Kenyan importers are being called upon to strengthen their risk management strategies as global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and persistent supply chain disruptions continue to shape international trade.
The call was made during the Absa Bank Markets Upskilling event, where industry leaders underscored the need for businesses to remain agile and resilient in an increasingly unpredictable environment.
Speaking at the forum, Abdi Mohamed, CEO of Absa Bank Kenya, said shifting global dynamics are having a direct impact on business operations, from input costs to pricing and currency exposure.
“With ongoing developments in the Middle East and broader global uncertainty, we are witnessing sustained volatility in global prices, financial markets, and exchange rates. These factors are directly affecting business performance and decision-making,” he said.
He noted that in such an environment, businesses must go beyond simply participating in trade and instead embrace data-driven decision-making, timely market intelligence, and structured risk management frameworks.
“For importers and exporters, success now depends on access to the right insights, disciplined execution, and partnerships with institutions that understand both global markets and local realities,” he added.
James Agin, Managing Executive for Corporate and Investment Banking at Absa, emphasized that risk management should be viewed as a growth enabler rather than just a protective measure.
“Managing risk is not just about shielding businesses from uncertainty, but also about identifying opportunities within that uncertainty. That is what will differentiate successful businesses in the current climate,” he said.
Participants were advised to adopt practical strategies such as hedging foreign exchange exposure, strengthening liquidity positions, diversifying assets across currencies, and actively managing interest rate and commodity risks.
The Absa Bank Markets Upskilling initiative aims to equip businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to anticipate market shifts, manage risks effectively, and unlock opportunities across key sectors including trade, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.
As global volatility persists, experts say businesses that prioritise resilience, adaptability, and informed decision-making will be better positioned to navigate uncertainty and sustain growth.
