PS Trade Regina Ombam Ombam Highlights Trade as a Catalyst for Economic Growth at AFEA Conference

The Principal Secretary for Trade, Regina Ombam, delivered a keynote address at the Annual Conference of the African Finance and Economic Association (AFEA) held at the University of Nairobi (UoN) Towers.

Organized in collaboration with the University’s Department of Economics, the conference brought together policymakers, scholars, and industry experts to discuss strategies for shaping Africa’s economic future.

In her remarks, PS Ombam underscored the pivotal role of trade in driving economic development and reiterated the government's commitment to inclusive growth under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). She outlined key trade and investment initiatives aimed at unlocking opportunities and accelerating development across multiple sectors.

The PS also emphasized Kenya’s increasing prominence in regional and global trade, citing strategic agreements such as the Kenya–EU and UK Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), the Kenya–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and Kenya’s active engagement in the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“These agreements are crucial in expanding Kenya’s export base and attracting foreign direct investment, thereby positioning the country as a competitive trade and investment destination,” she noted.

Other distinguished speakers included Emeritus Professor Germano Mwabu of UoN, Professor Martin Oleche, Head of the Department of Economics and Development Studies at UoN, and the President of AFEA, Dr. Gbadebo Odularu.