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33 Kenyan ICT start-ups, SMEs to benefit from Netherlands Trust Fund
This is after Information Communication Technology Authority (ICTA), through the Ministry of ICT, signed a 3-year partnership for the funding…
This is after Information Communication Technology Authority (ICTA), through the Ministry of ICT, signed a 3-year partnership for the funding with the Dutch Government
The funding is supported by the Netherlands Trust Fund phase III (NTF III), an initiative by the Dutch government. The funding worth US$ 1.2 million and is aimed at enhancing the export competitiveness of Kenyan IT & ITEs companies. The funding will also go towards the implementation of the ICT Masterplan 2017.
Speaking during the signing of the partnership Mr Joseph Tiampati, Principal Secretary Ministry of ICT said, “Kenya ICT business is already at the tipping point of Africa transformation. Many of our businesses have now expanded beyond our borders. As the government we are committed to supporting Kenyan businesses zeal to expand in an organized way. That’s why the development of an export strategy and the operationalization of the ICT Masterplan is an important deliverable of this partnership with the Dutch government.”
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The 33 start-ups and SMEs will be supported in expanding and launching their businesses in foreign markets. The 33 emerged successful after they applied for the support in November 2014. The Kenyan companies will benefit from the promotion of high-value IT&ITES exports and the establishment of long-term business relationships.
“As the ministry responsible for promoting international trade, we are happy to have ICT companies as part of the country’s champions who we will include in our promotion activities in our economic diplomacy engagements,” said Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Trade, Ambassador Amina Mohammed.
The key benefits from the support include will include training and advisory services e.g. on export marketing and access to finance, market linkages through facilitating B2B matchmaking events in Europe and Africa as well as participation in trade fairs organized in Kenya and/or target IT&ITES markets as well as promotion activities through online and offline media.
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Mr Victor Kyalo, Ag. Chief Executive Officer, ICT Authority, “Building the capacity of Kenyan ICT companies hinges on our ability to not only put the right policies and strategies in place, but in forming definitive partnerships. At the ICT Authority, we are honored to partner with the Netherlands Trust Fund project in realizing our vision of being an ICT leader in Africa. I also congratulate the 33 companies that now have the opportunity to expand to other markets.”
The NTF III project is a three-year partnership agreement between the Kenya, Ministry of Information Communications and Technology, International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Dutch Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI). It will be implemented by the ICT Authority. Other beneficiary of the programme is Kenyan IT and Outsourcing Society (KITOS).
“Within Africa, Kenya is a pioneer in Information and Communication Technology,” said Mike Macharia, Chairperson KITOS and CEO, Seven Seas Technologies. “Since the launch of Kenya’s widely celebrated mobile payment system M-Pesa in 2007, Kenya has been labelled East-Africa’s ‘Silicon Savannah’ and ‘ICT hub’, outshining other African countries. Hence, the country is very committed to expanding its share of the USD180 billion global IT and ITES outsourcing market. We are beginning the journey with the creation of Enterprise Kenya, ” he concluded.
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ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transitioning economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the Millennium Development Goals.
“Kenya is in a unique position to export business services within East Africa and the rest of the world, “ said Mr. Prof. Rob Van Eijbergen, Special Representative International Relations, Centre for Promotion of Imports (CBI).
He also added that the programme will conduct similar activities in Bangladesh, Kenya and Uganda, he added.
The project is aimed at creating jobs, increasing exports by Kenyan companies and empowering the capability of youth and women.