South Africa, Kenya Deepen Partnership for Trade and Growth

President Ruto received a ceremonial welcome at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre before holding bilateral discussions with his South African counterpart.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening ties with Kenya, describing the relationship as a key pillar for advancing Africa's economic integration and development agenda. Speaking during the State Visit of Kenyan President William Ruto at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said the visit reflects the strong friendship and shared aspirations that unite the two nations. President Ruto received a ceremonial welcome at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre before holding bilateral discussions with his South African counterpart.

Ramaphosa said the visit builds on the momentum created during his State Visit to Kenya in 2022 and ongoing engagements under the Joint Commission for Cooperation. He noted that South Africa and Kenya, as two of Africa's largest economies, carry an important responsibility in shaping the continent's future through cooperation, industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.

Trade and Investment Cooperation Expands

A major focus of the discussions was strengthening economic ties under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa welcomed the outcomes of the seventh session of the South Africa-Kenya Joint Trade Committee, held earlier this year in Pretoria, which addressed trade barriers, market access and opportunities to build stronger regional value chains. The President said both countries are working towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trading relationship while unlocking new opportunities across sectors. Cooperation is increasingly expanding into areas such as green energy, climate-smart industrialisation, digital trade, artificial intelligence, e-mobility, maritime development and skills training.

Six Memoranda of Understanding were signed during the visit, covering agriculture, tourism, information and communications technology, energy, transport and maritime cooperation. Ramaphosa also welcomed a proposal to establish a South Africa-Kenya Joint Business Council, which is expected to provide a stronger platform for private sector engagement and investment partnerships.

AfCFTA and Visa-Free Travel Strengthen Ties

The South African leader highlighted the positive impact of visa-free travel arrangements introduced between the two countries, allowing citizens to visit for up to 90 days without a visa. He said the measure has already contributed to increased tourism, business travel and cultural exchanges.

Ramaphosa pointed to the successful launch of the first consignments traded under the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative by South Africa and Kenya as evidence that continental integration is moving from policy discussions to practical implementation. According to him, the agreement is already helping reshape intra-African trade and creating new opportunities for businesses across the continent. He identified infrastructure development, automotive manufacturing, agro-processing, renewable energy, healthcare, education and digital innovation as sectors with significant potential for future collaboration. Growing cooperation between Kenya Airways and South African Airways was also highlighted as an important step towards improving connectivity and supporting economic exchanges.

Beyond trade and investment, Ramaphosa said both countries remain committed to promoting peace, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation at a time of increasing global uncertainty, reinforcing their shared vision of a stronger and more integrated Africa.