Kenya is keen on strengthening bilateral relations with Angola in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, and trade.
During a visit to Angola in early June, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Alfred Nganga Mutua emphasized the importance of cooperation in driving domestic economic growth. They highlighted Kenya’s intention to leverage Angolan expertise to enhance investment, development, and intra-African trade.
Discussions between Mudavadi and Angolan President Joāo Lourenço, as well as between Minister Mutua and Angola’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Téte António, demonstrated the shared interest in advancing collaboration in key areas such as capacity building, bilateral political consultation, and trade balance between the two countries.
Mudavadi stated that the talks focused on mutual interests, including boosting trade in the agriculture sector, oil and mining, tourism, and the blue economy. Both parties also acknowledged the crucial roles their countries play in promoting peace and stability in Africa.
Moving forward, the countries will strive to enhance the Joint Bilateral Commission established in 2018. This framework facilitates cross-border cooperation in trade, oil exploration, agriculture, education, military training, health, and tourism. Additionally, they will explore the possibility of eliminating visa requirements, thereby facilitating the free movement of people, products, and services between the two nations.
Given the existing strong cooperative relations between Kenya and Angola, thanks to various agreements such as the 2012 General Agreement on Economic Cooperation and the Scientific, Technical, and Cultural Agreement, advanced collaboration is expected to further stimulate economic growth in Kenya through Angolan expertise.