County Supports Nairobi SMEs With Trade Financing

Nairobi County expanded its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by introducing trade financing programs to help businesses access regional and international markets. The initiative was unveiled during the GTR East Africa Conference (May 21–22, 2025) in Nairobi, where county officials emphasized the importance of affordable financing and risk management tools for SMEs engaged in cross-border trade.
The trade financing support includes credit facilities, insurance products, and digital platforms that simplify transactions and reduce risks associated with exports and imports. Nairobi County partnered with banks, fintech firms, and development agencies to provide SMEs with access to letters of credit, invoice financing, and export guarantees. These tools are designed to lower barriers to entry, enabling SMEs to compete globally while strengthening Nairobi’s role as East Africa’s trade hub.
Entrepreneurs welcomed the initiative, noting that trade financing addresses long-standing challenges such as limited access to capital, high transaction costs, and lack of global market knowledge. Analysts argue that the program complements earlier initiatives such as the EU–Kenya Business Forum (May 12–13, 2025) and the Export Promotion Scheme (November 2025), creating a comprehensive ecosystem for SME growth and international competitiveness.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to integrate trade financing with broader programs such as the Green Business Initiative (October 2025) and the Business Growth Program (October 2025). Officials believe that by embedding financing into SME development, Nairobi can accelerate job creation, attract investment, and reinforce its position as a gateway economy for Africa.