(Nairobi) – Kenya has signed a key agreement with France to boost trade and create new economic opportunities for local businesses. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Adim Mayotte, aims to strengthen bilateral trade ties and expand Kenya’s market access in Europe.
The MoU follows extensive groundwork, including a KNCCI delegation’s visit to Mayotte earlier this year to identify trade opportunities. Officials view this agreement as a major step toward increasing Kenya’s export potential while fostering regional economic growth.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Hasan Joho described the agreement as a significant milestone in Kenya’s economic strategy.
“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 emphasized agriculture and the blue economy as central to the collaboration, aligning with Kenya’s goals of improving food security and sustainably managing its natural resources.
The MoU also comes as Kenya prepares to host the 2026 France-Africa Summit, further solidifying Kenya-France relations in driving economic transformation in the region.
Thani Mohamed Soilihi, representing Mayotte, highlighted the island’s strategic position as a gateway for Kenyan businesses to enter European markets.
“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 contributes just 3% of Mayotte’s trade, but Soilihi expressed optimism about dramatically increasing this figure, projecting the potential for trade to account for over 50% of Mayotte’s imports.
KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto lauded the partnership as transformative, particularly for Kenyan exporters. He noted that Mayotte’s €1 billion ($1.05 billion) annual import market, largely driven by fast-moving consumer goods, presents vast opportunities for Kenyan businesses.
“With four weekly Kenya Airways flights and short shipping times, Mayotte is ideally positioned to become a leading destination for Kenyan exports,” Rutto said.
The MoU focuses on facilitating trade, business-to-business networking, and leveraging Kenya’s strengths in ICT and agro-processing to drive growth.
Adim Mayotte President Zamimou Ahmadi underscored the shared cultural and linguistic connections between Kenya and Mayotte, which she said form a natural foundation for stronger trade ties.
“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,” Ahmadi remarked.
European and Indian Ocean funds are expected to support the partnership, promoting innovation and fostering economic integration between the regions.
The agreement signals a promising new phase of collaboration, with significant benefits expected for businesses and communities in both Kenya and Mayotte.
Economic Insights: Kenya-Mayotte Partnership
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Share of Mayotte Trade (Kenya) | 3% |
| Potential Target | Over 50% |
| Mayotte Annual Import Market | €1 billion ($1.05 billion) |
| Key Sectors | Agriculture, Blue Economy, ICT, Agro-processing |
| Connectivity | 4 weekly Kenya Airways flights, short shipping times |