NCBA has opened registration for its next international business trip to China, planned for 11 to 22 October 2025. The 12-day programme targets over 100 Kenyan business owners from sectors like FMCG, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, electronics, textiles and interior décor. According to NCBA, the goal is hands-on market immersion, supply-chain mapping and deal discovery, not just courtesy visits. The bank is running the trip in partnership with ATS Travel, with packages starting at USD 3,980 per person sharing.
In a statement, NCBA Group Retail Banking Director Dennis Njau said the bank sees these trips as an extension of customer support beyond financing, aiming to expose entrepreneurs to one of the world’s most dynamic business environments.
Itinerary at a glance
Participants begin in Shanghai, a logistics and e-commerce hub, then head to Yiwu for sourcing infrastructure and product movement, before wrapping up in Guangzhou. The final leg includes a visit to the Canton Fair, a large multi-sector trade exhibition where buyers typically identify suppliers, compare quality and negotiate terms in person. Last year’s edition of this NCBA-led China mission combined wholesale market visits with trade-fair attendance, a model the bank appears to be evolving in 2025.
Why these cities matter to Kenyan SMEs
- Shanghai unlocks learning around cross-border fulfillment, warehousing and technology-driven retail operations.
- Yiwu is a well-known small-commodities sourcing ecosystem, useful for entrepreneurs who rely on variety, customisation and quick turnarounds.
- Guangzhou and the Canton Fair offer direct supplier engagement across categories, which can compress supplier vetting and price discovery into days instead of months.
Who should consider going
This trip is positioned for business owners who already trade or plan to trade with Chinese suppliers and who need to:
- validate supplier quality and capacity,
- compare total landed costs across multiple product lines,
- understand logistics, MOQs and payment terms first-hand,
- diversify away from single-supplier risk.
The bank says engagement with Chinese business associations and chambers of commerce is part of the agenda, which can help with network building, due-diligence shortcuts and after-trip follow-ups.
Cost, registration and timelines
- Dates: 11 to 22 October 2025
- Package: from USD 3,980 per person sharing
- Slots: first-come, first-served
- How to book: contact your NCBA relationship manager or reach NCBA via 0720 797 608 or Collins.Owiti@ncbagroup.com
Note: Travel cost and inclusions are as communicated by NCBA. Visa processing, insurance, and category-specific customs considerations are typically separate; prospective attendees should confirm inclusions and exclusions before payment.
Why this matters now
Kenyan SMEs continue to digitalise payments and operations, but supply chains still determine margins, time-to-market and product quality. Hands-on sourcing trips can shorten learning cycles for importers and manufacturers alike. Our previous report on SME trends highlighted how operational upgrades and partnerships are shaping growth across the segment, a context in which international sourcing missions fit naturally.
NCBA has been active with SME-focused programmes through the year, including regional engagement events for women in business. The China mission extends that SME pipeline from networking to practical market access.
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