Equity Group and the International Trade Centre have signed a new agreement aimed at boosting trade for small businesses across East Africa. The deal focuses on coffee, leather and creative industries, with Kenya chosen as the first market for a pilot phase that will run until December 2026.

The agreement is designed to tackle one of the biggest problems facing small firms in the region: access to finance. Many businesses have products and buyers but still struggle to get the money and skills they need to grow. Under the new plan, businesses will receive support in areas such as export knowledge, market access, trade skills and financing.

For Kenya, the move is important because it targets sectors that create jobs and earn export income. Coffee remains a key cash crop, leather has room for more value addition, and the creative economy continues to grow among young people. The wider goal is to help firms move from small local operations into strong regional and global businesses.

If the pilot works well in Kenya, the programme is expected to expand to other East African markets from 2027, giving more businesses a chance to trade beyond their borders.