Kenya business leaders want to double their trade deals with Zimbabwe within two years. The ambitious plan aims to boost business between the countries from 35 million dollars to 70 million dollars. Dr Erick Rutto from Kenya National Chamber of Commerce pitched this idea at a major business meeting. He thinks both African nations can do much better than their current trading levels. The proposal comes after trade between the countries dropped badly during 2024.
Numbers tell a worrying story about how business has been going lately. Zimbabwe sent 22 million dollars worth of goods to Kenya during 2023. That amount crashed down to just 14 million dollars the following year. Trade fell by more than one third across twelve months. Dr Rutto called the current 35 million dollar trade volume a clear case of underperformance between two strong business nations.
The Kenyan chamber president outlined three main areas that need fixing fast. Policy changes must make trading easier for small companies across both countries. Business partnerships should focus on food processing and manufacturing deals that actually make money. Better productivity requires digital markets and worker training programs that help African trade grow stronger.
Africa only trades 18 percent within its boundaries compared to Europe at 67 percent. The African Continental Free Trade Area could change everything for the better. Kenya sells medicine and machinery to Zimbabwe but gets tobacco and minerals back. Both countries need better transport systems and less red tape to make trading work properly.
Numbers tell a worrying story about how business has been going lately. Zimbabwe sent 22 million dollars worth of goods to Kenya during 2023. That amount crashed down to just 14 million dollars the following year. Trade fell by more than one third across twelve months. Dr Rutto called the current 35 million dollar trade volume a clear case of underperformance between two strong business nations.
The Kenyan chamber president outlined three main areas that need fixing fast. Policy changes must make trading easier for small companies across both countries. Business partnerships should focus on food processing and manufacturing deals that actually make money. Better productivity requires digital markets and worker training programs that help African trade grow stronger.
Africa only trades 18 percent within its boundaries compared to Europe at 67 percent. The African Continental Free Trade Area could change everything for the better. Kenya sells medicine and machinery to Zimbabwe but gets tobacco and minerals back. Both countries need better transport systems and less red tape to make trading work properly.
