Kenya opens second overseas investment promotion office in Saudi Arabia to attract Gulf capital

NAIROBI, Kenya – In an effort to increase foreign investment and strengthen commercial relations with Gulf businesses, Kenya is set to open a second overseas investment promotion office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This new office will be the second pilot under Kenya’s International Investment Offices Model, following the establishment of the first office in Hangzhou, China. Its primary role will be to serve as a local commercial gateway for Saudi enterprises and institutional investors interested in opportunities in Kenya.

By facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) and coordinating engagement with potential investors, the Jeddah office aims to showcase Kenya's investment prospects and the broader African market to Saudi businesses. Strategically located along the Red Sea, Jeddah serves as a key platform for engaging Saudi enterprises and investors interested in Kenya, East Africa, and other African markets.

The initiative models the office on international investment promotion agencies like Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), which operates in Riyadh. By leveraging Kenya's diplomatic networks, bilateral economic frameworks, and existing strategic partnerships, the Jeddah hub will deepen investment relations between the two countries.

This move aligns with Kenya's broader strategy to establish investment offices in high-value foreign direct investment jurisdictions, positioning the nation closer to significant sources of international capital.