Event report
French Week Day #3: Business Environment Day
Investment & Infrastructure
On the last day of French Week 2024, we delved into Investment and Infrastructure. Opening doors to new opportunities and building stronger economic bridges between France and Kenya. This impactful final day was packed with insights and initiatives designed to foster robust collaboration in key sectors.
Our Executive Director Laure Paugam kicked off the final day of French Week, thanking all our esteemed partners for their invaluable support and welcoming an inspiring lineup of speakers to discuss infrastructure, investment and collaboration.
Othmane CHAOUI our Chairman, highlighted the importance of creating a prosperous ecosystem through the EU Kenya EPA, with today’s agenda set to tackle challenges and ignite new opportunities, starting with dynamic pitches from companies supported by Bpifrance and Business France. In his remarks, Othmane emphasized that #TunajengaMadaraja between Kenya and Mayotte, highlighting the growing potential for trade partnerships between the two regions.
Keynote Speaker Alfred Ombudo K'Ombudo, Principal Secretary, State Department for Trade: Mr. K’Ombudo commended FCCK and key partners such as the French Embassy, Bpifrance, KNCCI, and KEPSA, for their collaborative spirit. He underscored the role of the EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which took effect on July 1st, in driving sustainable trade, advancing SME growth, and deepening bilateral ties.
The mid-morning session brought together industry leaders for an insightful roundtable on the investment outlook in Kenya and East Africa, showcasing high-growth sectors and strategic priorities for sustainable development. Moderated by Njeri Wagacha, Partner at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc: The roundtable kicked off with a focus on enhancing access to credit and finance for SMEs to build stronger investment foundations across the region.
We wrapped up French Week 2024 with a compelling discussion on infrastructure development in Kenya and East Africa, moderated by Amyn Mussa, Partner at ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna. This session underscored the importance of collaboration, innovative financing, and sustainable practices to bridge the region’s infrastructure gaps.
As French Week 2024 comes to a close, we hope the insights, discussions, and connections made throughout the week pave the way for stronger partnerships and impactful collaborations.
We would like to thank all our moderators, panelists, and attendees for making this day a success.
Special thanks to our Sponsors and Partners for supporting us in this journey!
Africa Global Logistics * TotalEnergies *EDF *RUBIS Energy Kenya * Forvis Mazars* Novotel Nairobi Westlands *IBL Together * Farm'Innov * Agence française de développement in Eastern Africa * BPIFrance * Business France * Proparco* Kipeto Energy PLC* CFAO Mobility Kenya* Lifecare International* Egis * Caetano Kenya
