China Trade Week (CTW) 2024, held from October 2nd to 4th at The Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi, was a pivotal event in advancing Africa-China business relations. The event attracted over 125 exhibitors and 4,500+ visitors from diverse sectors, including construction, technology, and manufacturing, creating an energetic environment for high-impact B2B networking. Co-located with the Africa eDigital Summit, CTW offered African and Chinese businesses a platform to establish meaningful partnerships, launch innovative products, and explore solutions that align with the African market.
OUR FOCUS
This year, CTW focused on enhancing business networking by facilitating targeted B2B meetings within a dedicated Networking Lounge, where over 75 meetings were held. Attendees found valuable opportunities to connect with partners, discuss collaborative projects, and explore new markets. VIP attendees, including government officials and industry leaders, participated in exclusive exhibitor tours, fostering discussions on potential high-level partnerships across critical sectors. These strategic interactions allowed businesses to expand their networks and identify actionable collaboration opportunities that could drive mutual growth.
INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE
CTW 2024 placed strong emphasis on industry-specific innovation. In construction and infrastructure, exhibitors introduced eco-friendly building materials and advanced machinery tailored to Africa’s growing need for sustainable development. The event’s digital transformation focus showcased artificial intelligence applications and smart infrastructure solutions, aligning with Africa’s rapid urbanization. For the manufacturing sector, exhibitors highlighted scalable tools designed to modernize African industries, providing a pathway for local businesses to streamline operations and improve productivity.
BUSINES PARTNERSHIP
The event also featured the signing of two important Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). One agreement between UNICAF and Global Exhibitions aimed at expanding educational opportunities for African professionals, reflecting CTW’s commitment to skills development and economic empowerment. Another MoU, between the eDigital Team and Women in Technology and Innovation Africa (WITA), focused on promoting gender equality in Africa’s technology sector, with initiatives to empower women through skill-building programs and collaborative projects.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Running parallel to CTW, the Africa eDigital Summit offered additional insights into Africa’s digital transformation. Through sessions on smart city innovations, e-governance, fintech, and mobile technology, businesses were able to explore new directions for investment in public and private sectors. Emphasis was placed on fintech and mobile technologies as essential tools for financial inclusion, underscoring their role in reaching underserved regions across Africa.
The event featured prominent speakers who provided strategic insights on advancing Africa-China business relations. Mr. James N. Mureu, representing the Kenyan Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development, outlined the government’s support for SMEs as a means of boosting economic growth. Zhuo Wu from the Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce spoke about the significance of sustainable trade partnerships, while Edwin Masivo of Global Exhibitions discussed Kenya’s strategic position as a trade hub in Africa, highlighting the potential for increased investment and regional connectivity.
WHATS NEXT
Looking ahead, CTW plans to expand its offerings for the 2025 edition, with a focus on more sector-specific events tailored to the needs of African and Chinese businesses. Next year’s event will introduce deeper discussions on infrastructure development, sustainable technology, and trade policy, along with increased networking opportunities for high-level B2B engagements. This continued focus will provide a robust platform for businesses looking to forge long-term partnerships in Africa and beyond.
China Trade Week 2024 successfully laid the groundwork for future growth by opening doors for businesses to establish strategic partnerships, adapt innovative solutions, and strengthen cross-border trade. CTW’s emphasis on sustainable business practices and its commitment to economic empowerment promise a dynamic future for Africa-China trade relations, one in which opportunities are accessible, impactful, and transformative.