By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Kenya’s digital
transformation must translate into economic opportunities for citizens and
businesses, including helping young innovators secure their first customers,
small businesses access affordable finance and Kenyan enterprises reach markets
across Africa, Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo Gitau has said.
Delivering the keynote
address at the Africa Commerce and Industry Summit 2026 at Uhuru Gardens in
Nairobi, under the theme “Driving Africa’s Next Era of Trade,” Kabogo said
investments in digital infrastructure, digital skills, innovation and secure
digital systems were strengthening Kenya’s position as a destination where
African technology and fintech businesses could be built, financed and grown.
He cited homegrown solutions
such as Ambata Ma3 as examples of how technology could address everyday needs
by connecting commuters to transport and helping mama mboga, kiosk owners and
neighbourhood businesses reach customers and receive payments digitally.
Kabogo said Kenya must
continue advancing regional integration through the African Continental Free
Trade Area (AfCFTA) by making cross-border trade easier and more affordable for
businesses.
He also encouraged investors
to support Kenyan innovation and urged established businesses to open their
supply chains to enterprises led by young people.
Kabogo commended the Kenya
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry for convening the summit and
congratulated the organisation on 60 years of service to Kenyan enterprise.
He said collaboration among
government, investors and businesses could help build a connected, competitive
and inclusive African digital economy.
