- Today marks the official start of the Lubumbashi leg of the Kenya-DRC Trade Mission following the official launch by the Vice Governor Haut Katanga Province Jean Claude Kamfora.
- CAS Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development Hon. Lawrence Karanja spoke on behalf of the Government of Kenya.
- Speaking at the same event was Equity BCDC Managing Director Mr Celestin Muntuabu, Equity Group Chief Commercial Officer Polycarp Igathe and Kenyan Ambassador to DRC Amb. George Masafu,
- The Trade mission which is in its 8th day has so far attracted over 2,000 local and international delegates and aims to showcase the Trade, Tourism and Investment Opportunities in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region
- Speaking when he officiated Lubumbashi leg of the Kenya-DRC Trade Mission, Vice Governor Haut Katanga Province Jean Claude Kamfora “We are happy to host the Kenya –DRC Trade Mission here in Lubumbashi and reaffirm our support to both local and international investors. This is a great opportunity for business ideas to come to life and we urge you to lock in deals and explore opportunities without shying away because the DRC is a land of unexplored opportunities in various sectors of the economy including here in Haut Katanga Province.”
- Also speaking at the opening ceremony, CAS Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development Hon. Lawrence Karanja said, “Supply chains were disrupted by COVID-19 and this was invitation to the people of Africa to see how we can work and trade with each other in Africa. This trade mission is a step towards achieving this. The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently the 6th leading export destination for Kenyan products in the world which include agricultural and manufactured goods, mineral fuels and oils. I am happy to inform you that trade between the two countries is set to improve. Jambo Jet has started direct flights from Nairobi to Goma in Eastern DRC, with two flights per week on Fridays and Mondays. In addition to this, Kenya Airways has also leased two Embraer 190 aircraft to Congo Airways and continues to expand its network into DRC and in neighbouring countries. Lubumbashi is well served by Kenya Airways direct flights from Nairobi.”
- Speaking during the launch ceremony, EquityBCDC Managing Director Celestin Muntuabu said, “Equity is supporting wealth creation opportunities for our people by supporting the partnering of people of Kenya and DRC. There are many challenges, but these can be converted to opportunities. We have also many raw materials here that can be used in manufacturing. This will create millions of jobs for your people in manufacturing. DRC also has the potential to expand agriculture production and value addition and reduce imports to be self-sufficient and food secure.”
- The Trade Mission has created an opportunity for DRC entrepreneurs to be matched to Kenyan entrepreneurs creating opportunities for benchmarking and partnerships which will play a key role in business integration and entry into DRC
- Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Equity Group Chief Commercial Officer Polycarp Igathe said, “Equity will work closely with all investors and businesspeople to create and add value. It is our hope that the investors have been exposed to the new and many investment and businesses opportunities in DRC. “
- The Trade Mission has been organized by the Governments of Kenya and DRC in partnership with Equity Group with the sole aim of strengthening trade relations between the two countries.
- Speaking during the official opening, Kenyan Ambassador to DRC, Amb. George Masafu said, “Kenyan business owners are not coming to DRC to do business by themselves. The strength of this delegation is based on strong trade ties that will make us more effective. I also encourage DRC investors to come to Kenya and see what opportunities are available. We need to build bilateral relationships and we assure you of the support of the Government of Kenya.”
- The Lubumbashi leg of the Kenya-DRC Trade Mission will be held over a 4-day period and delegates will have an opportunity to interact with businesses through expert panel decisions, trade exhibitions, site visits and in person business meetings.
- Immediately after the launch of the Trade Mission, the delegates were involved in a mining panel discussion which was moderated by experts including;
Alain Bussi Deputy Managing Director Private Sector Subcontracting Regulation Authority (ARSP) – “We are encouraging international investors to seek investment opportunities in mining. The mining sector is sufficiently regulated and investors may get contracts to support their operations. – Alain Bussi Deputy Managing Director ARSP”
Moses Ndirangu, Equity Bank Kenya Director Corporate Banking– “ As an investor in mining, you need a bank that has a large capital base and can finance your business goals. You also need a bank that has international operations and capacity to help you move money globally. Equity creates value for SMEs and Corporates by looking at their stakeholders and customizing financial solutions to the needs of the business”
Florimond Kabamba – Deputy Director Marketing, ANAPI – “Great Katanga boasts of immense opportunities in agriculture, tourism and construction. The government has put in place several measures to promote business establishment and growth in Great Katanga including political reforms that support local and international corporates. We have also invested in innovation and digitization and businesses can now register online for operational licenses.”
