Middle East Countries Eye Kenya As Africa’s Trading Hotspot

Marking Kenya as a key entry point to East African markets, the number of Middle East countries exhibiting at this year’s The Big 5 Construct Kenya has gone up dramatically with Kuwait and Egypt signing up to open country pavilions at the event.

The exhibition, now in its third edition and held under the patronage of the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development, and Public Works, will host 12 international country pavilions in total including Greece, Belgium, China, and Italy among others.

Muhammed Kazi, Portfolio Director at organizer dmg events, comments on the surge of Middle Eastern companies confirmed for the 2019 edition: “There are a total 75 companies from the Middle East gearing up to participate at The Big 5 Construct Kenya this November. Out of these 75, an impressive 80 percent are exhibiting for the first time, reflecting a growing interest from the Middle East in Kenya’s construction sector.

“Investing in African markets has played a huge role in recent Middle East countries’ efforts to advance their strategies of economic diversification and reduce their reliance on oil. Furthermore, the ability of the Middle East region to execute large-scale infrastructure projects is appealing to rapidly-developing African states.”

Extended commitment from Kuwait and Egypt governments at the event comes alongside returning UAE and Qatar country pavilions. Leading companies from the Middle East region this year include Harwal group, Firex, National Paints, Kirby, Masterscaff, Nassar Group, and Al Zamel.

Hammad AlZubi, Manager of Promotion and Export Opportunities at Public Authority of Industry (Kuwait), comments on why Kuwait trade talks turn to Kenya: “Kenya is gaining importance as a logistic center for all those who want to enter the African market and the landlocked countries in Central Africa through the ports of Kenya.”

Dr. Abdul Aziz Sherif, Chairman of Export Development Authority (EDA), Egypt, adds: “Egypt has taken the direction towards Africa to cover its needs of goods and products from African markets, believing, therefore, in the importance of inter-African cooperation in favor of African business.”

He concludes: “The Big 5 Construct Kenya is considered one of the most important fairs in East Africa in the field of construction and is the ideal platform to meet buyers for Egyptian products.”

Ensuring that the entire building cycle is represented, exhibitors at the event display the latest building innovations and solutions across five product sectors: Building Interiors, Building Materials & Tools, Building Services, HVAC-R, and Concrete & PMV.

The Big 5 Construct Kenya is the official exhibition of Kenya’s National Construction Week, an initiative of the Government of Kenya, and is backed by the National Construction Authority, Official Government Partner to the event. The event offers local industry professionals a platform where they can meet and do business with the worldwide construction community as well as giving the opportunity to update their professional skills.

Industry pioneers work together at the event to host 40 free-to-attend and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) certified education sessions. Aside from updating professionals on the latest challenges and trends in the sector, the certification supports career development goals.

Speaker at the event, Joyce Kaduki, Director – Primo Strategy Limited, says: “Learning in any industry, including construction, is a life-long process. As professionals participate, they are made aware of changing trends in the industry and learn how to best remain relevant and effective as they do their work.”

Organized by dmg events and in its third edition, The Big 5 Construct Kenya enjoys the official support of Kenya National Construction Authority. The event is free to attend and runs from 5 – 7 November at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre