NCBA has flagged off 110 Commercial and SME Banking customers for a 12-day business trip to China designed to strengthen trade ties and expand market opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs.
The 2025 NCBA China Trip will take participants through Shanghai, Yiwu, and Guangzhou, with a major highlight being attendance at the 138th Canton Fair, one of the world’s largest trade exhibitions. The trip, running from October 12 to 23, combines business networking, factory visits, and cultural experiences in China’s key commercial cities.
Participants represent diverse sectors, including FMCG, electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, real estate, textiles, green energy, medical supplies, agriculture, and value addition.
Kenya’s trade with China continues to grow, though it remains import-heavy. In the first half of 2025, Kenya imported goods worth Sh304.65 billion from China. In 2023, China’s exports to Kenya stood at $4.66 billion, compared to $221 million in Kenyan exports to China—underscoring China’s role as a vital trading partner for Kenyan businesses.
Dennis Njau, Group Director of Retail Banking at NCBA, said:
“We are proud to once again facilitate this trip for our customers. By connecting them to global supply chains, we strengthen their businesses and, ultimately, Kenya’s economy. China remains a key partner for trade, investment, and innovation.”
During the trip, participants will visit major manufacturing hubs, meet industry leaders, and explore opportunities in technology, logistics, and retail.
Key itinerary highlights include:
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Engagements with Chinese business associations
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Factory and company visits
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Market tours in Guangzhou and Foshan
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Attendance at the Canton Fair
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Cultural and leisure experiences
The Canton Fair offers direct access to manufacturers and global suppliers, helping entrepreneurs discover new products, innovations, and better sourcing deals.
This initiative adds to NCBA’s ongoing SME empowerment programs, ranging from training and networking to financing solutions, designed to help businesses grow locally and compete globally.
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