This morning, I chaired the Steering Committee meeting for the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), a program of the International Trade Centre (@ITCnews) implemented in collaboration with the Government of Kenya through the State Department for MSMEs Development, with support from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
The Ethical Fashion Initiative serves as a bridge connecting marginalised artisan communities in remote and challenging locations with global lifestyle brands. Through this model, artisans organised in community-based MSMEs can produce and export high-quality products while upholding fair wages, decent working conditions, job creation, and the development of resilient communities. The initiative also provides access to international markets by facilitating trade and logistics through its strong network of technical partners.
The fashion industry, particularly through the textile and apparel subsector, remains one of Kenya’s priority sectors due to its strong potential for job creation, value addition, and MSME growth. The ongoing @NYOTA_Kenya project further demonstrates this potential, with 11 percent of the 121,800 beneficiaries of the business start-up grant operating businesses within the fashion and textile sector.
The State Department continues to support MSMEs in the fashion industry by formalising artisans into structured MSMEs and expanding their access to financing through programs such as the @hustlerfund_KE and @KIE_Kenya. These interventions aim to strengthen artisans so they can grow into enterprises that competitively supply domestic, regional, and international markets.
#MSMEkenya
Ms. Dorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director of @ITCnews, took center stage, commending the Government of Zimbabwe for its commitment to inclusivity. Through this hub, women-led businesses will gain access to information, capacity building, and export growth—working together to grow Zimbabwe's economy. 🚀💼
@UKinZimbabwe@ITC_SheTrades
The Day is finally here!
Today we launch #SheTradeZim hub! A hub that serves female businesses by capacitating them and connecting them with international markets!
Stay tuned for updates.
#SheTradeZim#EnergizingExports#ZimTrade
Our first regional office outside Geneva is now based in the United Nations Office at Nairobi.
Kenyan President @WilliamsRuto officially opened our East African office, underlining that it will connect East African producers with global markets.
ℹ️ https://t.co/zHdH2c1Mhu
Kenya continues to attract leading international organizations, reaffirming its strategic position as a gateway to Africa. The recent launch of the International Trade Centre (ITC)Regional Office for Africa in Nairobi is a strong testament to this.
Earlier today, I met with Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, the Executive Director of ITC, where we discussed ways to enhance regional trade through the new office. I commended ITC, which has a team of over 300 professionals, for choosing Nairobi as its base, noting that our central location and robust infrastructure make Kenya the ideal hub for engaging with the EAC, COMESA, and the wider continent.
As a Ministry, we look forward to collaborating with ITC on capacity building in trade data, export development, trade agreements, and policy interventions targeting MSMEs. Such partnerships will be instrumental in creating jobs, bridging export gaps, and positioning Kenya as a front-runner in Africa’s trade and investment landscape.
@MITIKenya@ITCnews
ITC strengthens African presence with new office in Nairobi.
Our Kenya office brings us closer to the businesses we serve in the region and across the continent, making us more efficient and effective in supporting small business development.
ℹ️ https://t.co/s4bGOT6cxb
🎉Here’s the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and you know what that means!
We’ve officially opened our Nairobi office with @ZainabHawa, Director-General of the UN Office at Nairobi, and @SWJacksonUN, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya.
Learn more: https://t.co/91d5TTRM3u
THE 25TH EAC MSMEs TRADE FAIR
Pamela Hamilton, International Trade Centre Executive Director : After 61 years, ITC establishes its first corporate office in Africa, and regional presence here in Nairobi. We have seen, through our engagement, that the EAC is committed to ensuring connected, sustainable and inclusive trade.
#KBCniYetu ^RW
Women agribusinesses in 🇰🇪, ready to export to 🇬🇧?
Apply for the Kenya–UK Trade Mission to:
🌱Meet importers in Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester
☕Learn buyer requirements
🍍Explore new export opportunities
Open to export-ready businesses in fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, tea and coffee.
📅 Apply by 3 Nov 2025: https://t.co/7ab4bM6PCQ
Brought to you by our UK-funded project with @AbsaKenya, host of the #SheTrades Kenya Hub.
📍Maputo & Manica
Nine importers from Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria & Tanzania are in #Mozambique 🇲🇿, exploring food innovation—from banana flour to moringa tea.🍌🍵
Over the next two days, our delegation will engage in B2B networking and visit more inspiring agrifood companies.🌿
Brought to you by the UK Government-funded #SheTrades programme.
@ITCnews | @FCDOGovUK | @UKinMozambique | @ipemeMoz
Women are determined. Women are resilient. Women are unstoppable.
They are the bedrock of the Nigerian economy, leading 40% of #SmallBusinesses in #Africa’s largest economy—driving growth, innovation, and prosperity. 📈
On #IWD2025, we celebrate trailblazing women like Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director and CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) (host of the #SheTrades Nigeria Hub)—leaders who pave the way #ForAllWomenAndGirls aspiring to thrive in business and trade.
🇳🇬 Are you a Nigerian woman entrepreneur? Join the SheTrades Nigeria Hub today and unlock new opportunities.
👉 Register now: https://t.co/9RLXhkNcBl
📢 Are you a buyer or importer of essential oils from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa or the Middle East?
Here's your opportunity to join our trade mission to #Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 and do business with women-led suppliers!
🗓 Apply by 20 January 2025 👉https://t.co/RBVjKgzraX
Brought to you by the UK Government-funded #SheTrades programme.
As part of the WTO-ITC High-Level Event on Women and Trade at #WTOMC13AbuDhabi, join DG @NOIweala and @ITCNews@CokeHamilton launch the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund. Follow this event live on 25 Feb and check our social media channels to stay updated!
One day before #WTOMC13AbuDhabi, we are proud to join hands with @WTO to launch the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund!
The Fund will leverage digitalization to unlock opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
We are supporting 16 women entrepreneurs from 🇳🇬🇵🇰🇸🇳🇿🇼 to exhibit at 🇬🇧's leading wholesale marketplace @SpringAutFair from 4-7 Feb., as part of our projects funded by UK International Development.
Learn more & get a free ticket to visit our booths: https://t.co/V5c2ZGu0yD
Join us tomorrow for the virtual launch of the Continental Network for Women’s Business Associations (WBAs).
Comprising over 150 WBAs, the initiative will serve as a platform for women entrepreneurs to connect, network & grow their businesses.
Register🔗https://t.co/4zY5gAkllH