Certified experts to empower SMEs in export trade growth

In what was termed a boost for Kenya's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), more than 20 representatives from Kenya's ministries and other trade support institutions have been certified to upskill and empower more local producers in the country on matters of export trade.

The team is made up of 16 members from Kenya’s export trade branding agency, Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), and six from other Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Trade Support Institutions (TSI).

This in a bid to grow the local producers’ exports to the international market, cements Kenya's ambition to expand its export sector and strengthen the country's global market presence.

The certification by the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE & IT), a renowned UK-based professional body mandated to foster international trade, stems from its partnership programme with the Ministry of Trade in 2022.

It involved the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the Chartered Institute.

The partnership gave birth to the Exporters Academy, composed of representatives from the branding agency, who have been upskilled in export trade and are now certified to transfer the knowledge and skills to other local producers in the country.

The ministerial branding agency in a statement stated that the inaugural graduates of the Diploma in International Trade will equip Kenya's export community with the skills and knowledge needed to engage in international trade with ease.

In other words, they will train local SMEs and exporters on matters of exports and help in capacity-building initiatives across the export value chain.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Nairobi on Friday, Keproba CEO Floice Mukabana said the programme was born out of a vision to equip SMEs and professionals with the knowledge, skills and credentials needed to thrive in international trade.

"The fact that Kenya was selected alongside Ghana and Nigeria for this initiative is a testament to our country's potential as a trade powerhouse in Africa," Mukabana said.

"Through this Diploma, our graduates have gained expertise in key areas such as business environment, finance of international trade, international marketing and international physical distribution, all essential for success in international trade."

On her part, Grace Muriithi, the board chair strategy committee at Keproba, said the success of this initiative in Ghana, Nigeria and now Kenya, demonstrates the growing demand for specialised trade education.

"The skills gained ranging from understanding international trade finance to marketing and distribution are invaluable in driving Kenya's trade agenda forward," Muriithi said.

She added that the Diploma in International Trade is a key step toward achieving this goal, and it aligns with Kenya's National Export Development Strategy.

By leveraging this certification, Kenyan businesses are arguably positioned to increase their exports, promote their products worldwide, and access new markets, bridging the gap between policy and practice, and ensuring businesses and SMEs succeed in global markets.

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Further, with the Exporters Academy now in place, Keproba says SMEs across the country will receive continuous support and training, empowering them to expand their global reach.

Consequently, the increase in exports would not only seek to stimulate demand for Kenyan goods, but also endeavor to generate more jobs, drive innovation and enhance productivity.