Exporting services is becoming one of the fastest-growing areas in international trade. Services do not require physical shipment, making them accessible, cost-effective, and highly scalable for potential exporters. With advancements in technology, improved connectivity, and expanding regional and global markets, service exports offer significant opportunities for businesses seeking to diversify and grow.

What are Service Exports?

Service exports involve offering intangible products such as skills, expertise, or digital solutions to clients in other countries. Examples include:

• ICT and software development
• Business process outsourcing (BPO)
• Tourism and hospitality
• Training and consultancy
• Creative services (e.g., digital marketing, animation)
• Financial, legal, and accounting services
• Transport and logistics services

Service exports rely more on knowledge and technology than on physical goods, making them ideal for entrepreneurs and SMEs.

Key Opportunities in Service Exports

Growing demand is creating opportunities in:

• ICT and digital services (app development, cloud services, cybersecurity)
• Online education and e-learning
• Tourism experiences and eco-tourism packages
• Creative industries, including digital marketing, animation, and video production
• Professional services, such as engineering, legal, accounting, and medical consultancy
• Logistics and transport services for regional supply chains

The shift to remote work and digital solutions has expanded global markets for Kenyan service providers.

Exporters should enhance their service exports by taking advantage of the open markets for trade in services under the EAC and COMESA regional integration frameworks, as well as among WTO Member Countries under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).