Advancing Digital Trade and Trade Finance in Kenya

08:30 (GMT+03:00)
18:00 (GMT+03:00)
ClassroomHotel Emara Ole Sereni, Nairobi, Kenya
English

This event is convened by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with support from the International Chamber of Commerce Digital Standards Initiative (ICC DSI), and ICC Kenya, in partnership with key public and private sector stakeholders.

The event will also mark an important milestone in EBRD's growing engagement in Kenya through its Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP). As EBRD expands its activities in the country, the workshop will provide a platform for dialogue between public and private sector stakeholders on how digitalisation can improve access to trade finance and strengthen Kenya's position as a regional trade hub.

The digital transformation of trade presents a significant opportunity for Kenya to strengthen its position as a leading trade and logistics hub in Africa. By accelerating the adoption of digital trade processes, electronic documentation, and innovative trade and supply chain finance solutions, Kenya can reduce trade costs, improve business competitiveness, and facilitate greater participation in regional and global value chains.

This one-day workshop will bring together senior government representatives, financial institutions, corporates, exporters, logistics providers, technology experts, and international organisations to explore the practical steps needed to advance trade digitalisation in Kenya.

Through a combination of high-level discussions and interactive roundtable sessions, participants will identify key barriers to digital trade adoption, discuss opportunities for public-private collaboration, and develop actionable recommendations to support Kenya's trade digitalisation journey.

Particular attention will be given to:

  • Trade digitalisation and paperless trade;
  • Digital trade and transport documentation;
  • Supply chain finance and trade finance innovation;
  • SME participation in cross-border trade;
  • Public-private collaboration to accelerate implementation;
  • Policy and regulatory enablers for digital trade.

The workshop will also provide a platform for businesses to directly share their experiences, challenges and priorities, helping to shape a clear industry-led call to action for Kenya's digital trade ecosystem.

Venue

  • Venue: Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel, Nairobi (TBC)
  • Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026
  • Format: In-person
  • Expected Attendance: 150–200 participants
  • Working Language: English

Registration

  • Registration will be held from 08:30 to 09:00.
  • Participants are encouraged to arrive early to complete registration and allow sufficient time for networking prior to the opening session.
  • Badges must be worn at all times during the event.

Photography and Media

  • Photography and videography will take place throughout the event.
  • By attending, participants consent to the use of images and recordings for event reporting, communications and promotional purposes by EBRD, ICC DSI and ICC Kenya.
  • Media enquiries should be directed to the event organisers.

Organisers

This event is convened by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), supported by the International Chamber of Commerce Digital Standards Initiative (ICC DSI), and ICC Kenya, in partnership with public and private sector stakeholders committed to advancing digital trade in Kenya.

Contacts

For registration or questions:
digitalstandardsinitiative@iccwbo.org

 

08:30 – 09:00 

Registration and Breakfast 

09:00 – 09:30 

Welcome Remarks 

09:30 – 09:40 

Photo Taking 

09:40 – 10:00 

Keynote

10:00 – 11:00 

The Trade-Finance Gap and the AfCFTA Opportunity: The Global Operating Environment, and Implications for Kenya 

11:00 – 11:20 

Break 

11:20 – 12:20 

Digitalising Trade Finance: Trade Finance, Financial Services and Risk Mitigation 

12:20 – 12:40 

Presentation by the Commonwealth on its Digital Trade Agenda

12:40 – 14:00 

Lunch 

14:00 – 15:00 

A Trade Finance Perspective - Trade Logistics & Supply Chains 

15:00 – 16:00 

Legal and Regulatory Foundations  

16:00 – 16:15 

Break 

16:15 – 16:35 

The ICC Kenya Digital Economy & Trade Commission Survey on Business Attitudes Towards Digital Transformation 
Presentation of key findings and recommendations.

16:35 – 17:30 

 

Closing: Shaping Digital Trade Domestically and Cross Border 

17:30-19:00 

Networking Reception