OPINION: Diplomacy for development: How Kenya’s missions abroad broker economic development

Diplomacy has evolved beyond traditional political discourse into a powerful platform for development. As global challenges and opportunities evolve, Kenya’s diplomatic engagement increasingly focuses on fostering collaboration in knowledge exchange, skills development, and innovation that directly uplifts people’s lives.

This approach views international relations as a platform for addressing shared challenges such as unemployment, inequality, and climate change. Embassies and missions abroad are uniquely positioned to broker partnerships between governments, academia, and the private sector that enable citizens to acquire future-ready skills, and access new markets.

Countries like Singapore, South Korea and Indonesia have shown that strategic partnerships in education, technology, and innovation can transform economies within a generation. Kenya’s diplomatic missions can play a similar convening role by connecting Kenyan innovators with global ecosystems that accelerate learning and opportunity.

Kenya’s ongoing development-oriented collaboration with Chinese Enterprises offers a compelling example of diplomacy aligned with development outcomes. Through skilling initiatives, thousands of Kenyan youth have acquired practical and technical skills in TVET and ICT that enhance their employability and entrepreneurship.

These National programs have flourished through the shared commitment of the Kenyan Embassy in Beijing working closely with the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi under the guidance of MFA, and most importantly the implementing agencies closely working with the Chinese Enterprises in Kenya, offering policy direction and strategic guidance to bring our goals to fruition.

These partnerships illustrate how diplomacy can move beyond political discourse to deliver tangible benefits for citizens. Embassies and missions abroad are now more than ever, uniquely positioned to broker these strategic partnerships between Governments, the private sector and academia for evidence-based data sharing. 

Our motherland has made some significant moves that can be leveraged through development diplomacy. First, Kenya’s digital transformation has been remarkable with mobile phone penetration expanding to over 80 percent and financial inclusion reaching 84 percent according to FinAccess 2024.

In 2024 alone, mobile money agent transactions reached USD 67 billion, representing 53 percent of the nation’s GDP. Kenya has cultivated one of the world’s most sophisticated digital payment ecosystems, positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s digital economy.

However, some challenges still persist prompting this call to action - With Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) forming the backbone of Kenya’s economy, employing over 80 percent of the workforce and yet, many remain small, informal, and underfunded.

Unlocking their potential requires investment in digital skills, access to credit lines and development financing, skills training and provision of necessary infrastructure. Economic diplomacy can open pathways for cooperation in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and value addition, while also supporting climate-resilient innovations.

Beyond technology, this diplomatic approach must extend to agriculture, health, tourism, and green construction. Partnerships in agri-tech, renewable energy and climate-smart infrastructure can build resilience while creating green jobs for youth.

Africa’s youth hold the key to its future prosperity. With over 60 percent of the population under 25, the continent faces a historic demographic opportunity. Kenya’s digital leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovation capacity can turn this demographic dividend into a transformative force.

By prioritizing digital skilling, sustainability, and innovation partnerships within its foreign policy, Kenya can ensure that its young people are not just consumers of technology but creators and custodians of a sustainable future.

When effectively aligned, this regional approach can turn diplomacy into a catalyst for continental transformation.

Therefore, the future of Kenya’s diplomacy lies in its ability to deliver development. Our missions abroad, when operating optimally, can bridge gaps, incubate new ideas, and foster collaboration across sectors.

By championing digital skilling, climate resilience, and public–private partnerships, Kenya can transform its youthful population into a generation of innovators, job creators, and environmental stewards.

Diplomacy for development is not an aspiration but a practical strategy to connect people, technology, and opportunity. By embracing it, Kenya will not only secure its place in the global digital economy but also help shape a sustainable and resilient future for Africa.

Amb. Lynette Ndile is the Deputy Head of Mission at the Kenya Embassy in China.