Nairobi is currently buzzing with an unprecedented showcase of entrepreneurship and cultural exchange, as women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Kenya and Tunisia converge for the inaugural Tunisian Food and Handcrafts Expo. Running from June 16 to 18, this pioneering three-day event at the heart of Kenya's capital marks a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two vibrant African nations. Beyond merely exhibiting products, the expo aims to forge new business partnerships, encourage investment, and lay the groundwork for deeper, more unified continental trade.
During the expo's opening ceremony, Tunisia's Ambassador to Kenya, Anouar Ben Youssef, articulated the profound significance of the initiative. He emphasized that the expo serves as a dual platform: celebrating Tunisia’s rich cultural heritage while simultaneously propelling economic cooperation to new heights. “Today, we celebrate not just the richness of Tunisian culture but the boundless potential of Tunisia-Kenya economic synergy,” Ambassador Youssef stated. “This Expo is meant to promote Tunisian products, facilitate business partnerships with Kenyan actors, encourage investment, and establish connections with strategic partners.”
The Ambassador's optimism is rooted in tangible growth. Bilateral trade between Kenya and Tunisia has shown remarkable expansion, rising to an impressive $28.5 million (approximately KSh 3.54 billion) in 2024, a substantial increase from $18 million (KSh 2.34 billion) recorded in 2023. A key driver of this surge has been Tunisia's emergence as Kenya's leading exporter of olive oil. In 2024, Tunisia supplied 388 tonnes of olive oil to Kenya, valued at $2 million (KSh 260 million), fulfilling a remarkable 79% of Kenya's total olive oil demand. This highlights a clear market demand and Tunisia's capacity to meet it, fostering a vital trade corridor.
A core ethos of the expo is the critical role of women in economic development. Ambassador Youssef underscored this, noting the strong presence of women entrepreneurs in both nations. “In Tunisia, women lead 25 per cent of startups and dominate sectors like agribusiness and handicrafts,” he highlighted. Kenya, celebrated as a pioneer in women’s empowerment across Africa, boasts an even more striking statistic: approximately 50% of its SMEs are owned by women.
Recognizing this immense potential, Youssef stressed the necessity of initiatives like this expo to enhance relationships between businesswomen. He proposed the creation of a "Tunisia-Kenya Women Business Network"—a visionary concept designed to connect women entrepreneurs for vital mentorship opportunities and expanded market access. Such a network would provide invaluable support, enabling women-led businesses to overcome common barriers and scale their operations across borders.
Representing the Kenyan government, Ambassador Dennis Mburu, Deputy Director General of Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lauded the initiative. He expressed profound optimism for deeper collaboration, articulating a shared vision for Africa. “This expo is more than a showcase of food and handicrafts. It is a platform that reflects our shared vision as African nations: a vision of innovation, entrepreneurship, and unity,” Amb. Mburu stated. He extended a warm invitation to Tunisian investors, encouraging them to explore Kenya's vibrant sectors, particularly in agro-processing, food production, and artisanal industries, which align perfectly with the focus of the expo.
