(Minnesota) – Kenyan business leaders, government officials, and diaspora organizations are preparing for the 2024 Diaspora Trade and Investment Summit, scheduled to take place on September 27 and 28 in Minneapolis, USA. The summit will offer an important platform for fostering business partnerships, sharing ideas on economic growth, and strengthening ties between Kenya and its diaspora community in the United States.
The two-day event, which will be held in collaboration with the Association of Kenyan Diaspora Organizations, Inc. (AKDOi), aims to engage the Kenyan diaspora in the US on issues relating to trade, governance, investment, and cultural exchange. The theme of this year’s summit is “Leveraging the Diaspora – The Frontier Gateway for Partnership and Growth,” emphasizing the strategic role that the diaspora community can play in the economic and social development of Kenya.
David Ochwangi, the president of AKDOi, stated that the summit presents an opportunity to showcase the progress Kenya has made and to explore ways to collaborate with government and business leaders to drive further growth. “This is an opportunity to partner with businesses and government officials to advance economic growth, trade, and investment,” Ochwangi said.
The summit will also serve as a forum for celebrating the achievements of Kenyans and Africans who have made significant contributions to their communities in the US. Business leaders and government officials will share ideas on how to drive trade and investment between Kenya and the US, addressing key topics such as governance, banking, healthcare, tourism, real estate, and infrastructure. These discussions are seen as vital for strengthening the relationship between the two countries and enhancing the role of the diaspora in Kenya’s economic development.
“The time is now ripe for meaningful and sustained business engagements between Kenya, diaspora entrepreneurs, and government leaders,” Ochwangi added. He emphasized that the diaspora, which contributes billions of dollars in remittances to Kenya annually, has been an essential driver of the country’s economy. However, he also noted that the community often feels marginalized due to its geographical location and limited support from the government.
Dr. Juliana Mwose, Secretary General of AKDOi, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of the diaspora in Kenya’s societal fabric. “Our legacy as a community is to leverage our knowledge and economic resources for the greater good of our country,” she said. She expressed the hope that the summit would provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to explore the potential for collaboration and address the challenges facing the diaspora community.
One of the key features of the summit will be the recognition of Kenyans who have made significant contributions to society. Among the honorees will be Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, a renowned legal scholar and author, who will be acknowledged for his lifetime achievements and contributions to Kenya. The summit will also feature a range of keynote speakers, including prominent politicians such as Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu.
During the summit, the Kenyan diaspora will discuss mutual interests, such as the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), women and youth empowerment, and diaspora representation in governance. These conversations aim to promote greater involvement of the diaspora in shaping Kenya’s future while highlighting the untapped potential for partnership and growth.
This year’s summit follows the success of previous gatherings, which have contributed to strengthening the connection between Kenya and its diaspora community in the US. As the event draws near, organizers and participants alike are hopeful that it will mark the beginning of a new era of collaboration and opportunity for both Kenya and its diaspora citizens.
The summit is expected to draw hundreds of business owners, government officials, and members of the Kenyan diaspora who are eager to engage in meaningful discussions on how to leverage their resources, knowledge, and networks to support Kenya’s development.