Kenya is taking a bold step toward industrialization and export-led growth with a landmark partnership between the Government of Kenya and Afreximbank. This collaboration will see the development and operationalization of Industrial Parks (IPs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), designed to strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector, create jobs, and boost exports. By leveraging economies of scale, shared infrastructure, and access to global markets, these initiatives align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Two major projects under this initiative are the Dongo Kundu Integrated Industrial Park in Mombasa and the Naivasha Special Economic Zone II (Naivasha II). With Afreximbank’s Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP) spearheading the developments, these zones will position Kenya as a key manufacturing and trade hub in Africa. These projects are not just about economic expansion; they lay the groundwork for long-term industrial sustainability.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, President William Ruto emphasized that this is an investment, not a loan, reflecting investor confidence in Kenya’s potential as an attractive industrial destination. He reiterated the government’s commitment to harnessing the immense opportunities in manufacturing, industrialization, agro-processing, and value addition, ensuring Kenya moves away from dependence on raw exports to value-added production.
Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Africa can no longer remain a supplier of raw materials while others reap the benefits. He described the agreement as a game-changer for Kenya, setting a precedent for how African nations can drive self-reliance, increase productivity, and build globally competitive industries.
The Dongo Kundu Industrial Park will serve as a state-of-the-art economic hub, enhancing Mombasa County’s industrial potential and driving economic growth. Meanwhile, the Naivasha II SEZ will capitalize on its strategic location along the Northern Corridor Transport System, benefiting from proximity to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot. This 5,000-acre project will include a free trade zone, industrial park, logistics hub, and public utilities, ensuring seamless trade with East and Central African countries such as Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and the DRC.
By prioritizing infrastructure, industrialization, and export diversification, this partnership ushers in a new era for Kenya’s economy. The future of Africa’s industrialization lies in such strategic collaborations, ensuring the continent moves beyond dependency to become a global economic powerhouse. Kenya is leading the way, and the world is taking notice.
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