NCBA Unveils Trade Finance Solutions to Help Kenyan SMEs Tap Global Markets

NCBA has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenyan businesses to compete in regional and international markets by convening its SME Exporters Forum, which brought together government, the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), development partners, exporters and industry stakeholders to explore practical solutions that will strengthen Kenya’s export ecosystem and unlock new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

During the forum, participants were also taken through NCBA’s integrated Trade Finance and Global Markets solutions, designed to support businesses across the export journey. The solutions provide exporters with access to trade financing, working capital and transaction support, alongside foreign exchange, hedging and market intelligence solutions that help businesses manage cross-border trade and currency exposure and make informed decisions as they pursue new markets.

The forum comes at a pivotal time for Kenya’s trade agenda. While the country’s merchandise exports grew by more than 10 per cent in 2024 to exceed KSh1.1 trillion, the KNBS Economic Survey 2026 indicates Kenya’s merchandise trade deficit widened to approximately KSh1.65 trillion in 2025, highlighting the need to strengthen export competitiveness, increase value addition and support more businesses to access international markets. At the same time, expanding opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), existing trade agreements with the European Union and the United States, and China’s decision to grant approximately 98.2 per cent zero-duty market access for eligible Kenyan products under the Early Harvest Agreement are creating new pathways for Kenyan exporters.

Speaking during the forum, NCBA Group Director, Retail Banking, Dennis Njau, said Kenya’s next phase of economic growth will be driven by businesses that can compete confidently beyond the country’s borders. “Kenya does not lack products the world wants. Our task now is to ensure more Kenyan businesses have what they need to take those products to the world. Access to markets creates opportunity, but businesses also need financing, trade expertise and trusted partnerships to convert that opportunity into sustainable growth. That is where NCBA comes in,” he said.

Njau noted that while market opportunities continue to expand, businesses require more than access to markets to succeed. “At NCBA, we believe every export journey begins with belief. But belief alone is not enough. It must be matched with capability through access to finance, working capital, foreign exchange solutions and strong partnerships. Through our purpose of Banking on Belief. Empowering Ambitions., we are committed to helping Kenyan businesses compete confidently on the global stage.”

Echoing the importance of collaboration, (KEPROBA Rep) said partnerships remain critical to unlocking Kenya’s export potential. “Kenya’s export ambitions will only be realised through strong partnerships between government, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector. Together, we can equip SMEs with the market access, financing and support they need to compete globally and unlock greater value for the country’s economy.”

The forum highlighted the importance of a collaborative export ecosystem that equips SMEs with the financing, knowledge and market linkages needed to grow beyond domestic markets. Guided by its Ubuntu philosophy “I am because we are” NCBA reaffirmed that export success depends on collaboration across the entire value chain.

As part of its continued commitment to supporting exporters, NCBA will later this year host its annual China Market Linkage Programme, connecting Kenyan businesses with buyers, suppliers and strategic partners in one of the world’s largest trading economies.

Through its purpose of Banking on Belief. Empowering Ambitions, NCBA continues to partner with businesses, communities and institutions to unlock opportunities that drive sustainable economic growth and create lasting impact across Kenya and the region.

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