Kenya has signed a partnership agreement with France to boost bilateral trade and expand markets for local businesses. The deal aims to enhance business opportunities and leveraging technology to promote trade relations.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizes a framework for collaboration between Kenya’s National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Adim Mayotte as well as a culmination of months of groundwork, including a KNCCI delegation’s visit to Mayotte earlier this year to explore trade opportunities. Officials view the agreement as a catalyst for unlocking Kenya’s export potential and fostering regional economic growth.
Speaking on Monday at the signing ceremony in Nairobi, Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs’ Cabinet Secretary Hasan Joho said that the agreement is a pivotal moment in Kenya’s efforts to expand its export markets and attract investment in key sectors.
“This agreement is a new frontier in our economic partnership. Mayotte is uniquely positioned to become a key destination for our exports, particularly as we enhance food production and explore opportunities in the blue economy,” Joho said.
He highlighted agriculture and the blue economy as priority areas for collaboration, aligning with Kenya’s strategic focus on food security and sustainable resource management.
“As Kenya gears up to host the 2026 France-Africa Summit, the MoU underscores the growing importance of Kenya-France relations in driving economic transformation in the region,” stated the CS.
Concurrently, Thani Mohamed Soilihi emphasized Mayotte’s strategic importance as a bridge between Kenya and Europe.
“This MoU is a gateway for Kenyan businesses to access European markets. With our shared cultural and linguistic ties, we have a strong foundation for growing trade volumes and creating new economic opportunities,” he said.
Currently, Kenya accounts for just 3 percent of Mayotte’s trade, but Soilihi expressed confidence in significantly expanding this figure, envisioning a future where trade share could grow to 50 percent or more.
Making his remarks, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto described the MoU as a game-changer for Kenyan businesses, particularly in accessing Mayotte’s 1 billion Euro annual import market, dominated by fast-moving consumer goods.
“With four weekly Kenya Airways flights and short shipping times, Mayotte is ideally positioned to become a leading destination for Kenyan exports,” he said.
At the same time, he said that the MoU focuses on trade facilitation, business-to-business matchmaking and leveraging Kenya’s strengths in Information, Communication and Technology and Agro-processing.
Rutto stated that the partnership would create new opportunities for business in both countries as well as strengthening trade ties.
During the event, the President of Adim Mayotte, Zamimou Ahmadi, underscored the shared cultural and linguistic ties between Kenya and Mayotte as a natural foundation for deeper cooperation.
“This agreement enhances France and Europe’s engagement with the African continent. With direct connectivity between Nairobi and Mayotte, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and development,” Ahamadi remarked.
Zamimou highlighted the role of European and Indian Ocean funds in supporting the partnership, which she said would drive innovation and economic integration.
The partnership signals a new era of cooperation, promising significant benefits for businesses and communities in both regions.
By Sharon Atieno
