Kenyan Diaspora Gathers for Landmark US Trade Summit

The Kenyan diaspora in the United States has organized a trade and investment summit for diaspora business groups, government officials, and Kenyans seeking opportunities in America.

The 2024 Diaspora Trade and Investment Summit scheduled for September 27 and 28 in Minneapolis is a collaborative effort by Kenyans in America and the Association of Kenyan Diaspora Organisations, Inc (AKDOi). This two-day summit themed "Leveraging the Diaspora – The Frontier Gateway for Partnership and Growth," confirms the critical role of the diaspora community in driving economic growth and fostering partnerships. The event will bring together business leaders and government officials to engage with the Kenyan immigrant community in the US, exploring opportunities for collaboration and investment. AKDOi President David Ochwangi emphasizes the summit's importance as a platform to showcase progress, partner with the government and businesses, and advance economic growth, trade, investments, governance, and culture.

The gathering will also celebrate Kenyans and Africans who have made notable contributions to their communities and facilitate discussions on enhancing trade and investment between Kenya and the US. The Kenyan diaspora plays a crucial role in the country's economic, political, and social progress. Annual remittances from Kenyans abroad amount to billions of dollars, serving as a major economic driver, stabilizing foreign exchange rates, and reducing the balance of trade deficit. Despite these significant contributions, the diaspora community often feels marginalized due to their physical distance from the country and limited government support. The summit will address various topics of mutual interest including governance, banking, healthcare, tourism, the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), real estate, public infrastructure, women and youth empowerment, and diaspora representation.

These discussions aim to tackle challenges faced by the diaspora community and explore ways to enhance their contributions to Kenya's development. Ochwangi reiterates the need for meaningful and sustained business engagements between Kenya, diaspora entrepreneurs, and government leaders, describing the diaspora as a crucial missing link in the development equation. Notable individuals will be recognized for their contributions to society during the summit including Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee. Keynote speakers will include prominent figures such as Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu.

The Minneapolis Marriott Northwest will host the event providing an ideal setting for networking, learning, and collaboration. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and industry experts to explore opportunities for trade and investment within the diaspora community and beyond. The summit is expected to attract a diverse group of participants from across the United States and will serve as a platform to showcase the progress made by the diaspora community and highlight the potential for future growth and collaboration. In addition to formal discussions and presentations, the summit will feature various networking sessions in a bid to foster connections and potential partnerships among attendees.