Stakeholders from East Africa to convene in Kenya for trade talks

More than 500 delegates from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will convene in Naivasha next month, August 16, for an annual conference to deliberate on East Africa's trade.

The conference, hosted by Business Networking International (BNI), seeks to bring together leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to exchange insights and forge meaningful connections aimed at accelerating business growth in the region.

It further aims to strengthen inter-country trade by fostering strategic business networking among delegates from the three states.

BNI is the world's largest business networking and referral organisation, providing a positive, supportive, and structured environment for professionals to further their business through word-of-mouth marketing.

According to BNI National Director Elizaphan Muraguri, the BNI convention provides an invaluable setting where industry leaders can collaborate, share industry trends, and explore new avenues for growth.

"Networking is a powerful tool for increasing inter-country trade. By connecting business professionals from different countries, we create opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth that transcend borders," Muraguri said.

Muraguri further emphasised the broader impact of networking on business success, saying that effective networking not only drives sales and market expansion but also fosters innovation and problem-solving through diverse perspectives.

The convention will feature a diverse lineup of keynote speakers renowned for their expertise in business development and networking strategies.

Elizaphan Muraguri, BNI National Director. (Photo: BNI)

"This convention is more than an event; it's a catalyst for driving economic success through collaboration and shared knowledge. We encourage all stakeholders passionate about leveraging networking for business advancement to join us at this transformative event," Muraguri added.

BNI East Africa operates within a global framework that spans 76 countries with 327,000 members in 11,172 chapters.

Its members meet in local chapters every week to discuss their businesses, share success stories, and exchange qualified business referrals.

This consistent structure and global reach allow members to connect with a vast network of professionals, facilitating business growth across borders and industries.

In the past 12 months alone, BNI members globally exchanged 14.6 million referrals, generating $22.1 billion (Sh2.8 trillion) in business.

In Kenya, BNI has been active for 14 years, boasting 537 members in 15 chapters.

Last year, Kenyan members passed over 30,000 referrals, resulting in over $14 million (Sh1.8 billion) worth of business.

Uganda's BNI network, comprising 358 members in 8 chapters, has passed over $12 million (Sh1.5 billion) in a similar period.