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A new wave of opportunities is opening up for young African entrepreneurs as the Elite Jamboree event kicks off in Dubai, coinciding with Kenya’s ongoing efforts to finalize a historic trade pact with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The event comes just as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry formally submitted the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to the National Assembly for ratification. The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral trade ties between Kenya and the UAE, with a particular focus on key sectors such as digital services and agriculture.
For many Kenyan startups, particularly those led by youth the Dubai jamboree offers a critical platform to network with potential investors, explore cross-border collaborations, and tap into the UAE’s thriving business ecosystem.
Spotlight on Technology and Digital Trade
A major highlight of the event is the growing interest in technology and digital services. Entrepreneurs are expected to explore partnerships in fintech, e-commerce, and digital platforms—areas explicitly supported by the CEPA framework.
“The current generation of African entrepreneurs speaks the same language as their Middle Eastern counterparts—innovation, technology, and scalable solutions,” noted South African entrepreneur and keynote speaker Vusi Thembekwayo.
Kenya’s dynamic tech scene, often dubbed the “Silicon Savannah,” is seen as a natural match for the UAE’s robust digital infrastructure, setting the stage for transformative partnerships.
Rethinking Agriculture with Innovation.
While traditional exports such as tea, coffee, and flowers remain key pillars of Kenya’s trade portfolio, a new generation of entrepreneurs is turning to agritech to unlock more value from agriculture.
Innovations in supply chain digitization, smart farming, and agribusiness platforms are being presented as modern solutions to age-old challenges.
“These new models could change how Middle Eastern markets access African agricultural products,” said Boni Nyaga of Mawaitha Africa. “The CEPA outlines clear opportunities for such approaches.”
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The trade pact is also expected to streamline logistics and reduce trade barriers, a move that could empower small-scale producers to access international markets more easily.
Boosting Investment and Capital Flows
The CEPA agreement includes provisions designed to encourage cross-border investment, offering a potential lifeline for early-stage startups in search of funding.
“There’s growing interest in channeling capital into African innovation,” said Dr William Stenhouse of the UAE-Africa Networking Group. “Events like this can help build those connections and drive sustainable development.”
Ratification Holds the Key
While the momentum is building, the full realization of these opportunities hinges on the Kenyan Parliament’s ratification of the CEPA deal. If approved, it would mark one of Kenya’s first formal bilateral trade agreements with a Gulf nation, setting a precedent for future economic cooperation in the region.
