The World Chambers Federation (WCF) in partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) are set to host the inaugural Africa summit in Nairobi.
The World Chamber Forum-Africa Global Summit will be held from April 9 to 11, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
It is expected to attract 4,500 participants, including Heads of State and Government from across Africa, 500 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), 350 entrepreneurs, and global investors from over 70 countries.
“Its goal is to promote inclusive and sustainable growth by fostering partnerships, sharing best practices, and showcasing Africa’s readiness for international markets,” a joint statement from WCF and KNCCI said.
The summit is expected to generate significant value as it is anticipated to attract over Sh1 billion in investment commitments through trade and business partnerships.
It will also showcase Kenya’s vibrant tourism and hospitality sector, leveraging Nairobi as a gateway for African cultural and economic exploration.
The meeting is further projected to empower 500 SMEs with access to global markets, funding opportunities, and mentorship to strengthen their role in value chains.
The summit will focus on boosting trade and investment, advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and fostering global partnerships.
It will highlight the role of new technologies in solving local challenges and driving growth while promoting public-private collaborations to mobilize resources for impactful economic development.
Efforts will prioritise empowering SMEs through access to global markets, funding, and mentorship while equipping African chambers with tools from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to enhance global trade participation.
The summit will champion inclusive trade, regional integration, and green technologies, aligning with Africa’s annual $130–$170 billion infrastructure needs.
With AfCFTA uniting 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of US$3.4 trillion, the summit will emphasise Africa's potential as a global economic hub.
WCF is a global network that connects over 3,000 chambers of commerce from more than 125 countries.
KNCCI President and International Conference of Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Private Sector Forum chairman Erick Rutto said the summit will be a defining moment for Africa to assert its role as a global trade leader.
“It will demonstrate Africa’s readiness to seamlessly integrate into global value chains, leveraging its immense potential,” Rutto said.
WCF General Council member and former KNCCI President Richard Ngatia said the summit will be a milestone in redefining the role of chambers of commerce as drivers of economic transformation.
“By enabling businesses to adapt to emerging global trends and connecting them with strategic opportunities, we are building the foundation for an Africa that is not just a participant but a leader in the global economy,” Ngatia said.
KNCCI Board of Trustees chairperson and former vice chair WCF-Africa Kiprono Kittony emphasised that the summit provides an unmatched opportunity to showcase Africa’s capacity for self-driven solutions.
By emphasising innovation and sustainability, this summit highlights how African businesses and chambers can collaboratively tackle global challenges while creating lasting value within the continent.
On his part, ICC Vice President and ICC Kenya President Patrick Obath said the summit is a testament to Africa's readiness for the global stage.
By promoting partnerships and supporting innovation, this summit will create a blueprint for sustainable growth, a key role in shaping Africa's economic future.
"As Kenya’s national chamber, we are proud to co-host the WCF Africa Summit 2025," KNCCI CEO Ahmed Farah said.
