The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Danish Chamber of Commerce (DCC) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening trade, investment and business partnerships between Kenya, East Africa and Denmark.
The agreement, signed at KEPSA Headquarters in Nairobi, seeks to enhance Danish companies’ access to Kenyan and East African markets through policy dialogue, business networking, trade facilitation and market intelligence.
The partnership will also focus on business delegations, benchmarking initiatives, sustainable value chains, local partnerships and job creation.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, KEPSA Chief Executive Officer, Carole Kariuki, said the agreement underscores Kenya’s growing position as a preferred investment destination and gateway to the East African region.
“KEPSA’s partnership with the Danish Chamber of Commerce (DCC) is a strong affirmation of Kenya’s position as a gateway to East Africa and a trusted destination for investment and enterprise,” said Kariuki.
She noted that by linking Danish businesses with Kenya’s private sector ecosystem, the partnership would strengthen opportunities for trade, sustainable investments, innovation, market expansion and employment creation across the region.
KEPSA represents over two million businesses in Kenya through a network of more than 80 industry and business associations, making it one of the country’s largest private sector organization.
Danish Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Jakob Ellemann-Jensen described Kenya as one of Africa’s most attractive growth markets, particularly in green energy, digitalization, life sciences and logistics.
“Kenya is one of the most interesting growth markets in Africa right now. Through the cooperation with KEPSA, Danish companies will gain a stronger local platform and access to an established business ecosystem in East Africa,” he said.
Ellemann-Jensen added that the partnership would help create stronger links between Danish enterprises and East African markets while promoting long-term investments and sustainable economic growth.
“We see great potential in building stronger bridges between Danish companies and East African markets. It is not only about trade, but also about long-term partnerships, investments and shared growth,” he said.
The collaboration aligns with Denmark’s broader international development agenda, which seeks to integrate economic development, market expansion and job creation.
Through the Danish-Arab Partnership Programme (DAPP), the Danish Chamber of Commerce, together with PlanBørnefonden, has in recent years supported entrepreneurship, start-up ecosystems and youth employment initiatives in the Middle East and North Africa region.
According to DCC, lessons learned from these engagements will help guide future business and market development initiatives in selected African growth markets, including Kenya.
The agreement comes at a time when East Africa continues to register strong economic growth and increasing importance in global value chains, particularly in green energy, food production, logistics, digitalization and artificial intelligence.
The Region has also emerged as an attractive destination for international investors seeking new markets and diversified business opportunities.
Officials noted that the partnership is expected to improve market access for Danish companies, while supporting investments that contribute to economic growth, employment creation and resilient supply chains in East Africa.
KEPSA serves as the apex body of Kenya’s private sector, bringing together businesses, chambers of commerce and industry associations to influence policy and promote sustainable economic development. It is also the focal point for the East African Business Council in Kenya and hosts the International Chamber of Commerce Kenya.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce represents approximately 18,000 member companies across Denmark and works to strengthen the competitiveness of Danish businesses through policy advocacy, market development and international business engagement.
by Anita Kariuki
