Advancing Digital Trade and Trade Finance in Kenya
Hotel Emara Ole Sereni, Nairobi, KenyaThis 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
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08:30 – 09:00 |
Registration and Breakfast |
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09:00 – 09:30 |
Welcome Remarks & Guest Speakers. Opening remarks and workshop objectives. Setting the context of Government Policy on Trade Digitalization
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09:30 – 09:40 |
Photo Taking |
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09:40 – 10:00 |
Economic Outlook Presentation: Zsoka Koczan, Associate Director, Lead Economist, Transition Impact & Global Economics, EBRD |
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10:00 – 11:00 |
The Digital Transformation of Trade: Global and regional perspectives, and the AfCFTA opportunity Global and regional trade outlook, digital trade opportunities, and Kenya's competitiveness agenda
Perspectives: Global Update on Digital Trade and Opportunities for Kenya
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11:00 – 11:20 |
Break |
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11:20 – 12:20 |
Digitalising Trade Finance: Trade Finance, Financial Services and Risk Mitigation Moderated by: Michael Vrontamitis, Founding Partner T3i Partner Network Panelists:
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12:20 – 12:40 |
Presentation by the Commonwealth on its Digital Trade Agenda
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12:40 – 14:00 |
Lunch |
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14:00 – 15:00 |
Digitalizing Trade Logistics and Supply Chains: Progress, Challenges, and What Comes Next Discussion on the challenges facing Kenya based supply chains and trade, and the role of digitalization in addressing these. Moderated by: Pamela Mar, Managing Director, ICC Digital Standards Initiative Panelists:
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15:00 – 16:00 |
Legal and Regulatory Foundations Opening Remarks and Session Chair: Catherine Bridge Zoller, Senior Counsel, Legal Transition Programme, EBRD
Panelists:
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16:00 – 16:15 |
Break |
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16:15 – 16:35 |
The ICC Kenya Digital Economy & Trade Commission Survey on Business Attitudes Towards Digital Transformation |
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16:35 – 17:30
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Closing: Shaping Digital Trade Domestically and Cross Border Closing discussion with audience participation to identify priority actions, encourage active private-sector engagement in the reform process, and help shape a coordinated programme of support by the EBRD and its partners for the advancement of digital trade and trade finance in Kenya.
Facilitated by Pamela Mar, Managing Director, ICC Digital Standards Initiative and Michael Vrontamitis, Founding Partner T3i Partner Network
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17:30-19:00 |
Networking Reception at Sky Lounge |