County Introduces Nairobi Export Financing Platform

Nairobi County officially introduced the Export Financing Platform on May 21–22, 2025, during the GTR East Africa conference held in Nairobi. The platform was designed to provide exporters—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—with access to affordable credit, risk management tools, and digital trade solutions. County officials emphasized that the initiative would help bridge financing gaps that have historically limited the ability of local businesses to expand into international markets.
The Export Financing Platform forms part of Kenya’s broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes industrial growth, trade expansion, and inclusive economic development. By integrating financing with digital tools, the platform enables exporters to streamline processes, reduce paperwork, and connect with global trade networks. It also complements the EU–Kenya Business Forum held earlier in May 2025, which focused on digitalising trade and strengthening Kenya’s role in global value chains.
Business leaders and policymakers welcomed the launch, noting that the platform would enhance competitiveness by reducing reliance on traditional financing models and offering tailored solutions for SMEs. Exporters praised the initiative for providing insurance against trade risks and opening new opportunities in markets across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Analysts highlighted that the platform could help Nairobi businesses diversify exports, improve resilience, and attract foreign investment.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to expand the platform’s coverage to include more sectors such as agribusiness, textiles, and digital services. Officials believe that by embedding financing into export strategies, Nairobi can accelerate job creation, strengthen its industrial base, and reinforce its position as East Africa’s trade hub. If sustained, the Export Financing Platform could serve as a model for other counties, showcasing how localized initiatives can drive national competitiveness in global markets.