NCBA opens China market linkage programme for East African SMEs
Participants of the NCBA 2025 China Tour during a Glass factory visit in Upper Foshan.
NCBA has launched the 2026 China Market Linkage and Business Exposure Programme, opening applications to commercial and SME customers across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda as it seeks to help businesses tap into China’s vast manufacturing and trading ecosystem.
The bank announced that the 12-day business immersion programme will take more than 100 entrepreneurs to Beijing and Guangzhou between October 13 and 24, 2026, providing direct access to manufacturers, suppliers, wholesale markets and global trade networks.
Programme expands across East Africa
Unlike previous editions, this year’s programme has been expanded beyond Kenya for the first time, allowing Commercial and SME Banking customers from four East African countries to participate.
The initiative builds on the success of the inaugural programme, which attracted 100 participants, and forms part of NCBA’s strategy to support entrepreneurs beyond conventional banking by providing international market access, business networks and supply chain opportunities.
Speaking during the launch, NCBA Group Director for Retail Banking Dennis Njau said businesses must increasingly look beyond domestic markets to remain competitive.
“Today’s businesses must think beyond borders to remain competitive. Access to the right markets, suppliers and strategic partnerships can be the difference between sustaining growth and unlocking the next phase of expansion,” Njau said.
“Through the China Market Linkage Programme, we are giving our customers practical exposure to one of the world’s leading manufacturing ecosystems while connecting them with opportunities that can create lasting value for their businesses.”
China remains key trading partner
The programme comes as trade between East Africa and China continues to grow.
According to the East African Community, China remained the region’s largest trading partner in 2025, with exports to China reaching USD24 billion while imports stood at USD20.3 billion.
In Kenya, imports from China increased by 16.5 per cent to KSh671.25 billion in 2025, accounting for nearly a quarter of the country’s total import bill and reinforcing China’s position as one of Kenya’s biggest sourcing and manufacturing partners.
Participants will visit advanced manufacturing facilities and industrial parks in Beijing before attending the internationally recognised Canton Fair in Guangzhou. They will also hold business-to-business meetings with manufacturers, suppliers and logistics providers, with factory visits tailored to participants’ industries and sourcing needs.
Support beyond the trip
NCBA said entrepreneurs participating in the programme will also have access to the bank’s trade finance, foreign exchange, treasury services and business trip financing to help them implement opportunities identified during the visit.
The programme is open to businesses operating in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, hospitality, wholesale and retail, electronics, furniture, textiles and consumer goods.
Interested customers can register through their NCBA relationship or branch managers, with applications closing on August 7, 2026, subject to available slots. A non-refundable 50 per cent deposit is required to secure participation.
NCBA said the initiative reflects its commitment to helping East African entrepreneurs build resilient supply chains, strengthen international partnerships and unlock sustainable business growth through greater participation in global trade.
