Investments, Trade and Industry CS Lee Kinyanjui gives his remarks at the Africa Commerce and Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026 in Nairobi/HANDOUTInvestments, Trade and Industry CS Lee Kinyanjui has urged African chambers of commerce to strengthen trade partnerships, eliminate cross-border barriers and position the continent to benefit from emerging global economic opportunities.
Speaking as chief guest during the Africa Commerce and Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026 in Nairobi on Wednesday, October 14, Kinyanjui said chambers of commerce must evolve into strategic partners that facilitate investment, connect businesses to markets and influence policies that support enterprise growth.
“The Chamber of today is not the Chamber of yesteryears. It is a gateway to reach markets across the continent and beyond the continent, a facilitator, a deal maker, and also one that can influence policy to help businesses move forward,” he said.
Kinyanjui noted that Africa’s expanding continental market presented an opportunity to accelerate economic integration, urging countries to ensure products move across borders with minimal obstacles.
He also highlighted infrastructure development, including railway connectivity towards Uganda, as essential to lowering manufacturing costs, improving logistics and strengthening regional supply chains.
Dr Mohammed Abdullah Qareen, Chairman of Qareen International Investment, Luka Njoroge, Chief Executive Officer of Qareen International Investment, and other delegates attend the Africa Commerce and Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026 in Nairobi on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. PHOTO: HANDOUTAmong the investors and business partners participating in the summit was Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Qareen, chairman of Qareen International Investment Company, who highlighted Kenya’s potential as a livestock export hub serving Middle Eastern markets.
Qareen said his company was focusing on exporting camels, goats and sheep from Kenya, with Lamu identified as a strategic location for expanding livestock-related investments and international trade.
The company specialises in agricultural commodities and food products, connecting producers, suppliers and international buyers through integrated logistics solutions. With operations in Nairobi and Mombasa, it seeks to strengthen Kenya’s access to regional and international markets.
Qareen said investing in Kenya would also support local production, create employment opportunities for young people and women, and strengthen commercial relations between Africa and the Middle East.
His investment plans reflect the broader discussions at the summit on attracting international capital, promoting value chains and expanding export opportunities for African producers.
Kinyanjui called for closer cooperation between governments, investors and chambers of commerce to unlock the continent’s productive potential, boost industrialization and ensure African businesses secure a greater share of international trade.
The summit brought together trade stakeholders and investors to explore partnerships aimed at advancing commerce, investment and economic development across Africa.
