By Zhu Jingning
On Mar 31, the promotional event for the 4th Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) and “Digital Trade Africa Day”concluded in Nairobi, hailed as the “Silicon Valley of Africa”, marking a pivotal step in deepening Sino-African digital collaboration.
Nearly 100 attendees, including government delegates, representatives from the Kenya Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Kenya Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce, and local entrepreneurs, gathered to explore partnership opportunities.
Hangzhou deputy mayor Fang Yi emphasized the city’s commitment to strengthening ties with Kenya during his keynote address. “Hangzhou and Kenya have built a robust bridge for China-Africa cooperation through close economic exchanges,” he stated. “We aim to leverage mutual strengths in cross-border e-commerce, talent development, and trade facilitation to elevate bilateral collaboration to new heights.”
The event showcased plans for the 4th GDTE, themed Digital Trade Connects the World, slated for September at the Hangzhou Grand Convention & Exhibition Center. Spanning 155,000 square meters, the expo will feature immersive digital experiences across six core zones, prioritizing internationalization, specialization, market orientation, and digital innovation.
As a highlight, the “Digital Trade Africa Day” will debut a Smart Africa Exhibition, host a China-Africa Digital Industry Matchmaking Conference, launch an African Products Live-Streaming Hub, and hold a BRICS Special Economic Zones China-Africa Promotion Session. Kenya, recognized as East Africa’s economic hub and a rising digital economy player fueled by mobile internet adoption, was invited to lead regional participation.
Concurrently, Hangzhou’s Xiaoshan district unveiled its investment ecosystem, with landmark projects including the Uganda Cooperation Park under the pilot free trade zone and the Hangzhou Cross-Border E-Commerce East Africa Service Center. The launch of the Silk Road E-Commerce Innovation Competition East Africa Chapter further underscored efforts to empower African students and entrepreneurs in China’s digital economy.