Kenya Graduates First Cohort of Diploma in International Trade Professionals

Kenya has marked a significant milestone in its trade sector with the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the Diploma in International Trade program.

Speaking at the ceremony,Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) CEO Floice Mukabana emphasized the impact of the program in enhancing Kenya’s international trade capacity.

“This is a milestone not just for the graduates but for the nation’s trade sector as a whole,” Mukabana stated, commending the graduates’ commitment to strengthening Kenya’s trade landscape.

The diploma, launched in 2022 through a partnership between the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT), and KEPROBA, aims to equip professionals and SMEs with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate global markets. Kenya was selected alongside Ghana and Nigeria for this initiative, underscoring its potential as a key trade player in Africa.

The graduates have gained expertise in international trade finance, marketing, business environment, and distribution, crucial for advancing Kenya’s exports.

Mukabana acknowledged the program’s partners and sponsors for their role in ensuring high-quality, internationally accredited training.

KEPROBA Board Chair Strategic Committee Dr. Grace Kinya lauded the initiative as a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing Kenya’s trade agenda.

“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our graduates who understand the importance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving global market,” Kinya remarked.

She urged graduates to apply their expertise in trade facilitation, policy implementation, and international trade promotion, emphasizing that Kenya’s export sector needs forward-thinking professionals to bridge the gap between policy and practice.

KEPROBA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting trade capacity-building initiatives and working with stakeholders to position Kenya as a formidable force in international trade.

As Kenya strives for greater global trade competitiveness, these graduates are poised to be the driving force behind the country’s economic growth and export success.

Chartered Institute Expands African Trade Training, Calls for Lifelong Learning

Eugene Waluvengo, Africa Lead at the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, announced the Institute’s strategic expansion into Africa a region identified as critical for modernizing and profitable national trade.

Established 19 years ago in the UK, the Institute officially launched its African operations in July 2020 and further deepened its presence in 2022.

Waluvengo emphasized that Africa urgently needs skilled professionals in international trade.

“There are very few highly qualified international trade experts in Africa. Our goal is to fill this gap by offering comprehensive training in trade law, policy, and practical trade management,” he explained.

The Institute is collaborating with local universities to deliver specialized courses designed to meet the region’s growing demand for trade expertise.

Offering a range of qualifications from entry-level certificates to advanced diplomas and master’s degrees the Institute also provides professional membership and graduate services, including consulting for governments and international organizations.

Waluvengo highlighted that the Chartered Institute, recently granted a royal charter by King Charles, is committed to building a robust network of African trade professionals through initiatives such as a new database of qualified experts.In his remarks, Waluvengo called on participants to pursue continuous learning and to leverage their qualifications to create multiple streams of income, underscoring that their success will drive not only their personal careers but also Africa’s broader trade development.

As Africa faces the challenge of modernizing its trade practices, the Institute’s expansion marks a significant step toward fostering a new generation of skilled professionals who can contribute to a more dynamic and competitive global trade environment.

Joy Kiwango of the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) has lauded the Diploma in International Trade program for providing valuable skills crucial in streamlining trade processes and improving service delivery.

“At the heart of everything I do is service. This course was the perfect opportunity to sharpen my skills, ensuring I can offer solutions and be more efficient in my role,” Kiwango stated.

With over a decade of experience in trade facilitation, Kiwango emphasized the need for industry professionals to be well-versed in trade regulations and processes.

She recalled her early career challenges in understanding key trade terminologies, which this program helped to clarify.

“The course provided an in-depth understanding of international trade history, market entry strategies, global trade agreements, and the role of trade organizations. It has enhanced my appreciation of the strides made in trade facilitation, especially in digitizing services to improve efficiency,” she noted.

Kiwango shared a real-world example from her time in customer experience, where a delay in processing a crucial medical consignment at the International Postal Hub underscored the critical role of time efficiency in global trade.

“Such moments remind us that efficiency in trade is not just about profits it can be the difference between life and death. It is encouraging to see agencies digitizing services to reduce processing time and enhance trade facilitation,” she added.

She thanked the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT), and KEPROBA for their sponsorship and support in making the program accessible to professionals.

“This course has not only built our capacity but also opened doors for career advancement and trade development. We must now apply this knowledge to improve Kenya’s trade efficiency, reduce costs, and boost exports,” Kiwango urged.

She encouraged fellow graduates to share their expertise, enroll others in trade-related training, and leverage learning opportunities provided by ITC and other institutions.

As Kenya aims to expand its export sector projected to contribute 4.1 percent to GDP, collaboration between the government and private sector will be key in reducing trade barriers and enhancing competitiveness.

“We are now equipped to contribute to Kenya’s trade growth. Let’s use this knowledge to drive change and make our country a stronger player in global trade,” she stated.