Kenya and South Africa have signed six new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), increasing their total bilateral agreements to 34.
These new agreements encompass shipping and maritime cooperation, gender equality and women’s empowerment, technical and vocational training, arts, culture and heritage, as well as sports and recreation. They seek to enhance people-to-people connections while reinforcing the strong economic partnership between the two nations.
The announcement was made during a joint media briefing at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and William Ruto spoke to the media following bilateral discussions on the second day of President Ruto’s two-day state visit to South Africa.
Both leaders reaffirmed the deep strategic partnership developed over more than three decades. They emphasized key areas of collaboration, such as trade and investment, pharmaceuticals and vaccine development, and shared ambitions for Africa’s industrial growth.
President Ramaphosa identified Kenya as South Africa’s largest trading partner in East Africa, while President Ruto highlighted South Africa’s thriving manufacturing sector as clear evidence of the continent’s vast industrial potential.
The two presidents concurred that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers a crucial framework for unlocking opportunities for inclusive growth, job creation, and deeper regional integration across the continent.
In their joint statement, the leaders positioned Kenya and South Africa as key partners in advancing Africa’s economic transformation. They committed to continue aligning their efforts to foster prosperity, stability, and shared development for the entire region.