Kenya is opening Africa's Investment Gateway

Kenya's position as "Africa's gateway" to investors is underpinned by its strategic infrastructure, robust digital economy, and proactive participation in regional trade agreements like the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The country's role is further solidified by hosting major business events and assuming the COMESA chairmanship in 2025. 

Key factors positioning Kenya as Africa's gateway

Hosting the COMESA chairmanship in 2025

Assuming leadership: President William Ruto will take over the COMESA chairmanship in October 2025, giving Kenya a leading role in advancing intra-African trade and shaping the bloc's policy direction.

Promoting digitalization: The COMESA Summit's theme, "Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Value Chains," aligns with Kenya's digital infrastructure advancements, such as the national digital superhighway.

Driving economic transformation: The summit focuses on initiatives to boost cross-border infrastructure, expand market access, and enhance regional value chains, all of which directly support Kenya's economic agenda. 

Strategic infrastructure and logistics

Port expansion: The development of the Lamu Port under the LAPSSET Corridor project is East Africa's largest infrastructure project, linking the region to Ethiopia and South Sudan and providing better access to international markets.

Efficient customs systems: Kenya's Integrated Customs Management System has significantly reduced clearance times for air freight, from an average of two days to a few hours, boosting trade efficiency. 

Robust digital and financial ecosystem

"Digital gateway": Kenya is often described as Africa's digital gateway, with a strong fintech infrastructure powered by platforms like M-Pesa. This has made Nairobi a preferred headquarters for numerous multinational companies.

Financial hub status: The Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) was elected as a full member of the World Alliance of International Financial Centres (WAIFC) in September 2025. This move strengthens Kenya's global standing and its mission to attract investment into Africa.

Favorable financial policies: Recent reforms under the 2025/2026 Finance Act offer preferential tax treatments to NIFC-certified entities to encourage investment. 

Progressive trade and immigration policies

African Trade Gateway (ATG): Kenya is the designated entry point for the ATG Chapter Network in East Africa. The ATG provides digital tools and resources to help businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), engage in intra-African trade.

Visa-free entry: In July 2025, Kenya removed visa requirements for most African and Caribbean nationals. This strategic policy reform is designed to attract business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs by making market access more agile and cost-efficient.

Multiple trade blocs: Kenya is a member of multiple regional trade blocs, including COMESA and the East African Community (EAC), providing investors with access to a large market of over 600 million people through initiatives like the Tripartite Free Trade Area.