Islamic finance forum set to explore Kenya’s untapped opportunities

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A KSh1.29 quadrillion global Islamic finance market is creating new opportunities for Kenya and East Africa, with financial institutions, investors and SMEs set to gather in Nairobi to explore how Shariah-compliant finance can drive investment and financial inclusion.

The Islamic Finance Forum and Dialogue, hosted by Radio Generation, will be held on September 10, 2026, at Radisson Blu Arboretum under the theme, “Igniting Growth in Shariah-Compliant Finance.”

The forum will bring together financial institutions, SMEs, investors, scholars, regulators, and members of the public for discussions on the growth of Islamic finance and its potential to support businesses and expand access to financial services.

The event comes as Islamic finance continues to grow globally, with industry assets projected to reach nearly US$10 trillion (KSh1.29 quadrillion) by 2029.

Organisers said the expansion has increased interest in financial solutions based on Shariah principles, which promote ethical investment, fairness, financial stability and risk sharing.

Kenya and the wider East African region are increasingly exploring Islamic finance as a way of attracting investment, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and reaching people who remain underserved by conventional financial services.

The organisers said Shariah-compliant products can appeal to both Muslim and non-Muslim investors because of their focus on ethical financing and responsible investment.

The forum will provide a platform for stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, with discussions expected to cover Shariah-compliant banking and finance, SME financing, investment opportunities, regulation and policy.

Participants will also be taken through practical workshops on Islamic financial contracts and products, including Murabaha, Musharakah, Sukuk and Shariah-compliant money market funds.

Networking sessions will connect banks, microfinance institutions, SMEs and investors, providing opportunities to establish partnerships and explore business and investment opportunities.

For Radio Generation, the initiative forms part of its wider financial literacy and inclusion agenda.

The station said the forum will also help strengthen its role in promoting financial literacy and inclusion as a national secular ethical radio station.

The discussions will be extended beyond the physical event through radio and digital platforms. Planned activities include expert interviews, citizen call-ins, national broadcasts, social media campaigns, video clips, infographics, livestreams, podcast content and influencer partnerships.

The organisers expect the forum to increase public understanding of Islamic finance, strengthen relationships between financial institutions, SMEs and investors, and promote wider access to Shariah-compliant financial products.

Businesses can also participate through sponsorship packages offering branding, advertising, presentations, social media promotion and on-ground interviews.

Gold sponsorship costs Sh800,000, while Premium and Standard packages are priced at KSh500,000 and Sh250,000 respectively. Delegate tickets cost KSh7,000 for early-bird bookings and KSh8,000 for advance bookings, while a corporate table for 10 is available at KSh100,000.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.