By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 4 June 2026 - Kenya and South Africa have signed six new agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade opportunities, and promoting economic growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President William Ruto and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa witnessed the signing of the agreements at the Union Buildings in Pretoria during President Ruto's official visit to South Africa.
The agreements cover key sectors including shipping and maritime affairs, gender equality and empowerment, technical and vocational education and training, arts, culture and heritage, as well as sports and recreation.
According to President Ruto, the agreements reflect the two countries’ commitment to enhancing cooperation and building on decades of strong diplomatic and economic relations.
“With President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, we witnessed the signing of six trade agreements between Kenya and South Africa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, a clear testament to our commitment to deepening bilateral ties,” President Ruto said.
The Kenyan leader noted that the new partnerships are designed to elevate cooperation between the two nations while creating new opportunities for businesses, investors, and citizens.
Kenya and South Africa are among Africa’s leading economies and have maintained close ties for more than 30 years. The latest agreements are expected to facilitate knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional collaboration, and support development in strategic sectors.
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President Ruto emphasized that the agreements also align with the broader continental agenda of increasing intra-African trade through the AfCFTA framework.
“We are also positioning ourselves to unlock greater trade opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area, expand markets, boost investment, and drive inclusive growth,” he said.
The signing comes at a time when African countries are seeking to accelerate regional integration, remove trade barriers, and create larger markets for goods and services.
A stronger economic cooperation between Kenya and South Africa could play a significant role in advancing continental trade ambitions while fostering investment and job creation across both countries.