Kenya stands as the economic powerhouse and gateway to the East African market serving a population of nearly 300 million across the East African Community (EAC). The tech savvy English speaking population, robust investment infrastructure and progressive economic policies have established the country as the natural entry point to this growing market. This pivotal status is further reinforced by the country’s coastline serving the broader East and Central Africa region.

Here is why you need to tap to this market;

1. Regional Economic Bloc

One of the main reasons why Kenya is the ideal entry point to this region is its membership in the regional economic blocs. African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) provide platforms to facilitate seamless trade across simplifying business operations for organisations expanding to East Africa.

This enhances the role as a trade conduit offering access to diverse consumer bases and providing investment opportunities. As a founding member of the East African Community (EAC), Kenya utilizes its strategic location and economic influence to drive integration initiatives and making it easier for businesses established in Kenya to access the wider EAC market.

2. Infrastructure

Aside from the robust infrastructure the government has invested including the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba and the upcoming Konza Technopolis, the coastal city Mombasa is the home to the largest deep water seaport in East and Central Africa acting as the main entry point for goods. This strategic advantage allows Kenya to effectively distribute imports and exports targeting businesses.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projection of 5.1-5.6% by the Africa Development Bank Group has inspired businesses including Optiven Limited, the leading real estate in the region to further expand into the East Africa countries aligning itself with Kenya’s role as a gateway.

Optiven CEO, Dr. George Wachiuri, emphasizes Optiven is tapping to the growing infrastructure by developing real estate projects along major transportation corridors serving both commercial and residential needs.

“Our value addition concept has resonated throughout Africa, offering comprehensively developed properties with essential amenities.”

3. Thriving Innovative Economy

When you narrow down to the economy, you find pro-business policies, a youthful skilled workforce and a mobile penetration rate of over 85% attracting significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). This innovation-driven culture has earned the country the nickname “Silicon Savannah” with mobile payments like M-Pesa revolutionizing financial inclusion that caters for both urban and rural consumers. This makes Kenya not just a transit point but also a significant consumer market in its own right.

As regional integration deepens through the establishment of regional headquarters and advancement of infrastructure continues, organizations like Optiven who have capitalized on the advantage are positioned to tap to the collective potential of 300 million consumers that drive sustainable growth.

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