Kenya has launched the Kenya International Investment Conference 2026, targeting more than USD 2 billion (KSh260 billion) in investment deals as it seeks to strengthen its position as a regional investment hub.
The conference, running until 27 March 2026 in Nairobi, is being held alongside the COMESA Investment Forum and the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative Forum. It has attracted global investors, policymakers and development partners exploring opportunities across Africa.
Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion Abubakar Hassan Abubakar said the forum is designed to deliver tangible outcomes rather than policy discussions.
“This will not be a talk shop. It is a platform for commitments, execution and measurable impact,” he said.
The government is targeting advanced-stage, bankable projects in agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, information and communications technology, and business process outsourcing.
Focus on bankable projects and job creation
Officials said all projects presented at the conference have been pre-approved and are ready for implementation, with expectations of creating more than 50,000 jobs nationwide.
The initiative comes as Kenya seeks to accelerate economic growth through increased foreign direct investment while addressing unemployment.
Invest Kenya Chief Executive Officer John Mwendwa said the forum builds on steady investment inflows, noting that Kenya recorded USD 1.7 billion in investments in 2023.
“Our role is to make Kenya easier to invest in by providing end-to-end support through a one-stop centre for investors,” Mwendwa said.
Participants at the conference were also taken through the Kenya Digital One-Stop Centre, a platform that integrates services such as business registration, tax compliance, licensing and work permits.
The platform is part of ongoing reforms aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers and improving efficiency in the investment process.
Trade agreements strengthen export outlook
The conference follows recent trade developments between Kenya and China that are expected to boost exports and investor confidence.
President William Ruto recently signed four agreements with China Vice President Han Zheng, allowing duty-free access for Kenyan products such as avocados and coffee to the Chinese market from 1 May.
The agreements build on Kenya first agricultural export shipment to China on 23 March, marking a key milestone in expanding bilateral trade.
Officials said the expanded market access is likely to enhance returns for investors in agriculture and agro-processing sectors.
The government used the conference to highlight reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
These include measures on value-added tax refunds, transfer pricing, land leases and incentives under Export Processing Zones and Special Economic Zones.
Authorities said the reforms are designed to address investor concerns and improve Kenya competitiveness within the region.
Growing support from partners
The conference has received backing from private sector players and development partners, including ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms, KCB Group and the European Union Delegation to Kenya.
High-level delegations are also in attendance, including Mozambique President as guest of honour, underscoring the event’s regional importance.
There has also been interest from emerging sectors such as digital finance, with global firms exploring opportunities in Kenya growing technology ecosystem.
Analysts say Kenya strategic location, infrastructure development and policy reforms continue to position it as a key gateway for investment into East and Central Africa.
