Exporters urged to tap DRC market as Jambojet launches cargo services

The government is banking on a private sector driven approach to grow exports to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development Chief Administrative Secretary David Osiany is challenging Kenyans to leverage the bilateral trade agreement between Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as the anticipated admission of the central African nation into the East African Community to grow exports.

According to Osiany, DRC could be admitted to the EAC as early this month as processes for the country to join the trade bloc are validated.

Speaking during Jambojet launch of cargo services to the central African nation, CAS Osiany urged exporters and other investors to tap business opportunities in the Democratic Republic of Congo riding on the bilateral trade agreement signed last September by the two countries.

Osiany has tipped businesses on value addition of products to gain a competitive advantage in the largely unexplored market.

He further backed direct passenger and cargo flights between Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo to help grow trade and tourism.

This comes as Jambojet begins operating cargo flights between Kenya and Goma City in DRC.

According to Chief Executive Officer Karanja Ndegwa, the low will deliver customers cargo to all its eight destinations.

“We shall continue to create an enabling environment for the movement of people and cargo in the region by providing a reliable, safe and affordable air service,” said Ndegwa.

Jambojet has so far delivered 4 tonnes of fresh produce cargo to Goma city, Ndegwa said.