Absa Bank Flags Off 36 Kenyan SMEs for Exclusive Business Engagements in Estonia and Finland
Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Elizabeth Wasunna, Cleaning the Airwaves (CTA’s) Richard Njau, Golden Connections International CEO Makena Mathiu, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Estonia in Kenya Kadri Ayal and Housepital Physician Dr. Theo Wangata during the flagging off of Absa Business Club SMEs to Estonia and Finland for a 10 day business exchange trip.
The trip has been organized by Absa Bank in partnership with Golden Connections International.
Absa Bank Kenya has officially flagged off a delegation of 36 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for a high-level business engagement tour in Estonia and Finland, marking a significant step in fostering international trade and investment opportunities.
The 10-day trade mission, scheduled from February 15 to 25, 2025, is a collaboration between Absa Bank, Golden Connections International and the Estonian Embassy in Kenya.
The mission aims to connect Kenyan entrepreneurs with their European counterparts, unlocking new growth opportunities across key sectors such as ICT, manufacturing, healthcare, fintech and Industry.
Speaking on Tuesday at the flag-off event, Absa Bank Kenya’s Business Banking Director, Elizabeth Wasunna, underscored the importance of providing SMEs with access to global networks beyond financing.
“We are committed to empowering businesses to thrive by offering not just financial solutions but also the mentorship, resources and international partnerships they need to scale,” she stated.
She noted that SMEs contribute up to 40 percent of Kenya’s GDP and by facilitating this trade mission, Absa bank are reaffirming their dedication to helping them expand into new markets.
The initiative builds on previous trade discussions, including a visit by the Estonian Head of State in 2021, which reinforced a commitment to deepening Kenya-Estonia trade relations. Estonia, renowned for its cutting-edge digital economy and business-friendly environment, presents a strategic entry point for Kenyan businesses keen on penetrating European markets.
Making his remarks,Country Representative and Export Adviser at Enterprise Estonia Joel Karubiu emphasized the importance of fostering cross-border business collaborations.
“Estonia’s vibrant digital ecosystem offers vast opportunities for Kenyan businesses seeking to tap into the European market. This trip is an avenue for SMEs to explore investment opportunities, forge partnerships, and experience Estonia’s globally recognized e-governance system firsthand,” said Karubiu.
During the visit, the delegation will participate in industry-specific business-to-business (B2B) meetings, networking sessions, and seminars hosted by the Estonian Chamber of Commerce.
The itinerary also includes cultural exchanges, culinary experiences, and a visit to Finland’s capital, Helsinki, enhancing their understanding of the regional business landscape.
Absa Bank Kenya has been at the forefront of supporting SMEs through tailored financial solutions, capacity-building programs, and advisory services. The bank’s initiatives are designed to help businesses enhance their competitiveness, build resilience, and seize global market opportunities.
With a legacy spanning over a century, Absa Bank Kenya remains committed to driving economic growth by equipping enterprises with the necessary tools to scale and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
