By Steve El Sabai

Kenya Export Promotion & Branding Agency (KEPROBA) has inked a strategic partnership with DHL Group aimed at empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to become export ready. The collaboration focuses on equipping entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills crucial for global competitiveness, particularly in export processes, compliance, and market access strategies.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, KEPROBA Chief Executive Officer Floice Mukabana emphasized the pressing need to bridge gaps that hinder SMEs from fully tapping into global markets. She noted that despite their immense potential, SMEs account for less than 15 percent of Kenya’s exports. “This partnership addresses critical challenges including access to last mile delivery, warehousing, and fulfillment centers abroad, factors that are key in scaling cross border trade,” said Mukabana, adding that empowering SMEs to go global is at the heart of KEPROBA’s mandate.

On his part, DHL Express Kenya Managing Director Paul Makolosi hailed the agreement as a transformative step that will enhance SMEs’ capacity to compete in international trade. “This initiative is about more than training, it is about ensuring SMEs can actively participate in the global marketplace, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for communities,” he said.

DHL Supply Chain Chief Executive Donavan Brent highlighted the economic importance of SMEs, noting they provide over 60 percent of employment and contribute up to 40 percent of GDP in many African countries. He stressed that SMEs are critical to innovation, job creation, and economic resilience.

Pramod Bagalwadi of DHL Global Forwarding added that the partnership deepens DHL’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship across Africa, stating that by equipping SMEs with the right tools and knowledge, the program will strengthen Africa’s export competitiveness.

This partnership supports Kenya’s agenda to accelerate SME growth as a driver of national development and leverages opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Combining KEPROBA’s expertise with DHL’s global reach, the collaboration will roll out capacity building programs, trade facilitation tools, and sustainable financing options.

The initiative is expected to create tangible pathways for SMEs to scale both within Africa and globally, contributing to economic diversification and long term prosperity.

Kenyan SMEs are set for a global push! KEPROBA and DHL have signed a strategic deal to equip entrepreneurs with essential export skills, unlocking new opportunities in international trade and fostering sustainable economic growth.