By 
NCBA Backs Kenyan Exporters as Global Market Opportunities Expand
SME Exporters Forum brings together government, exporters and industry partners to strengthen financing, market access and trade opportunities.
NCBA has stepped up its support for Kenyan exporters by bringing together government representatives, exporters, development partners and industry stakeholders to explore ways of strengthening the country’s export ecosystem.
The discussions took place during the NCBA SME Exporters Forum in Nairobi, where participants examined practical ways to help small and medium-sized enterprises access international markets, secure financing and build stronger trade partnerships.
The forum comes as Kenya seeks to increase the competitiveness of its exports and expand the number of businesses participating in regional and global trade.
Helping SMEs navigate global trade
During the forum, NCBA showcased its integrated Trade Finance and Global Markets solutions, designed to support businesses throughout their export journey.
The solutions provide access to trade financing, working capital and transaction support. Exporters can also access foreign exchange, hedging and market intelligence solutions to help them manage currency exposure and make informed business decisions.
For SMEs, these services can help address some of the financial and operational challenges that come with selling products and services beyond Kenya.
NCBA Group Director, Retail Banking, Dennis Njau, said more Kenyan businesses need the capacity to take locally produced goods to international markets.
“Kenya does not lack products the world wants. Our task now is to ensure more Kenyan businesses have what they need to take those products to the world,” he said.
Njau added that access to markets must go hand in hand with financing, trade expertise and reliable partnerships.
NCBA Backs Kenyan Exporters as Global Market Opportunities Expand
New opportunities for Kenyan exporters
The forum comes at a significant time for Kenya’s trade agenda.
Kenya’s merchandise exports grew by more than 10 per cent in 2024 to exceed KSh1.1 trillion. However, the KNBS Economic Survey 2026 indicates that the country’s merchandise trade deficit widened to approximately KSh1.65 trillion in 2025.
The figures highlight the need to strengthen export competitiveness and increase value addition. They also point to the importance of helping more Kenyan businesses access international markets.
At the same time, Kenyan exporters are gaining access to new opportunities through regional and international trade arrangements.
These include opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), existing trade agreements with the European Union and the United States, as well as China’s decision to grant approximately 98.2 per cent zero-duty market access for eligible Kenyan products under the Early Harvest Agreement.
Partnerships key to unlocking export potential
The forum also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector.
Njau said businesses need more than market access to succeed internationally.
“At NCBA, we believe every export journey begins with belief. But belief alone is not enough. It must be matched with capability through access to finance, working capital, foreign exchange solutions and strong partnerships,” he said.
The bank said this approach reflects its purpose, “Banking on Belief. Empowering Ambitions.”
The forum further drew on NCBA’s Ubuntu philosophy, “I am because we are,” highlighting the role of partnerships in creating a stronger export ecosystem.
NCBA to expand market linkages
NCBA will later this year host its annual China Market Linkage Programme as part of its continued support for Kenyan exporters.
The programme will connect Kenyan businesses with buyers, suppliers and strategic partners in China, one of the world’s largest trading economies.
Such market-linkage initiatives can give SMEs opportunities to explore new customers, understand international markets and build relationships that support long-term growth.
As Kenya seeks to grow its exports and narrow its trade deficit, stronger links between businesses, financiers, government and international markets will remain critical.
For Kenyan SMEs, the growing focus on export financing and market access could provide a pathway to move beyond domestic markets and compete more confidently across Africa and the wider global economy.
Comments