Nairobi, 15 October 2026–Barlybay Sadykov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Kenya and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), delivered remarks at the Africa Commerce and Industry Summit 2026 (ACIS 2026), held under the theme “Driving Africa’s Next Era of Trade.”
The summit featured remarks by Lee Kinyanjui, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry; William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy; Eric Ruto, President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI); and other participants.
In his remarks, Lee Kinyanjui underscored the important role of chambers of commerce and industry in expanding businesses’ access to markets in Africa and other regions, removing trade barriers, and unlocking the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
William Kabogo Gitau emphasized that the development of digital infrastructure and innovative technologies should create tangible business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, broaden access to finance, and help African companies enter regional markets.
Eric Ruto noted that ACIS 2026 is intended to help move from discussions to concrete commercial deals, expand intra-African trade, and attract investment.
In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted Kazakhstan’s achievements in economic development, the advancement of its transit and transport potential, and information and communication technologies. He also emphasized the significant potential for trade, economic and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and Africa, noting opportunities for engagement in trade, investment, transport and logistics, agriculture, mining, and digitalization.
Particular attention was paid to strengthening the Kazakhstan–Kenya partnership and implementing the agreements reached during Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to Kazakhstan in May 2026. The Ambassador called on African business communities to expand cooperation with Kazakhstan.
Background:The summit was organized by KNCCI and brought together more than 5,000 participants from over 50 countries. It aims to promote intra-regional and international trade, attract investment, develop industry, and strengthen economic integration among African states.
