entrepreneurs, access to capital remains important. But international market knowledge, supplier relationships, technology and trade networks can be equally critical when expanding beyond domestic markets.

NCBA says it will continue helping customers translate opportunities identified during the programme into sustainable business outcomes.

The 2026 China Market Linkage & Business Exposure Programme therefore positions international exposure as part of a wider business growth journey connecting East African entrepreneurs to markets, knowledge and relationships that can support their next phase of expansion.