Nairobi’s ICT Exports Increase as Startups Expand Globally

Nairobi’s ICT sector has recorded significant growth in exports as local startups expand their operations into global markets. County officials announced that the surge reflects the city’s transformation into a regional technology hub, driven by innovation, investment, and digital infrastructure development under the Annual Development Plan 2025/2026.
The growth in ICT exports is largely attributed to software development, fintech solutions, AI-powered platforms, and digital services. Nairobi-based startups have successfully penetrated markets in Europe, Asia, and North America, leveraging partnerships with global tech firms and access to cloud-based tools. The county has supported this expansion through incubation hubs, export financing programs, and digital trade facilitation, ensuring that SMEs can scale internationally.
Entrepreneurs welcomed the development, noting that global expansion helps overcome challenges such as limited local market size, high operational costs, and fragmented supply chains. Analysts argue that the rise in ICT exports is transformative, embedding Nairobi into the global digital economy while complementing earlier initiatives such as the Digital SME Marketplace (November 19, 2025) and the AI Hub Expansion (November 24, 2025). Together, these efforts create a comprehensive framework for competitiveness and innovation.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to integrate blockchain-based export certification, AI-driven trade analytics, and green ICT practices into the sector. Officials believe that by embedding advanced technologies into ICT exports, Nairobi can accelerate job creation, attract foreign investment, and reinforce its role as East Africa’s leading digital innovation hub.