Sweden has entered into a $2.7 million partnership with TradeMark Africa aimed at advancing sustainable and inclusive trade in Kenya. The two-year initiative, known as the Kenya Enhanced Trade Environment and Inclusion (KETEI) programme, is designed to support Kenya’s national trade ambitions within regional frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The KETEI programme will focus on enhancing port efficiency, developing green trade infrastructure and policy, and strengthening the resilience of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owned by women and youth engaged in trade. This initiative aligns with TradeMark Africa’s broader vision of fostering resilient and sustainable trade ecosystems.
The programme targets micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with an emphasis on inclusivity—60% of beneficiaries are women-led and 40% youth-led businesses. These enterprises are expected to benefit from a $3 million increase in export value, supported by specialised assistance around climate-related export regulations and standards. Additionally, the programme aims to mobilize at least $5 million in private investments focused on green logistics infrastructure.
Kenya’s export sector is already deeply tied to global markets, particularly the European Union (EU). In 2023, the country exported coffee worth about $252.12 million, with 55% of that value destined for the EU. The recent adoption of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) mandates that commodities linked to deforestation—such as coffee—cannot be exported to the EU market starting from December 30, 2025, for medium and large companies, and June 30, 2026, for small and micro businesses. This regulation underscores the importance of compliance for Kenya’s coffee subsector, which relies heavily on access to the EU market.
Further complementing this initiative is Kenya’s AfCFTA strategy launched in 2022, aimed at expanding trade and investment within Africa. The strategy’s three core pillars focus on improving export trade efficiency through better customs and infrastructure, promoting inclusivity of MSMEs, women, and youth in international trade, and ensuring these goals are met sustainably by encouraging green trade practices.
Through the KETEI programme, Sweden and TradeMark Africa aim to catalyze these efforts, promoting economic growth while safeguarding environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
