The Kenya Industrialization Conference, commemorating African Industrialization Week, officially commenced at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). It united industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and stakeholders committed to advancing Kenya and Africa’s industrial future. The two-day event, organized by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, alongside the week-long Chamgamka Festival, underscores Kenya’s ambition to become a competitive global manufacturing hub.
This year’s theme, “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa’s Structural Transformation,” reflects the strategic focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices in the manufacturing sector. The conference features key sessions, including expert panel discussions and interactive workshops on AI’s role in manufacturing, green industrial practices, and policy reforms to drive industrial growth.
As Kenya aims to increase its manufacturing GDP contribution to 20% by 2030, this Kenya Industrialization Conference emphasizes policy advocacy, green innovation, and the adoption of AI as catalysts for sustainable industrial growth. It is poised to be a significant milestone, bringing together stakeholders to collaborate on strategies to position Kenya and Africa as a leader in global manufacturing.
“The Ministry is proud to co-host the 7th edition of the Changamka Festival and 2nd edition of Kenya Industrialization Conference. The conference presents a unique opportunity to examine the manufacturing sector, address present challenges, and offer practical solutions for advancing our manufacturing agenda. With manufacturing at the heart of Kenya’s long-term economic transformation, we are committed to strengthening this sector as a central pillar of national development, aiming to increase its GDP contribution from 7.6% to 20% by 2030.”
Prof. Erastus Gatebe,
PhD, MBS, Industrialization Secretary, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Investment,
Trade, and Industry.
KAM Vice Chairperson, Hitesh Mediratta, emphasized the crucial role of AI and sustainable practices in transforming Kenya’s manufacturing landscape. “We aim to make Kenya a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. AI and green industrialization are not just tools; they are essential pathways for Kenya’s sustainable growth,” he noted, highlighting KAM’s collaboration with government and academia to develop a skilled workforce ready for this AI-driven transformation.
The week’s activities follow the kickoff of the 7th Edition of the Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival, which began on November 5, 2024. This annual shopping festival showcases locally manufactured products, reinforcing the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative and boosting support for home-grown industries. The festival offers Kenyan consumers a chance to explore a wide array of quality local products, fostering national pride and strengthening the economy through domestic purchasing power.
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