Event report
Doing Business in Kenya Seminar
Opportunities for Collaboration in Tourism, Agribusiness, Innovation and Tech between Kenya and Mayotte!
Today's Doing Business in Kenya Seminar showcased the immense potential for collaboration across tourism, agriculture, innovation, and tech. Hosted in partnership with ADIM - Agence de Développement et D'Innovation de Mayotte, Business France and KNCCI, the event was a testament to the vibrant partnership between these two regions.
Our Chairman, Othmane CHAOUI, opened the seminar, highlighting Kenya’s growing role as a hub for innovation and emphasizing the importance of leveraging initiatives like the Daraja Program to strengthen ties between Kenya and Mayotte.
Mamadou KONATE, Executive Director of ADIM, shared Mayotte’s business-friendly environment and focus on sustainability and biodiversity, positioning itself as a gateway for Kenyan businesses to expand into EU markets.
Lucy Muchoki, Director at KNCCI, reinforced the need for Kenyan businesses to explore new markets in Mayotte, particularly in the blue economy and agriculture sectors.
Didier Daniel, Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mayotte, emphasized the Chamber’s role in fostering innovation and supporting long-term partnerships between businesses in Mayotte and Kenya.
We had pitching sessions with Mayotte companies presenting innovative solutions in aviation, sustainable construction, baobab-based products, tourism, IT, TV & transport, with companies like Mayotte Fly Services, Mayotte Ingénierie Energies, MBUYU, Baobab Tour Mayotte , 2NZENA Studio, ITH Data Center, Issoufali Travel Agency, IRD Institute, Uzuri Wa Dziya, Groupe Ekwali Nutrition Animale - AVM, Maestria Recruitment and Relocation, and R-SEA Transit showcasing their expertise.
Laure Paugam, our Executive Director, moderated three panels and provided valuable insights into Kenya’s potential as a leader in eco-tourism, agriculture, and technology, urging both regions to work together to create a sustainable future.
Tourism & Hospitality Panel: Here we explored Kenya’s strengths in eco-tourism and wellness, with Elma Labuschagne (Fairmont), Delphine-Marie Paquet (East African Eco Adventures), and Raheena Din(Blueberry Travel) discussing the demand for sustainable and affordable travel experiences.
Food Security & Trade Panel: Sarah Benhamo (Victory Farms), Kyle Denning (KenTaste), Jane Wanjohi (Arriana Exports), and Khalidh Khan (Fenesi Growers) shared strategies for enhancing food security and expanding trade, focusing on infrastructure, value addition, and empowering farmers.
Innovation & Tech Panel: Victor Otieno Agolla (Viffa Consult ), Michael Mbae (La French Tech Nairobi), Kosen Kenta (Antler), and Clément Martineau (iXAfrica Data Centres) discussed Kenya’s thriving tech ecosystem, with insights into startup funding, global collaboration, and data solutions.
This seminar reinforced the immense opportunities for collaboration between Kenya and Mayotte, driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
