NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 2 – More than 100 businesses from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda are set to explore Chinese markets this month as East African firms seek to expand beyond sourcing goods from the world’s manufacturing hub.

The businesses will participate in NCBA’s China Market Linkage & Business Exposure Programme from October 13 to 24, with visits planned for Beijing and Guangzhou.

The programme will expose participants to manufacturers, suppliers and industrial facilities while providing opportunities to explore technology, supply-chain partnerships and potential export markets.

“Businesses need more than financing to compete in an increasingly interconnected world. They need access to knowledge, technology, markets, networks and the right partnerships,” said NCBA Group Director, Retail Banking Dennis Njau.

“Through this programme, we are providing our customers with practical exposure to one of the world’s most dynamic trading ecosystems while creating opportunities that can translate into tangible business growth and long-term business relationships.”

The delegation will also attend the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, where businesses are expected to engage potential suppliers and buyers across sectors including manufacturing, agribusiness, electronics, construction, automotive, renewable energy and technology.

For East African companies, the China relationship has traditionally been dominated by imports, with the region buying significantly more from China than it sells to the Asian market.

The programme comes on the back of regional governments seeking to increase exports and attract investment and technology from China, while businesses look for ways to improve productivity and reduce supply-chain costs.

In Kenya, the government has been pursuing greater access to the Chinese market under the Kenya-China Early Harvest Agreement, which provides preferential access for eligible Kenyan exports.

The businesses will also explore international trade, logistics, sourcing and market-entry processes during the 12-day programme.

The lender said it will provide participating firms with access to trade finance, working capital, foreign exchange and other banking services as they pursue opportunities identified during the visit.

The initiative brings together businesses from four East African markets, potentially creating new regional networks for firms seeking to source, manufacture or distribute products across borders.