The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has announced the successful completion of Phase 2 of the Study Tour on Small Commodity Market Construction for Developing Countries, held in China from November 1–6, 2025.
The programme, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and organised by Zhejiang Normal University, brought together participants from ten developing nations to explore the country’s evolving small commodity markets and industrial ecosystem.
Kenya’s delegation was led by KNCCI Women in Business Chairlady, Ms. Zainab Mohammed, who served as Team Leader. She was joined by Alice Wanjiku, Director of the Nairobi Chapter; Andrew Laekono, Chair of the Samburu Chapter; and Laura Kandie, Director of the Elgeyo Marakwet Chapter. The delegation also included KNCCI members Michael Omino from DTB Bank and Leon Mbugua of Game Stream Ltd.
Over the six-day visit, delegates participated in an immersive study programme spanning four key Chinese cities offering valuable insights into China’s trade, manufacturing, and innovation sectors.
In Yiwu, known globally as the “World’s Supermarket,” participants explored how China developed its small commodity markets into an international trade powerhouse. Delegates attended lectures and visited trading hubs to examine digital market management systems, multilingual trade platforms, and cross-border e-commerce strategies that have driven Yiwu’s success.
In Hangzhou, the group observed the city’s integration of education, culture, and digital innovation. Visits to Wansong Academy and Dream Town showcased advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) for trade promotion and the use of analytics tools like the Yiwu Index to guide business decisions.
In Shanghai, discussions focused on how China has turned intangible cultural heritage into a commercial driver to support rural development. Participants noted the model’s potential to inspire Kenyan women entrepreneurs and artisans seeking to scale creative enterprises.
In Jinyun and Yongkang, the delegation toured advanced manufacturing facilities and participated in trade roundtables with local business federations. These engagements opened new prospects for economic partnerships and technology transfer between Kenya and China.
As Team Leader, Ms. Zainab championed Kenya’s private sector, highlighting opportunities in small-scale manufacturing, creative industries, and cross-border e-commerce. She emphasised the need for innovation, stronger market linkages, and value addition to boost competitiveness among Kenyan businesses.
Speaking during the programme’s closing session, Ms. Zainab thanked the Ministry of Commerce of China and Zhejiang Normal University for promoting collaboration between developing nations. “This study tour was more than just a learning experience — it was an eye-opener on how innovation, structure, and strong market linkages can transform small enterprises into global players. KNCCI will ensure that these lessons translate into actionable programs for our members, especially women in business and SMEs,” she said.
Ms. Zainab confirmed that KNCCI’s Women in Business Committee will introduce several initiatives based on the insights gained from the study tour. Planned activities include workshops on market access and trade logistics for small-scale traders, digital commerce training to boost export readiness, cultural enterprise development programmes for local artisans, and partnership forums with Chinese enterprises and other participating nations.
Through these efforts, KNCCI aims to enhance Kenya’s capacity for international trade, improve the competitiveness of small businesses, and expand the participation of women entrepreneurs in global markets.
The Seminar on Small Commodity Market Construction for Developing Countries highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between emerging economies. For KNCCI, the tour represents a significant step in advancing South–South cooperation and promoting inclusive economic growth across regions.
