Africa contributes over 40pc of Kenya's export earnings in new trade shift
Kenya's export earnings saw a significant shift toward African markets in early 2026, with the continent accounting for over 40 percent of total merchandise exports. This growth marks a recovery from a difficult 2025 and highlights the increasing importance of intra-African trade.
Why it matters
The shift underscores the growing economic integration of African nations and the potential for regional trade to drive national economic recovery.
The African market accounted for more than two out of every five shillings earned from Kenya's merchandise exports in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the continent’s growing position as the country's leading destination as regional demand rebounded after a difficult 2025.
The continent absorbed 41.7 percent of Kenya's exports in the three months ended March, up from 36.9 percent in the corresponding period last year when shipments to several key regional markets weakened.
The latest share is the second-highest in at least nine years, surpassed only by the 43 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2023, and marks a significant rise from 33.7 percent in 2018.
The stronger regional purchases meant Africa generated nearly nine out of every 10 new export shillings earned by Kenya during the quarter, underscoring its role as the principal driver of the country's export recovery.
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