The second Kenya Industrialization Conference officially began at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), aligning with African Industrialization Week.
The event, co-organized by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, aims to propel Kenya and Africa’s industrial growth.
This year’s conference underscores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and green industrialization, with a strategic focus on integrating these technologies for sustainable manufacturing practices.
The theme, “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa’s Structural Transformation,” reflects a forward-looking vision for Africa’s industrial landscape.
AI and Green Industrialization for Structural Transformation
The conference highlights AI’s transformative role in manufacturing, as well as sustainable practices that can reduce environmental impact.
Panel discussions and workshops focus on integrating AI for optimizing manufacturing processes and advancing green industrial practices. Prof. Erastus Gatebe, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, said:
“The Ministry is proud to co-host the 7th edition of the Changamka Festival and 2nd edition of Kenya Industrialization Conference. The conference presents a unique opportunity to examine the manufacturing sector, address present challenges, and offer practical solutions for advancing our manufacturing agenda. With manufacturing at the heart of Kenya’s long-term economic transformation, we are committed to strengthening this sector as a central pillar of national development, aiming to increase its GDP contribution from 7.6% to 20% by 2030.”
Hitesh Mediratta, KAM Vice Chairperson, emphasized the need for AI and sustainable industrial practices, viewing them as essential pathways for Kenya’s manufacturing evolution. He stated:
“Our aim is to make Kenya a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. AI and green industrialization are not just tools; they are essential pathways for Kenya’s sustainable growth,”
This sentiment aligns with KAM’s ongoing collaborations with government bodies and academic institutions to develop a skilled, AI-ready workforce.
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in Africa’s economic landscape. Dr. Hannah Ngugi, Acting Country Director at Trademark Africa, highlighted the significance of SMEs in regional economic integration:
“Through our partnership with KAM, Trademark Africa is dedicated to helping SMEs scale up, expand their reach, and access new opportunities that drive sustainable growth and regional economic integration.”
Trademark Africa’s partnership with KAM includes initiatives to boost exports and diversify SME product offerings, which supports sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Expanding on the theme of trade, Mr. Obinna Ejimofo, Senior Manager Digital Business at Afreximbank, noted:
“We believe that expanding the participation of companies and financial institutions in cross-border trade is key to unlocking Africa’s economic potential. Through the Africa Trade Gateway, an AfCFTA-compliant digital ecosystem, we are providing innovative solutions for payments, trade financing, and real-time data on trade flows. This trusted, digitally supported environment not only enables seamless trade but also generates critical data to power AI-driven solutions tailored for Africa.”
Ms. Tally Einav, UNIDO Country Representative, addressed the importance of green industrialization in the context of climate change. She emphasized:
“It is important to highlight the critical link between digitization, green industrialization and climate change with tech solutions, potentially reducing global emissions. Collaborating with the Kenyan government and global partners, we are driving energy efficiency and supporting SMEs through access to finance and training.”
Supporting Local Manufacturing through Changamka Festival
Alongside the conference, the 7th Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival is underway.
This festival showcases locally manufactured products, reinforcing the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative, which supports domestic industries and encourages local consumers to explore quality home-grown goods.
The festival is part of a broader strategy to boost Kenya’s economy by strengthening domestic purchasing power.
