2nd Kenya Industrialization Conference Kicks Off

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya. Today, the Kenya Industrialization Conference, commemorating the African Industrialization Week, officially commenced at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), uniting industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and stakeholders committed to advancing Kenya and Africa’s industrial future. The two-day event, organized by Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, alongside the week-long Chamgamka Festival, underscores Kenya’s ambition to become a competitive global manufacturing hub.

This year’s theme, “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa’s Structural Transformation,” reflects the strategic focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices into the manufacturing sector. The conference feature key sessions, including expert panel discussions and interactive workshops on AI’s role in manufacturing, green industrial practices, and policy reforms to drive industrial growth.

“The Ministry is proud to co-host the 7th edition of the Changamka Festival and 2^nd edition of Kenya Industrialization Conference. The conference presents a unique opportunity to examine the manufacturing sector, address present challenges, and offer practical solutions for advancing our manufacturing agenda,” said Prof. Erastus Gatebe, PhD, MBS, Industrialization Secretary, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry. “With manufacturing at the heart of Kenya’s long-term economic transformation, we are committed to strengthening this sector as a central pillar of national development, aiming to increase its GDP contribution from 7.6% to 20% by 2030.”

As Kenya aims to increase its manufacturing GDP contribution to 20% by 2030, this Kenya Industrialization Conference emphasizes policy advocacy, green innovation, and the adoption of AI as catalysts for sustainable industrial growth. It is poised to be a significant milestone, bringing together stakeholders to collaborate on strategies that will position Kenya and Africa as a leader in global manufacturing.

KAM Vice Chairperson, Hitesh Mediratta, emphasized the crucial role of AI and sustainable practices in transforming Kenya’s manufacturing landscape. “Our aim is to make Kenya a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. AI and green industrialization are not just tools; they are essential pathways for Kenya’s sustainable growth,” he noted, highlighting KAM’s collaboration with government and academia to develop a skilled workforce ready for this AI-driven transformation.

Dr. Hannah Ngugi, Ag. Country Director at Trademark Africa, spoke on the importance of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in driving Africa’s economic growth. She highlighted the ongoing partnership with KAM, stating, “Through our partnership with KAM, Trademark Africa is dedicated to helping SMEs scale up, expand their reach, and access new opportunities that drive sustainable growth and regional economic integration.” Trademark Africa’s continued support for SMEs focuses on increasing export volumes and diversifying product offerings, which are vital for Africa’s economic prosperity.

Mr. Obinna Ejimofo, Senior Manager Digital Business, Afreximbank noted “We believe that expanding the participation of companies and financial institutions in cross-border trade is key to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.” He added, “Through the Africa Trade Gateway, an AfCFTA-compliant digital ecosystem, we are providing innovative solutions for payments, trade financing, and real-time data on trade flows. This trusted, digitally supported environment not only enables seamless trade but also generates critical data to power AI-driven solutions tailored for Africa.”

Ms. Tally Einav, UNIDO Country Representative, emphasized the role of collaboration, noting ‘It is important to highlight the critical link between digitization, green industrialization and climate change with tech solutions, potentially reducing global emissions. Collaborating with the Kenyan government and global partners, we are driving energy efficiency and supporting SMEs through access to finance and training.” 

The week’s activities follow the kickoff of the 7th Edition of the Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival, which began yesterday, November 5, 2024. This annual shopping festival showcases locally manufactured products, reinforcing the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative and boosting support for home-grown industries. The festival offers Kenyan consumers a chance to explore a wide array of quality local products, fostering national pride and strengthening the economy through domestic purchasing power.