The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) on Wednesday hosted the highly anticipated WCF Africa Regional Summit 2025, bringing together over 70 countries for a two-day forum focused on advancing Africa’s economic integration. The event, held in Mombasa, was graced by His Excellency President William Ruto, who delivered the keynote address, emphasizing Kenya’s commitment to creating a more investor-friendly environment.
“We are streamlining business processes to foster a more efficient and investor-friendly environment where enterprises can thrive,” said President Ruto. “By listening to the concerns of our entrepreneurs, through the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we are enhancing the ease of doing business in the country.”
The summit, a pivotal gathering of leaders, policymakers, and business executives from across the continent, aimed at addressing key challenges and opportunities in Africa’s economic landscape. During his address, President Ruto outlined Kenya’s strategic goals to enhance the continent’s economic growth, including increasing intra-African trade and reducing barriers to business.
Dr. Erick Rutto, President of KNCCI, outlined the four primary goals of the summit, stressing the importance of intra-African trade. “Our first goal is to boost intra-African trade from the current 16 percent to 68 percent, similar to what we see in Europe, North America, and Asia. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to reach 52 percent by 2030, and African Chambers of Commerce, such as the ones represented here today, will use this summit to chart the way forward for Africa,” said Dr. Rutto.
He further emphasized the critical need to dismantle non-tariff barriers that currently cost the African continent $14 billion annually. This, he noted, is essential for unlocking greater trade opportunities and fostering a more competitive and integrated regional market.
“Another major focus is accelerating digital transformation across the continent. At the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we are leading the digitization of 750,000 businesses across 12 countries in the Great Lakes Region, where I also serve as Chairman of the Private Sector,” Dr. Rutto added. “This digital push will significantly enhance business efficiency, making it easier for African businesses to engage in cross-border trade.”
The summit also focused on empowering women and supporting Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) to ensure that trade and economic activities are inclusive and beneficial to all sectors of society. Dr. Rutto emphasized that empowering these groups is crucial for sustainable economic development and ensuring that no one is left behind in Africa’s growth journey.
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) taking center stage at the summit, the discussions underscored the need for African nations to work collectively in dismantling barriers to trade and increasing the flow of goods and services within the continent. The forum highlighted the continent’s immense potential for economic growth, particularly when leveraging digital tools and promoting inclusive trade practices.
As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism about Africa’s future. The WCF Africa Regional Summit 2025 served as a critical platform for leaders to strategize and collaborate on enhancing trade relations, boosting digital transformation, and fostering a more inclusive economic environment. With strong leadership and collective action, the African business community is poised to drive the continent toward greater integration and prosperity.
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