South African companies are setting their sights on Kenya as a key growth market, with a high-level business delegation scheduled to arrive in Nairobi for a networking forum this week.

The South Africa–Kenya Business Networking Forum 2025, slated for September 23 at the Concord Hotel, will bring together 15 firms from Pretoria and the Western Cape. They will showcase solutions in agriculture technology, industrial automation, organic fertilizers, EdTech, and other growth sectors.

The initiative, led by Wesgro and the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA), underscores South Africa’s push to strengthen commercial ties with Kenya, East Africa’s largest economy.

Trade between the two countries has been steadily expanding. According to regional trade analysts, South Africa has long been a major exporter of manufactured goods to Kenya, while Kenya is working to boost its exports of fresh produce, textiles, and services to the Southern African market.

“This forum is not just about selling products; it’s about creating long-term partnerships,” the organisers said in a statement.

The day-long event will feature a seminar session in the afternoon, followed by business-to-business meetings designed to facilitate deals and joint ventures.

Observers note that the timing is significant: with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gradually taking root, forums like this could accelerate intra-African commerce by reducing dependence on markets outside the continent.