Case Study 2 - Kenyan SMEs going global - the SUED-fueled export surge

Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) Programme Kenyan SMEs Going Global: The SUED- Fueled Export Surge In Kenya’s fast-growing towns, small businesses are quietly making big moves; shipping chillies to Europe and the Gulf, and avocados across East Africa. Behind this surge is the Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) programme, a UK-funded initiative that’s helping local enterprises become globally competitive. SUED works with municipalities to unlock economic potential through urban planning, climatesmart infrastructure, and targeted business support. One of its most transformative impacts is helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) break into export markets. Real Businesses, Real Impact Equator Kenya: Scaling Chilli Exports Equator Kenya Ltd (EKL), based in Malindi, is a chilli processor scaling up to meet international demand. With support from SUED and Kilifi County, EKL expanded its facility to double production capacity—from 70 to 150 metric tonnes annually. The upgrade includes solarpowered drying systems and digital farmer engagement tools. SUED provided £250,000 in seed funding, unlocking a total investment of £1.25 million. This enabled EKL to grow its farmer network from 1,700 to over 8,000, ensuring consistent supply of export-grade chillies. EKL now exports to buyers in Europe, including the Netherlands, positioning Kilifi as a regional spice hub. Avofresh: Adding Value to Avocados In Kisii, Avofresh Processors Ltd is turning surplus avocados into high-value oil for export. With SUED’s support, the company set up a 70-tonne-per-day extraction facility, sourcing fruit from thousands of smallholder farmers. The UK Government contributed £469,000 in seed funding, helping Avofresh secure land, equipment, and transport logistics. The facility reduces post-harvest losses and is expected to create over 3,000 jobs across Kisii County. By using fruit that doesn’t meet fresh export standards, Avofresh adds value while expanding Kenya’s footprint in the global avocado oil market.