- By ABDULHAKIM SHERMAN
A major investment conference bringing together Italian and Kenyan professionals and entrepreneurs is set to be held in Kenya between October 18 and 24 organisers of the event Apri-International have said.
According to Apri-International, a global growth company that specializes in connecting Italian professionals and entrepreneurs with foreign institutions and organizations, participants from Italy will include officials from local chambers of commerce and industry, banks, ICE and Assocamerestero.
Events during the investment conference will include a discussion on “Building Bridges: Italian-Kenyan Professional Exchange Conference”, “Journey to the Wild: Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge” and “Learning into the Wild. Institutional Workshops at the Lodge”
Apri-International, says the participants will be seeking to build relationships with their foreign counterparts adding that Kenya, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, presents a wealth of opportunities across various sectors.
Apri-International in an invitation said areas of interest to the participants in Kenya include finance, technology, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.
“Nairobi, the capital city, is a significant financial and logistical hub for East Africa, attracting substantial foreign investment and fostering innovation,” Apri-International statement said.
The organisers say Nairobi is home to numerous international banks and financial institutions, making it a vital financial center in the region adding that Kenya has earned the moniker of “Silicon Savannah,” as it has a thriving tech scene, with numerous startups and established companies leading in innovation and digital transformation.
They added that healthcare is another area for Italian investors noting that with a growing middle class and increasing demand for quality healthcare services in Kenya, there are significant opportunities for investment in medical facilities and healthcare services.
“Agriculture as a cornerstone of the Kenyan economy, agriculture offers opportunities in agribusiness, value addition, and export of agricultural products,” Apri-International adds.
The Italian investors are also targeting the infrastructure sector as the Kenyan government is heavily investing in infrastructure development, including roads, ports, and energy projects, creating numerous opportunities for collaboration and investment.
Apri-International said the goals of the investment conference include facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices. Enhance the expertise of Italian professionals.
It also wants to foster business opportunities between Italian professionals and Kenyan bodies and associations, strengthen cultural and professional ties between Italy and Kenya and develop long-term collaborative projects and partnerships.
Objectives of the convention include exploring the Kenyan market, a central hub for economic growth and development in Africa, create connections among diverse institutional and economic stakeholders.
The investment conference is also to identify potential business opportunities and partnerships for Italian professionals and SMEs, help them gain insights into the regulatory and economic landscape of Kenya and also promote Italian professional expertise and services in the Kenyan market.
Participants in the convention will include a selected group of Italian liberal professionals and the delegation will feature experienced business consultants who specialize in providing comprehensive advisory services to companies looking to expand internationally.
“These consultants offer expertise in market entry strategies, regulatory compliance, financial planning, and business development. By leveraging their deep understanding of both Italian and Kenyan business environments, these consultants will assist Italian SMEs in navigating the complexities of the Kenyan market,” Apri-International added.
They added that the consultants will provide valuable insights into local business practices, help identify potential partners, and facilitate the establishment of successful collaborations.
It emphasized that a fundamental aspect of this mission will be the dialogue with local professionals and engaging with Kenyan counterparts will allow for an exchange of best practices and knowledge, fostering deeper understanding and cooperation.
“This interaction is pivotal in ensuring that Italian companies can effectively capitalize on the opportunities available in Kenya, promoting a mutually beneficial exchange of expertise and resources between the two countries,” Apri-International said.
