John Mbadi, cabinet secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning of Kenya, addresses the Nairobi satellite forum for the Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ni Yuanshi)
NAIROBI, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Wednesday hosted senior government officials, financial institutions, and development partners from Africa and China for a high-level forum aimed at unlocking new investment and financing opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The event served as the Nairobi satellite forum for the Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2026, marking the first time the forum has set up a venue in Africa.
Co-organized by the Export-Import Bank of China and Kenya's National Treasury, the conference was held under the theme "Upholding Openness and Win-Win Cooperation to Foster New Dynamism for High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation" and ran simultaneously with sessions in Beijing via video link.
John Mbadi, cabinet secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, said the forum reflects the enduring friendship and strong development partnership between Africa and China and provides a valuable platform for exchanging views on strengthening investment and financing cooperation to drive sustainable development.
"At a time when the global economy continues to face multiple challenges, there is a growing need for innovative partnerships that can unlock development opportunities and accelerate economic transformation," he said.
Mbadi noted that the BRI has emerged as a crucial framework for enhancing connectivity, facilitating trade and investment, and expanding access to development finance across participating nations.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan stated that China and Africa are entering a new phase of jointly advancing modernization, with open cooperation playing a vital role in addressing global challenges and promoting shared development.
Guo outlined four key priorities for strengthening China-Africa cooperation: strategic guidance, connectivity, open and win-win cooperation, and stronger financial relations.
She emphasized that China stands ready to support more willing and eligible African financial institutions to engage in cross-border payment cooperation, helping to improve payment connectivity and facilitate trade and investment across the continent.
Davis Chirchir, cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Roads and Transport, added that Kenya and China share a long-standing partnership in developing critical transport infrastructure that forms the backbone of the nation's transport systems.
Pointing to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) as one of Africa's most significant BRI flagship projects, Chirchir noted that the railway has enhanced freight movement, strengthened logistics efficiency, and laid a solid foundation for broader regional economic integration.
During the conference, several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed between Chinese and African institutions to expand investment, trade facilitation, and infrastructure development cooperation under the BRI. ■
Participants attend the Nairobi satellite forum for the Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ni Yuanshi)
