Business leaders in Mombasa have called for stronger collaboration between the private sector and government to position the coastal city as a competitive regional and global business hub.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting bringing together members of the business community, Mombasa Chamber of Commerce Chairman Abud Jamal said there was a need for stakeholders to have candid conversations on the Africa they want to see and the kind of Mombasa they want to build.
Jamal said the city must position itself to compete beyond the region by strengthening its industries and producing products that meet global market standards.
“We are trying to create the Mombasa we want to see and position ourselves so that we can compete not only regionally but globally,” Jamal said.
The meeting also featured a speaker from Mauritius, who shared insights on opportunities for African businesses and the importance of building competitive economies.
Bamburi MCA Patrick Mbele said such forums were critical in strengthening industries and developing skills around the Port of Mombasa.
He stressed the importance of government involvement in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Juma Ahmed, Assistant Director of Port and Shipping Services at the Kenya Maritime Authority, said the discussions were important in positioning Mombasa as a strategic business destination, particularly given the opportunities presented by the port.
Ahmed said Mombasa must prepare for ongoing changes in the maritime sector and take advantage of the increasing volume of trade passing through the Port of Mombasa.
He identified logistics, investment and employment opportunities for young people among areas that could benefit from increased trade.
“This conversation has been very important towards placing Mombasa as a strategic place of business, especially with the port,” Ahmed said, adding that the meeting marked the beginning of a broader conversation on how the city can capitalize on emerging opportunities.
The stakeholders said sustained dialogue between government, businesses and other partners would be key to unlocking Mombasa’s economic potential and ensuring the city plays a greater role in regional and global trade.
