Dubai launches Kenya Business Council to boost trade ties

• Dubai launches Kenya Business Council to promote trade, investment, and commercial partnerships between businesses in both countries.
• The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aims to lower trade barriers and stimulate investment between Kenya and the UAE.
• 146 Kenyan companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2025, with total active Kenyan businesses registered with the chamber now standing at 587.
• Non-oil trade between Dubai and Kenya reached AED13.6 billion (approximately Ksh.480 billion) during the same period, representing a 2.1 per cent year-on-year growth.

The launch of the Kenya Business Council is part of a broader effort to strengthen economic cooperation between Kenya and the UAE, with both countries seeking to capitalize on each other's strengths. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2025 aims to lower trade barriers and stimulate investment, creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries. According to Dubai Chambers, 146 Kenyan companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2025, a significant increase from previous years, with total active Kenyan businesses registered with the chamber now standing at 587. This growth is reflected in non-oil trade between Dubai and Kenya, which reached AED13.6 billion (approximately Ksh.480 billion) during the same period, representing a 2.1 per cent year-on-year growth.

As a platform for promoting trade, investment, and commercial partnerships between businesses in both countries, the Kenya Business Council is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating market access, trade partnerships, and due diligence services for Kenyan enterprises operating in or targeting the Gulf region. The council will serve as the official Dubai Chamber-registered platform representing Kenyan businesses and professionals in the Emirates, advocating for members' interests and providing networking opportunities. This move follows the opening of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) office in Dubai earlier this year, which aims to address longstanding challenges faced by Kenyan exporters.

The establishment of the Kenya Business Council reflects Dubai's growing importance as a regional gateway for Kenyan businesses seeking access to markets in the Gulf, Asia, and beyond. With the UAE emerging as one of Kenya's most important economic partners in the Middle East, trade ties between the two countries have expanded into various sectors, including renewable energy, logistics, infrastructure, aviation, food security, technology, and financial services. As Kenyan businesses leverage Dubai's world-class logistics and financial ecosystem to scale their operations, the council is poised to complement existing initiatives aimed at strengthening commercial ties and improving market access.

Lawyers advising Kenyan exporters should watch for the potential benefits and challenges arising from the establishment of the Kenya Business Council, which may facilitate market access, trade partnerships, and due diligence services for their clients.

Source: Original reporting via KBC Kenya