Banking & Finance
Kenya Leads in Reimagining Globalisation
Kenya is embracing technology and digital tools across key economic sectors, particularly finance. Eighty-seven percent of Kenyan business leaders believe decentralized finance, powered by technologies like blockchain, will foster a more equitable financial system. This can be achieved through international technological collaboration, enhancing digital assets and yielding positive outcomes.
Kenya’s private sector champions inclusive globalisation, digital innovation, and sustainable finance, shows Standard Chartered report.
By Kariuki Ngari, Managing Director & CEO, Standard Chartered Kenya & Africa
In a time marked by global disruption—from supply chain bottlenecks to geopolitical unrest—Kenya’s private sector has shown remarkable adaptability and resilience.
One recent evening, I met Adhiambo, a fabric trader who runs a customised e-commerce fabric business. Over the past year, she’s adapted her model more than 10 times to meet the needs of a global customer base. Despite setbacks, her digital-first mindset reflects the broader optimism across Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
According to our new Standard Chartered report, 81% of Kenyan business leaders believe global trade drives sustainable development. The report—featuring insights from over 3,000 global business leaders—shows Kenya among the most confident in globalisation’s transformative power.
Kenyan executives stand out in the survey:
- 97% support free capital flows—the highest among 20 countries
- 49% say sustainability must guide trade liberalisation
- 87% embrace decentralised finance (DeFi), underpinned by blockchain
Kenya, along with Nigeria and China, shows a higher tendency to trade off returns for responsible investments, a trait less observed in developed markets like Switzerland.
Digital transformation is unlocking new business models and driving global talent flow:
- 75% of global leaders say free data movement enhances innovation
- 74% believe talent mobility fosters agile and inclusive business practices
Kenyan firms are steadily embracing green finance and ESG investing:
- DeFi is seen as a tool for inclusive, equitable finance
- 45% of Kenyan leaders prioritise responsible investing over high returns
- Financial flows are being realigned with climate goals
While 70% of business leaders have a positive view of global governance frameworks, many see the need for reform—particularly to bridge environmental inequalities and tackle market disparities in the Global South.
As our Group CEO Bill Winters noted:
“We must ensure a just transition—one that enables growth while protecting the planet and vulnerable populations.”
The future of globalisation is no longer just economic—it’s human. It must embrace inclusivity, tech-driven growth, and climate accountability.
Kenya’s private sector, led by agile, resilient, and innovative entrepreneurs like Adhiambo, is setting a bold example for the world.
“The future of globalisation lies not just with policymakers but with every entrepreneur, investor, and citizen committed to shared prosperity.”
Kenya Globalisation Leadership · Digital Innovation in Kenya · Green Finance Africa · Standard Chartered Global Report · DeFi in Kenya