(NAIROBI) – Israel Launches Regional Trade Chamber to Deepen Economic Ties with South Sudan and East Africa
Israel has officially launched the East Africa-Israel Chamber of Commerce in Nairobi to promote deeper trade and economic cooperation with countries across the East African region, including South Sudan. The new chamber is expected to focus on key growth sectors such as agriculture, energy, water, digital health, cybersecurity, and financial technology.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Lotem, highlighted the East African region’s potential, particularly its youthful population, as a driving force for technology adoption and market growth. He said the new chamber would help bridge the gap between finance and innovation in the region.
“There are many opportunities in this region. This is an important one. We look forward to bridging technology with finance,” Ambassador Lotem stated.
The chamber aims to create a connected and dynamic business environment that supports economic development and international cooperation between Israel and East African countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Malawi, Seychelles, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.
Pauline Arunga, Economic Affairs Officer at the Israeli Embassy in Nairobi, described the new chamber as a “catalyst” for boosting trade and investment. She explained that its establishment would help strengthen existing ties between Israel and individual countries, as well as enhance regional business collaboration.
“It will be a catalyst to boost trade between Kenya and Israel as well as a platform of connection of business relations in the region. Not only between Kenya and Israel but the entire Africa as well,” said Arunga.
Frank Mwiti, CEO of the Nairobi Securities Exchange and a key figure behind the initiative, said the chamber was intentionally designed with a regional scope in mind. He emphasised that the economic opportunities extend well beyond Kenya to the broader East African region.
“The opportunities that exist exceed beyond Kenya but the greater East Africa region. We needed to fashion a chamber that speaks to the whole region,” Mwiti said.
The East Africa-Israel Chamber of Commerce is expected to provide businesses with market intelligence, data driven investment insights, and advisory support. It will also act as a strategic link for investors and companies seeking to explore emerging opportunities in East Africa.
South Sudan, among the countries listed as key partners, stands to benefit from the chamber’s efforts to strengthen regional trade networks and attract investment in areas like agriculture and digital infrastructure. With a youthful population and developing economy, South Sudan is likely to be among the target beneficiaries of Israel’s innovation led partnerships in the region.
The chamber will also serve as a successor to the Africa-Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC), which was previously tasked with promoting pan-African trade relations with Israel. Unlike the AICC, the new East Africa-focused chamber is tailored to respond more effectively to local needs and business dynamics, especially by engaging the region’s growing youth demographic.