World Bank Country Director, Qimiao Fan, has lauded Kenya’s position as East Africa’s largest economy and emphasized its unique role as a gateway to regional and global markets.
Speaking during an investment forum, Fan noted that Kenya’s GDP stood at about $125 billion in 2024 and is projected to surpass $130 billion in 2025. He described this as a “very sizable market,” adding that Kenya is not only a national economy but also a gateway to East Africa’s 300 million people, with trade agreements spanning Asia, Europe, and North America.
“It’s not just the Kenyan market, and it’s not just the East African market… it’s actually the global market,” Fan said, underscoring Kenya’s strategic advantage for investors.
Beyond market size, Fan highlighted the strength of Kenya’s people. He noted that Kenya ranks highest on the World Bank’s Human Capital Index, backed by a strong education system and a population with “tremendous entrepreneurial spirit.”
He pointed to Kenya’s leadership in mobile payment innovations, describing them as a foundation for growth in agriculture, financial services, and other sectors.
According to Fan, Kenya’s combination of market depth, human capital, and innovation places it firmly on the global investment map. “It’s the depth, the breadth of the market, the quality of the people, and the entrepreneurial spirit,” he said, stressing that these factors together create unmatched opportunities for investors.
