Ambassador Henriette Geiger Statement During EU-Kenya Business Forum 2025

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

I'm very delighted to welcome you to the second edition of the EU-Kenya Business Forum, and allow me to express my very sincere gratitude to you, Dear Mr. President, for making time despite an extremely busy schedule today. This is showing your steadfast commitment to EU-Kenya relations and to advancing our joint economic and digital transformation journey, and your presence here today is testimony to Kenya's vision to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainable trade in Africa.

Today, we gather at a pivotal moment. Since our last forum in 2023, the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement has entered into force, marking a very significant milestone in our growing and deepening partnership.

The EU continues to be Kenya's first trade partner in exports, and today's forum is a key opportunity to explore how we can fully harness its potential—creating jobs and growth in both Kenya and the EU. We are also looking forward to the signing of the double taxation agreement between Belgium and Kenya in the near future.

The theme of this year's forum, Digitalizing Trade, speaks to our shared ambition to use digital technologies as drivers of inclusive growth, sustainable trade, and stronger connectivity—from e-commerce to blockchain, from artificial intelligence to secure digital payments. These innovations are reshaping how we do business, and they offer enormous potential to deepen our economic ties.

In line with the EU's Global Gateway strategy, the European Union remains committed to investing in quality infrastructure and connectivity—both physical and digital. Kenya is a key partner, and we are proud to support Kenya's emergence as a regional digital hub and innovation leader.

This Business Forum is not just about dialogue, it's about action. And over the next two days, participants will connect with decision-makers, explore concrete business opportunities, engage in B2B meetings, and discover innovative solutions to facilitate trade and investment. So I encourage all of you to take advantage of this rich program.

We also have a special treat today, as we launch the European Chamber of Commerce in Kenya, called EuroCham Kenya, which is a new platform to support and amplify European private sector engagement in this vibrant market.

Finally, I wish to thank all our partners for making this forum possible. It is through collaboration, trust, and shared purpose that we can unlock new opportunities for our citizens and our economies.

Let us seize this moment together to build a digitally connected, sustainable, and prosperous future for both Kenya and the European Union.