SRI LANKA EXPO 2027 BRIEFING SESSION HELD IN NAIROBI TO STRENGTHEN SRI LANKA–KENYA TRADE AND INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS
The first briefing session on Sri Lanka Expo 2027 was held on 25 September 2026 at Britam Towers, Nairobi, bringing together approximately 180 participants representing the Government of Kenya, business chambers, investment and trade promotion agencies, financial institutions, logistics and technology sectors, and the private sector from Kenya and Sri Lanka.
The briefing session was organised by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Nairobi, in partnership with Equity Bank Kenya, as part of the High Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and deepen trade, investment and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Kenya.
The event was headed by Ms. Ruvini De Silva, Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Kenya, and featured the participation of H.E. Njoroge Muchiri, Deputy Governor of Nairobi County, as well as senior representatives from the Kenyan and Sri Lankan business communities.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Acting High Commissioner Ms. Ruvini De Silva highlighted the importance of strengthening commercial connectivity between Sri Lanka and Kenya and creating new avenues for businesses, investors and entrepreneurs from both countries. The briefing provided a platform to explore opportunities in trade, investment, logistics, technology, agriculture, financial services, tourism and other emerging sectors.
The programme included a presentation by the Deputy Governor of Nairobi County on Nairobi as East Africa’s Gateway to Asian Markets: City Partnerships for Trade and Investment, highlighting Nairobi’s strategic position as a commercial hub and gateway to the East African region.
The keynote address, delivered by Hon. Hassan Omar, Secretary General of ruling party, focused on Political Stability, Integration and Kenya’s Place in Africa–Asia Trade – Best Practices for Both Nations, providing perspectives on regional integration and the growing importance of Africa–Asia economic connectivity.
Two high-level panel discussions brought together leading representatives from the private sector, investment promotion, banking, logistics, plantations and the digital economy. The discussions explored practical opportunities for Kenyan and Sri Lankan businesses to establish partnerships, expand into new markets and strengthen commercial linkages.
The first panel featured representatives from Bidco Africa, Elgon Kenya Limited, Equity Bank Kenya, Kenya Investment Authority and the Kenya International Freight & Warehousing Association, while the second panel brought together representatives from EFL Global Kenya, Browns Plantations Kenya, LOLC Kenya Microfinance Bank, NTT Data and the SLASSCOM.
The discussions underscored the complementary economic positions of the two countries. Sri Lanka’s location at the crossroads of major Asian trade routes and Kenya’s position as a gateway to East Africa provide opportunities to develop stronger commercial links between South Asia and Africa.
The briefing also highlighted the role of Sri Lanka Expo 2027 as a platform for businesses from Kenya and Sri Lanka to meet potential partners, explore new markets, identify investment opportunities and develop long-term commercial relationships.
Sri Lanka Expo 2027 is scheduled to be held in Colombo in January 2027, providing an opportunity for Kenyan businesses, investors and other stakeholders to explore Sri Lankan products, services, investment opportunities and partnerships.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Nairobi will continue its engagement with the Kenyan business community through further outreach activities and business briefings in Kenya, with the objective of encouraging greater participation from Kenyan businesses and investors at Sri Lanka Expo 2027.
The High Commission expressed its appreciation to Equity Bank Kenya for its partnership in convening the Nairobi briefing and to all government representatives, business leaders, institutions, speakers, panellists and participants who contributed to the success of the event.
The Nairobi briefing marked an important step in building greater awareness of Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and in creating new avenues for trade, investment, connectivity and business partnerships between Sri Lanka and Kenya.