Kenya and Finland Deepen Investment Ties in Historic Business Forum
Nairobi, Kenya – May 13, 2025
In a historic first visit to Kenya, His Excellency Dr. Alex Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, today led a high-level Finnish delegation to the Kenya-Finland Business Forum held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi. The event marked the first inaugural state visit by a Finnish President to Kenya, underscoring the deepening economic and diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The Finnish delegation, including H.E. Mr. Pirkka Tapiola, Ambassador of Finland to Kenya and Mr. Lassi Noponen, the Director General of Business Finland. The team was joined by senior Kenyan government officials led by Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry and Mr. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion. The forum brought together business leaders and investors from both nations to explore and strengthen avenues for enhanced trade and investment partnerships.
In his remarks, President Stubb emphasized Finland's commitment to fostering trustworthy and transparent partnerships adding that “Finland is a partner you can trust. We are anchored in solid legislation, strong compliance and a culture of transparency. That is why Finland is ranked the second least corrupt country in the world."
He also addressed the evolving global trade landscape, noting that "Traditional notions of free trade are under pressure especially from major economies like the United States. In such times, bilateral and multilateral agreements such as those under the European Union, which already has trade deals with over 70 countries, are more crucial than ever."
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, who also addressed the forum, reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a gateway to East and Central Africa and a leading investment destination on the continent. “Kenya’s same time zone with Finland is a natural advantage for doing business,” he said. “We offer investors access to a vibrant financial sector, special economic zones and generous tax incentives that can run up to 10 years.”
Highlighting Kenya’s innovation ecosystem, the CS noted: “Kenya is the biggest tech hub in Africa, home to M-PESA, a fintech solution that has revolutionized mobile money across the region. With access to a market of nearly 300 million people, we offer unmatched digital potential.”
The Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) delivered a comprehensive presentation that highlighted Kenya’s position as the sixth-largest economy in Africa, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The presentation underscored the country’s world-class logistics, robust renewable energy infrastructure and vibrant technology ecosystem.
It placed particular emphasis on the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in accelerating development especially in the transport and infrastructure sectors, which contribute 7.8% to the national GDP. Key flagship projects such as Konza Technopolis, Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, Tatu City and Northlands were cited as prime examples, all backed by investor-friendly policy and regulatory frameworks.
The forum featured keynote addresses, panel discussions and networking sessions, providing a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on investment opportunities, policy frameworks and collaborative ventures.
Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan Abubakar reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a predictable and competitive business environment. He noted that Kenya remains a launchpad for regional operations and is aggressively positioning itself as Africa’s green investment leader.
The Kenya-Finland Business Forum concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen bilateral ties, enhance trade relations and explore new frontiers for economic collaboration.