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Mombasa KNCCI Chapter Leading Coastal Kenya’s Economic Revival
Fresh from its recognition at the World Chambers Federation (WCF) Summit for promoting gender-inclusive procurement, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa Chapter is solidifying its role as a powerhouse in regional trade, investment, and innovation.
Mombasa KNCCI Chapter Leading Coastal Kenya’s Economic Revival
Bridging Business and Policy
At the core of the KNCCI Mombasa Chapter’s mandate is advocacy acting as the voice of the business community when policies fall short or create bottlenecks for entrepreneurs and investors.
Chairperson Abud Jamal emphasized the Chamber’s responsibility to step in when needed.
“We’re the link between business and government. When policies such as finance bills or local legislation hinder trade, we engage both levels of government to push for more business-friendly approaches,” Jamal said.
Mombasa KNCCI Chapter Leading Coastal Kenya’s Economic Revival
But the Chamber’s work doesn’t stop there. KNCCI is actively building platforms for local businesses to network and grow.
From organizing trade delegations to linking Kenyan exporters with global markets, the Chapter is working tirelessly to position Mombasa as a hub of international commerce.
Jamal noted partnerships with delegations from Belgium, China, Tunisia, UAE and Poland, underlining Mombasa’s increasing global relevance.
Catalyzing MSMEs and Championing Local Investment
Recognizing that small businesses are the engine of Kenya’s economy, KNCCI Mombasa has scaled up its support for MSMEs and startups.
Under Jamal’s leadership, the chapter has backed initiatives such as the Westerwelle Startup Haus and is fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can access mentorship, capital, and markets.
Yet, Jamal was clear: Kenya must stop depending solely on foreign direct investment. “We need our own businesspeople to be angel investors. Let’s identify and nurture local talent, inject capital into promising ideas, and provide mentorship to our entrepreneurs,” he said.
The Chamber is also pushing for the creation of common user facilities—shared spaces equipped with tools and technologies that MSMEs can use to produce, package, and distribute their goods.
Jamal urged both county and national governments to invest in such infrastructure to unlock the potential of local manufacturing and value addition.
Unlocking Coastal Kenya’s Hidden Wealth
Beyond Mombasa’s well-known logistics advantages lies a world of untapped economic potential.
Jamal pointed to the blue economy as a major growth frontier.
“People often reduce it to fishing, but it includes aquaculture, mariculture, marine energy, and biotechnology,” he explained. “We’re not even scratching the surface yet.”
He revealed a recent engagement with Iran’s Hormozgan Chamber, where experts offered to share knowledge on high-value fish species and aquaculture techniques.
“They told us tilapia is among the least nutritious fish and they’re willing to help us access better breeds and techniques,” he said.
The circular economy is another area with enormous promise. Citing examples from Sweden and Denmark, Jamal spoke passionately about the potential to turn Mombasa’s waste into wealth.
“There’s a booming industry in recycling plastics and converting waste into energy. If we get the right technology and partners, we can turn our waste problem into an economic solution.”
Positioned for Prosperity
As an entry point to East and Central Africa, Mombasa boasts strategic advantages many investors overlook.
From the Dongo Kundu and Miritini Special Economic Zones to the city’s world-class seaport and airport, the region is primed for business.
“The coast is ready. We’re calling on our brothers from Nairobi, East Africa, and beyond to come invest. We’re not just a tourism destinationwe’re a business destination too,” Jamal said.
Looking to the future, he envisioned a Mombasa transformed by investment in infrastructure, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Mombasa KNCCI Chapter Leading Coastal Kenya’s Economic Revival
“In five to ten years, Mombasa can become an economic powerhouse. We have the location, the talent, and the ambition, it’s time we matched it with the right policies and partnerships.”
From championing inclusivity at global summits to shaping the local business landscape, KNCCI Mombasa is proving that the future of Kenya’s coast is bright, bold, and business-ready.
https://africabusinessnews.co.ke/africas-trade-future-takes-center-stage/
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