Women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Kenya and Tunisia have joined forces for the inaugural Tunisian Food and Handcrafts Expo, a three-day event taking place in Nairobi.

Running from June 16 to 18, the expo marks a historic first in Kenya, aiming to deepen both economic collaboration and cultural exchange between the two countries.

During the opening ceremony, Tunisia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Anouar Ben Youssef, emphasized the importance of the event in showcasing Tunisia’s vibrant cultural heritage while also strengthening commercial partnerships.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tunisia's Ambassador to Kenya, Anouar Ben Youssef, underscored the expo’s role in not only celebrating Tunisia’s cultural richness but also enhancing economic ties between the two nations.

“Today, we celebrate not just the richness of Tunisian culture but the boundless potential of Tunisia-Kenya economic synergy. This Expo is designed to showcase Tunisian products, foster partnerships with Kenyan businesses, attract investment, and build strategic networks,” he said.

Ambassador Youssef also highlighted a notable increase in trade between the two countries, with bilateral trade reaching $28.5 million (Sh3.54 billion) in 2024 up from $18 million (Sh2.34 billion) the previous year.

He noted that Tunisia had emerged as Kenya’s top olive oil supplier, delivering 388 tonnes worth $2 million (Sh260 million), which now accounts for 79 percent of the country's olive oil imports.

Youssef also emphasized the vital role women play in driving Africa’s economic progress.

“In Tunisia, women head a quarter of all startups and are leading forces in industries such as agribusiness and handicrafts. Kenya, known for championing women’s empowerment, boasts 50 percent of SMEs being women-owned,” he noted.

He called for more collaborative platforms like the expo to foster stronger ties between female entrepreneurs from both nations, proposing the creation of a ‘Tunisia-Kenya Women Business Network’ to support mentorship and open up market opportunities.

Representing the Kenyan government, Ambassador Dennis Mburu, Deputy Director General for Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised the initiative and voiced hope for stronger ties between the two nations.

“This expo goes beyond displaying food and crafts it embodies our collective African vision of innovation, entrepreneurship, and unity,” he said. “Kenya remains open for business, and I warmly encourage Tunisian investors to tap into our dynamic sectors, especially agro-processing, food production, and artisanal industries.”

Ambassador Mburu also acknowledged the significant contribution of women to both economies, pointing out that women own 48 percent of micro and small enterprises in Kenya.

“We must collaborate to break down the barriers women face be it limited access to financing, markets, or training. Empowering women is not only a moral responsibility but a critical driver of economic growth,” he emphasized.

Leila Belkhiria Jaber, President of the National Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CNFCE) and Vice Chair of the COMESA Federation of Women in Business, hailed the expo as a powerful symbol of partnership, vision, and women’s empowerment.

“This expo highlights the remarkable achievements of Market Fund beneficiaries talented women and youth in agriculture and handicrafts who are reshaping the narrative of African entrepreneurship,” said Leila Belkhiria Jaber. “When women unite across borders, and when institutions and partners rally behind them, we do more than build businesses we shape the future.”

Caroline Khamati Mugalla, Director of the ILO Country Office in Dar es Salaam, described the expo as a shining example of South–South cooperation, applauding the participating entrepreneurs as true agents of change.