More than 5,000 delegates from 50 countries have gathered in Nairobi for the Africa Commerce and Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026, aimed at strengthening continental trade, attracting investment, and accelerating economic integration.
The three-day summit, convened by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), opened Wednesday at Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum under the theme “Driving Africa’s Next Era of Trade“.
Importantly, the summit brings together business leaders, policymakers, investors and chambers of commerce to unlock opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and position Africa as an integrated trade region and a destination for global investment.
The meeting coincides with KNCCI’s 60th anniversary and seeks to strengthen connections between enterprises, capital, and markets across the continent.
Opening the summit, KNCCI President Dr Erick Rutto said Africa did not lack opportunities but needed stronger practical connections between businesses, investors, and markets to translate its economic potential into tangible results.
“Trade expands when a business develops a competitive product and finds a customer. Investment becomes productive when capital meets a credible opportunity and a capable team. ACIS 2026 brings together the people who can strengthen those connections to turn macro-momentum into deal-level activity,” he elaborated.
Similarly, KNCCI Vice President and Chairman of the Economic Diplomacy Committee Mustafa Ramadhan underscored the role of private-sector institutions, particularly chambers of commerce, in driving continental trade.
On the other hand, Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI) President Kebour Ghenna noted that the summit would be valuable if it translated into practical collaboration among chambers across Africa.
He reported that PACCI was working towards bringing chambers of commerce from across the continent together to strengthen cooperation and promote trade.
Concurrently, South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) President Advocate Mtho Xulu announced a partnership of intent between Kenya and South Africa to establish a private-sector-led joint business council.
The initiative is derived from a 10-point plan agreed upon by the governments of Kenya and South Africa and is intended to provide leadership for an integrated private-sector council.
Speaking on behalf of the host government, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui called on African businesses to innovate, take risks and create employment to strengthen the continent’s competitiveness.
“The summit aims to position Africa as a trade and investment region, a frontier of global growth and prosperity. There is capital in the world, and Africa must fight to get its share. Business must do what it takes to innovate, take the risk, and employ,” he rallied.
Notably, the Ministry highlighted policy initiatives aimed at creating an attractive investment climate, including more than 50 policy initiatives, a doubling of foreign direct investment and the Nairobi Securities Exchange’s ranking as the second-best-performing bourse in Africa.
Equally, Principal Secretary (PS) for Trade Regina Ombam called for market diversification and alignment with quality standards to enable African businesses to access more markets.
On her part, Principal Secretary for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Susan Mang’eni emphasised the need to shift from raw material extraction towards enterprise development and value addition.
Also speaking at the event, the Dean of African Ambassadors, who is also Eritrea’s Ambassador to Kenya, urged African diplomatic missions to prioritise industrial development when negotiating trade agreements with developed economies.
“When our embassies negotiate in the developed world, let them negotiate for factory space, not just in conference rooms,” the ambassador directed.
The remarks highlighted the need for trade negotiations to secure tangible industrial benefits, including manufacturing opportunities that can strengthen African economies.
In addition, international partners also highlighted opportunities for expanding trade between Africa and global markets.
Therefore, European Union Ambassador to Kenya Andreas Peschke affirmed that the EU remained a key partner as Africa deepened regional integration, noting that multiple African goods could access the European market quota-free.
Specifically, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Vice-President Xiaoying Qin outlined two platforms supporting China-Africa economic cooperation: the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and the Pilot Zone for In-Depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation at the Gaoqiao Grand Market Demonstration Park.
Qin disclosed that the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo had recorded cumulative agreements worth 64.71 billion US dollars across four editions involving 53 countries. She also highlighted China’s efforts to open its market to African products.
The summit runs until Friday, with sessions focusing on trade, investment and partnerships, aimed at advancing Africa’s economic integration and strengthening its participation in global commerce.
By Wasidia Freshwin and Samuel Njoroge
