(Nairobi) – The 2nd Kenya Industrialization Conference, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), has officially commenced, marking a significant event during the African Industrialization Week. The conference brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss Kenya’s industrial future and its broader role in Africa’s economic transformation. The event, organized by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, aims to position Kenya as a competitive global manufacturing hub.
This year’s theme, “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa’s Structural Transformation,” underscores the conference’s focus on integrating modern technologies and sustainable practices into the manufacturing sector. With the goal of fostering discussions on how AI and green practices can accelerate industrial growth, the event features expert panels and workshops aimed at driving policy reforms and industrial innovation.
Prof. Erastus Gatebe, PhD, MBS, the Industrialization Secretary at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, highlighted the significance of this conference in examining the manufacturing sector’s current challenges. He emphasized that the sector is central to Kenya’s long-term economic transformation, with an ambitious target to increase its GDP contribution from 7.6% to 20% by 2030. “This is an opportunity to address the challenges and offer practical solutions to advance the manufacturing agenda,” he said.
The conference emphasizes the importance of policy advocacy, green innovation, and the integration of AI into manufacturing as key drivers of sustainable growth. Kenya’s plans to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to its GDP are supported by the adoption of these cutting-edge technologies, which are seen as essential for the country’s industrial future. Kenya’s industrialization journey seeks to align with global trends, with the goal of transforming the nation into a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
KAM Vice Chairperson, Hitesh Mediratta, expressed confidence in the potential of AI and sustainable practices to reshape Kenya’s manufacturing sector. He noted that these technologies are not just tools for innovation but crucial for achieving sustainable growth. KAM’s collaboration with government and academic institutions is focused on developing a skilled workforce capable of navigating the challenges of this AI-driven industrial era.
Dr. Hannah Ngugi, Acting Country Director at Trademark Africa, discussed the role of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in driving Africa’s economic growth. She emphasized the importance of partnerships, such as the one between Trademark Africa and KAM, in helping SMEs scale up and expand into new markets. These efforts are critical for boosting regional economic integration and increasing exports across Africa.
The conference also heard from Mr. Obinna Ejimofo, Senior Manager of Digital Business at Afreximbank, who spoke about the potential of cross-border trade in unlocking Africa’s economic growth. Through the Africa Trade Gateway, a digital ecosystem designed to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Afreximbank aims to streamline payments and trade financing, providing real-time data that supports AI-driven solutions for African markets.
Ms. Tally Einav, the UNIDO Country Representative, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving the goals of green industrialization. She emphasized the role of digital technologies in addressing climate change and reducing global emissions. UNIDO, in partnership with the Kenyan government, is driving energy efficiency initiatives and providing access to finance and training for SMEs, helping them adopt sustainable practices.
Alongside the industrialization conference, the 7th edition of the Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival also launched on November 5, 2024. The festival, which celebrates locally manufactured products, reinforces the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative and supports the growth of home-grown industries. This initiative encourages Kenyan consumers to purchase locally-produced goods, thereby fostering national pride and strengthening the local economy through domestic purchasing power.