Foreign Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed has urged Swedish investors to form partnerships with Kenyan enterprises in order to promote innovation and enterprise development.

Speaking on Tuesday in Stockholm when she met Mr Mikael Damberg, Minister for Enterprise and Innovation of Sweden, Ms Mohamed said partnerships will facilitate the growth and expansion of the large number of innovation start-ups in Kenya and also expedite their eventual transformation from local establishments to global entities.

“Partnerships are also crucial as they will provide opportunities for symbiotic relations among investors in terms of innovations and financing,” she said.

Kenyans are creative and enterprising people as evidenced by the wide range of innovations developed in the country, she said.

“The country is also full of innovative start-ups in diverse sectors.

“Some of these start-ups are established, others are just getting their footing while some innovative ideas can’t be actualized largely for want of necessary resources,” she added.

She said Kenya would welcome discussions on promoting enterprise development, mentoring, training, business financing, networking and internship opportunities.

TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY

“We should also explore ways in which established Swedish manufacturing concerns can facilitate linkages with upcoming Kenyan enterprises to transfer technology and, more importantly, to build competencies within these enterprises including through sub-contracting and leasing of some services to them,” the minister said.

In Africa, she said, micro, small and medium enterprises are a key driver of economic and social development adding that they represent a large number of businesses, generate wealth and employment and are vital to competitiveness.

Mr Damberg said Sweden would welcome consultative engagements on modalities of partnerships, adding that Swedish companies are increasingly looking to invest in Africa.

The minister added that there were concerns raised by investors in Kenya especially in connection to work permits and transparency.

“We welcome Kenya’s improved economic performance and the progressive transition from aid to trade relations between Kenya and Sweden,” said Mr Damberg.

Earlier, the Cabinet Secretary held talks with the Foreign Minister of Sweden Ms Margot Wallstrom on issues of bilateral relations, including co-operation in the war on terrorism.

“It is imperative for us to work closely together in the war on terrorism and especially in addressing the increasingly worrisome plight of women and young girls in the context of terrorism,” said Ms Wallstrom.