NCBA launches 2026 China Market Linkage Programme to accelerate SME growth across East Africa

16 July 2026, Nairobi, Kenya. NCBA has opened recruitment for its 2026 China Market Linkage & Business Exposure Programme, expanding participation for the first time to Commercial and SME Banking customers across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. The unique international business immersion is designed to connect entrepreneurs with one of the world’s largest manufacturing and trading ecosystems while unlocking new opportunities for sourcing, growth and global partnerships.

Building on the success of last year’s programme, which attracted 100 customers, this year’s edition is expected to bring together more than 100 participants who will travel to Beijing and Guangzhou from 13th to 24th October 2026 for a curated business experience that goes beyond traditional trade missions. As part of NCBA’s Commercial & SME Banking Customer Value Proposition, the programme reflects the Bank’s commitment to going beyond financial solutions by creating meaningful opportunities that help businesses innovate, expand into new markets and build resilient supply chains.

This comes at a time when commercial ties between East Africa and China continue to strengthen. According to the East African Community (EAC), China remained the region’s largest trading partner in 2025, with exports to China reaching USD 24.0 billion and imports from China totalling USD 20.3 billion. In Kenya, imports from China rose by 16.5 per cent to KES 671.25 billion in 2025, accounting for nearly a quarter of the country’s total import bill and underscoring China’s importance as a sourcing and manufacturing partner. As one of the world’s leading manufacturing and trading hubs, China offers businesses across East Africa access to a vast network of suppliers, innovative products and efficient supply chains, creating significant opportunities to diversify sourcing, improve competitiveness and unlock new markets.

Over the course of the 12-day programme, participants will experience every stage of the international supply chain; from manufacturing and sourcing to logistics and trade. The itinerary includes visits to advanced manufacturing facilities and industrial parks in Beijing, participation in the internationally renowned Canton Fair in Guangzhou and curated engagements with manufacturers, suppliers and wholesale markets aligned to participants’ industries and business interests where practical, factory visits and market engagements will be tailored to individual sourcing requirements. This will ensure every participant derives maximum commercial value from the experience. Through business networking sessions, supplier meetings and logistics consultations, participants will gain practical insights and valuable connections to help them identify new sourcing opportunities, strengthen supply chains and unlock sustainable business growth.

Speaking on the programme, Dennis Njau, Group Director, Retail Banking, NCBA, said: “Today’s businesses must think beyond borders to remain competitive. Access to the right markets, suppliers and strategic partnerships can be the difference between sustaining growth and unlocking the next phase of expansion. Through the China Market Linkage Programme, we are giving our customers practical exposure to one of the world’s leading manufacturing ecosystems while connecting them with opportunities that can create lasting value for their businesses. This reflects our purpose of Banking on Belief, Empowering Ambitions by supporting entrepreneurs with not only financing solutions, but also the networks, knowledge and market access they need to succeed.”

In addition to international market exposure, participants will have access to NCBA’s comprehensive suite of business banking solutions, including Trade Finance, Foreign Exchange, Treasury solutions and Business Trip Financing, enabling them to act on opportunities identified during the programme with confidence.

The programme is open to Commercial and SME businesses across sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, wholesale and retail, construction, hospitality, electronics, furniture, textiles and consumer goods. Whether seeking new suppliers, exploring innovative products or strengthening international supply chains, the programme has been designed to deliver practical business outcomes that extend well beyond the trip itself.

Interested participants can register through their NCBA Relationship Manager or Branch Manager. Registration is now open, with a non-refundable 50 per cent deposit required to secure participation. Applications are set to close on 7 August 2026, subject to availability of slots.

As East African businesses continue to seek new avenues for growth and greater participation in global trade, NCBA remains committed to creating opportunities that empower entrepreneurs to scale with confidence, build meaningful international partnerships and transform ambition into lasting business success.

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For media enquiries, please contact:

Nelly Wainaina | Group Director- Marketing, Communication and Citizenship | NCBA Nelly.Wainaina@ncbagroup.com  |Tel:   +254 711 056 444

About NCBA Group

NCBA Group is a full-service banking group providing a broad range of financial products and services to corporate, institutional, SME and consumer banking customers. NCBA Group operates a network of over 100 branches across five countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Ivory Coast. Serving over 60 million customers, the NCBA Group is the largest banking group in Africa by customer numbers. NCBA Bank Kenya PLC is one of the leading banks by assets. The Bank continues to play a key role in supporting Africa’s economic ambitions. The Bank is a Market Leader in Corporate Banking, Asset Finance, and Digital Banking.