From the Left Puan Amnah Alshaari Founder and Vice president of Arab Malaysian Chamber Of Commerce, Mr. Peter Mutinda President of the Africa Asia Middle East Chamber of Commerce (AAMECC), Mrs. Nour Thabet Business Development Executive (AMCC)

The Arab Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCC) and the Africa Asia Middle East Chamber of Commerce – Kenya “(AAMECC)” met to strengthen economic ties between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Both chambers agreed to announce a strategic partnership, organize a virtual B2B session, and involve the Malaysian Ambassador to Kenya.

Key collaboration areas include import-export facilitation, Halal trade development, and support for digital Halal initiatives. A phased implementation plan was proposed, covering virtual referrals, travel support, and exclusive benefits for members and referred delegates.

Both chambers encouraged businesses to join as members to access trade opportunities, networking platforms, and logistical support. Next steps include circulating the collaboration announcement, scheduling the B2B meeting, and launching joint trade programs.

“AMCC & AAMECC”

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-mutinda-a5898311b

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Susan brings a wealth of experience and passion for empowering individuals and enterprises through financial education and digital inclusion. Her leadership will strengthen AAMECC’s mission of connecting continents and fostering sustainable economic growth across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

The post AAMECC Welcomes Ms. Susan Kay Sanna as Director of Virtual Asset Inclusion & Financial Literacy appeared first on Aamecc.

This recognition goes beyond a title — it represents a *strategic platform* for AAMECC to amplify its mission of bridging Africa, Asia, and the Middle East with global leadership networks.

As an official Community Partner, AAMECC will engage in shaping discussions on geopolitics, trade, technology, and sustainability, while providing exclusive access to our members.

To maximize this opportunity, AAMECC has secured 10 delegate slots at this invite-only event , offering unparalleled access to global leaders and decision-makers.

Interested in joining our official delegation? Apply here

The post AAMECC Partners with Reuters as Community Partner for NEXT Gulf 2025 — Strengthening Our Global Footprint appeared first on Aamecc.

The impact could be transformative, revitalizing rural livelihoods, boosting export revenues, and reshaping regional trade dynamics.

From fertile fields to global markets, Kenya stands at the cusp of unprecedented trade opportunities with China. These opportunities have the potential to unlock new growth pathways for farmers, industries, and the broader East African region.

In this insight piece, Florah Muthaura, PPP Expert & Corporate Strategist, Head of Risk, Compliance & Sustainability at Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC), and Board Director at the Africa Asia Middle East Chamber of Commerce (AAMECC), explores how strategic, economically focused engagement, free from political bias and centered purely on market potential, can catalyze export growth, job creation, and deeper regional integration.

Key Economic Benefits

Reducing the Trade Imbalance

In 2024, Kenya imported goods worth Kes. 576.14 billion from China, while exports stood at only Kes. 26.32 billion. By expanding exports of high-demand products such as tea, coffee, and avocados, especially through tariff exemptions, Kenya can narrow this trade gap, generate foreign exchange, and strengthen local production.

Access to a Vast Market

With a population of over 1.4 billion, China offers unparalleled market potential. Capturing even a small share of this market could significantly uplift farmer incomes, stimulate rural economies, and create long-term demand for Kenyan exports.

Job Creation and Rural Development

Growth in agricultural exports will catalyze employment across the value chain, from farming and processing to packaging, transport, and logistics. This ripple effect can generate thousands of jobs and enhance the resilience of rural communities.

Promote Industrial Growth and Value Addition

Local processing and packaging of export goods will enable Kenya to move up the value chain, increase profit margins, and align with national industrialization goals. This shift supports economic diversification and competitiveness.

Strengthening Regional Trade

A successful trade model with China can serve as a blueprint for similar agreements across East Africa, fostering a unified trade bloc with stronger bargaining power in global markets and promoting shared prosperity across the region.

The Role of AAMECC

• Facilitating Trade Partnerships – Connecting businesses to new markets.
• Building Export Capacity – Offering training on standards, packaging, branding, and market entry strategies.
• Policy Advocacy – Supporting streamlined trade policies and customs procedures.
• Promoting Investment & Value Addition – Encouraging joint ventures, technology transfer, and local processing.
• Market Intelligence & Research – Providing data-driven insights for better decision-making.
• Showcasing Success Stories – Highlighting impactful trade initiatives to inspire regional replication.

Conclusion

With strategic planning, investment in export capabilities, and strong regional collaboration, Kenya can turn these trade opportunities into a lasting driver of economic growth.

AAMECC stands ready to help member nations navigate and maximize such agreements, fostering prosperity across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

AAMECC – Connecting Markets. Creating Opportunities.

Which Kenyan product do you think has the biggest potential in the Chinese market?

The post Unlocking Economic Potential: Kenya, China Trade Opportunities for Regional Growth appeared first on Aamecc.

Data is information that has been collected, measured, or observed. It can take the form of

numbers, words, measurements, images, sounds, or even recorded observations—essentially,

any facts or statistics used for analysis.

In Africa, the absence of reliable data represents a significant barrier to content creation,

innovation, and overall development. This data gap affects every sector of the African

economy, from agriculture and health to manufacturing and finance.

Data plays a crucial role in identifying where resources are needed most—resources such as

time, finances, and intellectual capital. Without accurate and timely data, decision-makers

risk misallocating resources, which hinders development and delays meaningful progress

For investors, data is the foundation for assessing opportunities, understanding risks, and

making strategic marketing decisions. A lack of data creates major obstacles, limiting local

businesses, reducing competitiveness, and contributing to economic stagnation.

Technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), offers a promising solution for enhancing

data collection and analysis. However, as noted by Laurendea,s AI is not a cure-all; its

effectiveness depends heavily on the quality and accuracy of the data it processes.

Despite these challenges, AI also presents an opportunity: it can make African data more

accessible and actionable—allowing governments and investors to analyze trends, plan

effectively, and unlock the continent’s immense economic potential.

Africa’s potential for growth is undeniable, but realizing it depends on addressing the data

deficit. By improving data infrastructure and accessibility, the continent can create a

powerful foundation for investment, business development, and sustainable growth.

To fully realize this potential, collaboration is key between governments, private sector

players, development partners, and local communities. By investing in reliable data systems,

improving digital infrastructure, and empowering data-driven decision-making, Africa can

move from a position of uncertainty to one of strategic growth and innovation.

At AAMECC, we believe in the power of information-driven growth. We are committed to

supporting businesses and stakeholders with access to ls relevant market data, trade insights,

and networking opportunities across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

The future of Africa’s economy lies in the clarity of its data. Let’s bridge the gap together.

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The Evolution of Cross-Border Payments: Catalyzing Growth in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East

Every day, billions of dollars are transferred internationally. Families rely on remittances, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) depend on trade finance, and entrepreneurs aim to expand their reach beyond domestic markets. However, for many in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, the process of transferring funds continues to be slow, expensive, and disjointed. As a board member of AAMECC, I view this issue not merely as an obstacle but also as a chance for growth. With rapid advancements in financial technology, the landscape of cross-border payments is poised to transform how our regions engage in trade, investment, and development. Achieving success will necessitate collaboration between technology providers, financial markets policy, and entrepreneurship models like franchising.

1) The Current Landscape

• Africa, Asia, and the Middle East are some of the largest remittance and trade corridors globally.
• In 2023, remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa exceeded USD 50bn.
• The average transaction cost for remittances in Africa is 8%, which is far above the UN SDG target of 3%.
• Fragmented regulation, reliance on correspondent banking, and volatile FX are some of the factors that hinder progress in reducing transaction costs

2) Innovation & Digital Transformation

Fintech and digital infrastructure are changing the game: • Mobile money is driving inclusion in East Africa.

• Digital-first banks in the Middle East are speeding up settlements.
• Blockchain and stable coins promise lower costs and better transparency.

These aren’t just tools for moving money. They’re about unlocking participation in the global economy.

3) Empowering SMEs & Franchising

SMEs are the backbone of our economies and they depend on affordable, reliable cross border payments to scale.

• Faster settlements lead to easier supplier relationships.
• Lower FX costs make exports more competitive.
• Greater access increases confidence to expand across borders.

A significant avenue for growth is international franchising. By leveraging digital payments and streamlined foreign exchange management, companies in cities like Nairobi, Dubai, or Jakarta can easily duplicate and expand their operations internationally. The combination of franchising & payment solutions establishes a cross border entrepreneurship framework.

4) Policy, Regulation & Financial Markets Integration

Cross-border payments are influenced by the broader context of financial market policies:

• Foreign exchange regulations and capital controls in certain African markets restrict the repatriation of funds, while Gulf nations enjoy advantages from their dollar-pegged currencies.
• Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) are transforming trade dynamics and payment systems in the region.
• Central bank innovations such as Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot projects in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya demonstrate a growing momentum in policy development.

Without enabling FX regimes and regulatory frameworks, even the best technology cannot scale. Policy determines whether capital flows freely, efficiently, and fairly.

5) Currency Volatility & FX Risk Management

FX volatility continues to pose a significant threat for companies looking to expand regionally.

• The fluctuations in rates such as USD/GHS in Ghana, USD/TZS in Tanzania, and EUR/XOF EUR/XAF in Francophone region of Africa can severely impact (positively or negatively) profit margins.
• Central bank actions and IMF initiatives often influence these moves.
• Practical solutions like forwards, options, structured FX products, and liquidity partnerships enable SMEs and larger enterprises to hedge against risks and maintain their stability.

6) A Borderless Future

The future of payments is not just faster and cheaper but about inclusion, resilience, and entrepreneurship: Migrant workers sending money home instantly at near zero cost. SMEs settling invoices across continents in seconds. Franchises scaling seamlessly into new markets. Regional currencies stabilised by efficient hedging. This is the transformation within reach.

Conclusion

For Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, seamless cross-border payments will define the next chapter of growth. They will:

• Unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs.
• Empower SMEs to franchise globally.
• Channel remittances into engines of sustainable development.

At AAMECC, our goal is to link markets, encourage collaboration, and advocate for innovation. By harmonizing policy, technology, and entrepreneurship, businesses are creating not only a simpler method of transaction but also a more inclusive, borderless, and thriving future. 🚀 If money can move at the speed of a text message, why should borders slow it down? Curious to hear your thoughts.

The post The Evolution of Cross-Border Payments: Catalyzing Growth in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East appeared first on Aamecc.

The impact could be transformative, revitalizing rural livelihoods, boosting export revenues, and reshaping regional trade dynamics.

From fertile fields to global markets, Kenya stands at the cusp of unprecedented trade opportunities with China. These opportunities have the potential to unlock new growth pathways for farmers, industries, and the broader East African region.

In this insight piece, Florah Muthaura, PPP Expert & Corporate Strategist, Head of Risk, Compliance & Sustainability at Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC), and Board Director at the Africa Asia Middle East Chamber of Commerce (AAMECC), explores how strategic, economically focused engagement, free from political bias and centered purely on market potential, can catalyze export growth, job creation, and deeper regional integration.

Key Economic Benefits

Reducing the Trade Imbalance

In 2024, Kenya imported goods worth Kes. 576.14 billion from China, while exports stood at only Kes. 26.32 billion. By expanding exports of high-demand products such as tea, coffee, and avocados, especially through tariff exemptions, Kenya can narrow this trade gap, generate foreign exchange, and strengthen local production.

Access to a Vast Market

With a population of over 1.4 billion, China offers unparalleled market potential. Capturing even a small share of this market could significantly uplift farmer incomes, stimulate rural economies, and create long-term demand for Kenyan exports.

Job Creation and Rural Development

Growth in agricultural exports will catalyze employment across the value chain, from farming and processing to packaging, transport, and logistics. This ripple effect can generate thousands of jobs and enhance the resilience of rural communities.

Promote Industrial Growth and Value Addition

Local processing and packaging of export goods will enable Kenya to move up the value chain, increase profit margins, and align with national industrialization goals. This shift supports economic diversification and competitiveness.

Strengthening Regional Trade

A successful trade model with China can serve as a blueprint for similar agreements across East Africa, fostering a unified trade bloc with stronger bargaining power in global markets and promoting shared prosperity across the region.

The Role of AAMECC

• Facilitating Trade Partnerships – Connecting businesses to new markets.
• Building Export Capacity – Offering training on standards, packaging, branding, and market entry strategies.
• Policy Advocacy – Supporting streamlined trade policies and customs procedures.
• Promoting Investment & Value Addition – Encouraging joint ventures, technology transfer, and local processing.
• Market Intelligence & Research – Providing data-driven insights for better decision-making.
• Showcasing Success Stories – Highlighting impactful trade initiatives to inspire regional replication.

Conclusion

With strategic planning, investment in export capabilities, and strong regional collaboration, Kenya can turn these trade opportunities into a lasting driver of economic growth.

AAMECC stands ready to help member nations navigate and maximize such agreements, fostering prosperity across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

AAMECC – Connecting Markets. Creating Opportunities.

Which Kenyan product do you think has the biggest potential in the Chinese market?

Learn more about AAMECC at www.aamecc.org

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