By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, 5 June 2026 - The South African Government has suspended duties on several Kenyan cash crops, in a move aimed at reinforcing economic ties between the two countries.
The confirmation was made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Kenya–South Africa Business Forum, at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg, which will bring together government officials and private sector stakeholders from both countries.
Welcoming the move, the Ministry of Trade maintained that the suspension will enable cash crops such as tea, coffee, and spices to access the South African market under the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) order.
“The concession is intended to strengthen trade ties between the two countries and reduce the trade imbalance that currently favours South Africa,” the Ministry of Trade said.
“The announcement was made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Kenya–South Africa Business Forum. The forum was hosted on the margins of the State Visit by His Excellency President William Ruto,” it added.
South Africa imposed levies on these cash crops in November 2025 by suspending preferential trade terms under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
The move aimed at managing trade imbalances and protecting domestic agricultural interests, often citing technical or phyto-sanitary concerns regarding imported products.
The announcement comes a day after President William Ruto, who is on a State Visit in South Africa, confirmed that the two governments had signed six new agreements aimed at strengthening economic and cultural ties and cooperation.
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The agreements were signed between ministers of both nations in a ceremony witnessed by President Ruto and President Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday.
Among the MOUs signed by Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho is one on Shipping and Maritime, aimed at enhancing collaboration in maritime safety and security, port development and management, maritime education and training, research and innovation, as well as recognition of seafarers’ certificates of competency.
On the other hand, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui signed a Trade Agreement aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and expanding opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Other Cabinet Secretaries that participated in the signing of the agreements include the Gender Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.
South Africa Suspends Duties on Kenyan Tea, Coffee and Spices to Reinforce Economic Ties
South Africa had imposed levies on various cash crops in November 2025 by suspending preferential trade terms under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.