Kenya Launches AIDA–AFCFTA Pilot Impact Assessment Report In Nairobi

Earlier today, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Economic Planning, Dr. Bonface B. Makokha, presided over the launch of the Pilot Impact Assessment Report for the Accelerated Industrial Development for Africa (AIDA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Kenya Country Report held at the Edge Conference Center in Nairobi.

The launch marks a key milestone in Kenya’s efforts to strengthen industrial development and deepen regional trade integration under the AfCFTA framework. It also aligns with the broader theme on the Outcomes of the Accelerated Industrial Development for Africa (AIDA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The pilot impact assessment was conducted across five countries, including Kenya, providing comparative insights to support regional implementation and policy coordination under the continental trade agenda.

In addition, at the core of the assessment is the objective of guiding evidence-based policy formulation and investment decisions to enhance Kenya’s competitiveness within Africa’s single market while advancing the country’s industrial transformation agenda.

PS Makokha noted that the report comes at a critical moment as Kenya and Africa move towards deeper economic integration, highlighting strong export potential in sectors such as agro-processing, tea, textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals, leather, horticulture, and manufacturing.

He emphasized the need for continued investment in industrial competitiveness, value addition, innovation, trade facilitation, logistics, and skills development to fully unlock opportunities under the continental market.

The Principal Secretary further highlighted ongoing Government investments in transport and logistics infrastructure, Special Economic Zones, Industrial Parks, digital transformation, and strategic trade corridors, noting that these initiatives are positioning Kenya as a regional hub for manufacturing, trade, and investment.

He called on all stakeholders including Government institutions, County Governments, the private sector, development partners, academia, and research institutions to collaborate in implementing the recommendations of the report.

Dr. Makokha commended AUDA-NEPAD, JICA, Boston Consulting Group, and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development/African Peer Review Mechanism (NEPAD/APRM) Kenya Secretariat for their support in undertaking the assessment and strengthening Kenya’s preparedness for AfCFTA implementation.

Present during the event were: The Principal Secretary, State Department of Trade Dr. Regina Ombam; Chief Executive Officer, NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat, Amb. Dr. Samori Okwiya; Head of Trade & Markets Units, AUDA-NEPAD, Dr. Mustaf Sakar; Development Partners; Representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies among other Senior Officials.