Kenya is positioning itself as a gateway to markets representing up to $75 trillion in combined GDP, as it seeks to unlock $2 billion in investment commitments in a single day at the Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO) 2026.
- •According to John Mwendwa, CEO of Invest Kenya, the headline $2 billion target reflects over 12 to 18 months of structured deal preparation, not spontaneous pledges.
- •The conference pipeline includes large-ticket infrastructure projects alongside bankable opportunities in priority sectors.
“Investments don’t happen overnight — it’s a journey. What we are showcasing at KIICO would be something that has happened over the last 12 to 18 months minimum,” he said in an interview with The Kenyan Wall Street.
Kenya’s Foreign Direct Investment inflows rose from $1.5 billion in 2022 to $1.88 billion in 2023, with projections indicating that 2025 FDI could exceed $2 billion even before KIICO-linked announcements are factored in.
The $75 Trillion Gateway
The $75 trillion figure does not represent Kenya’s GDP. Rather, it reflects the combined GDP of markets accessible through Kenya’s trade architecture — including the East African Community, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area, as well as trade agreements with the EU, UK and preferential access to the US under AGOA.
- •Kenya continues to lead Africa in startup funding, accounting for over 30% of the continent’s tech capital for three consecutive years. ICT, BPO, and innovation-led sectors remain central to the investment narrative.
- •Agribusiness and agro-processing are drawing significant attention, particularly from Middle Eastern markets such as the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where food security remains a strategic priority.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s power mix — 93% renewable — strengthens its appeal to global investors operating under ESG mandates.
Mwendwa described investment as a balance between risk and reward, pointing to macroeconomic stabilization, inflation hovering around 4%, and Kenya’s predictable five-year electoral cycle as evidence of institutional maturity.
