Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Kenya is set to benefit from a Sh13.7 billion (£80 million) investment from the United Kingdom, aimed at boosting electric mobility and supporting trade finance, in a move that signals deeper economic ties between the UK and East Africa.
The investment, announced at the just-concluded East Africa Trade and Investment Forum (EATIF) in Nairobi, is spearheaded by British International Investment (BII) and Standard Chartered Bank. A key portion, Sh650 million (USD 5 million), will go towards expanding electric motorbike infrastructure in Kenya, while the rest will support trade finance across Kenya and Tanzania.
The Sh13 billion (USD 100 million) trade finance facility will help de-risk cross-border and domestic trade, making finance more accessible for local businesses and increasing the availability of essential goods and services.
“This initiative qualifies for the ‘2x Challenge,’ which advances gender equality and women’s economic empowerment,” said the British High Commission in a statement. Launched in 2018 by the G7, the 2x Challenge promotes investments that support women-owned and -led enterprises in developing countries.
The investment is expected to finance over Sh58.5 billion (USD 450 million) in trade volumes, supporting female-led businesses, job creation, and leadership opportunities for women.
On the green mobility front, BII’s Sh650 million investment will support ARC Ride’s rollout of 5,000 electric motorbikes and the expansion of battery-swapping infrastructure, reducing reliance on petrol-powered motorcycles. This initiative is projected to cut over 100,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
“By backing innovative projects like electric motorbikes and improving trade finance, we’re addressing the region’s most critical needs,” said Chris Chijiutomi, BII’s Managing Director and Head of Africa. “This supports businesses that are the backbone of these economies while driving inclusive, sustainable growth.”
The forum, organized by DMA Invest and the East Africa Association in partnership with the UK government, brought together stakeholders from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. UK Minister for Africa Lord Collins and Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion Abubakar Hassan Abubakar were among the key attendees.
“Kenya provides Africa’s leading value proposition for private capital,” said PS Abubakar, calling for greater regional economic integration.
Lord Collins emphasized the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership: “With better regulation and resilience, we’re laying the foundation for job creation and mutual growth.”
