President William Ruto and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have witnessed the signing of six new agreements aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, trade, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

The agreements, which include shipping and maritime, were signed on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa.

“With President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, I 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,” Ruto stated.

Among the key trade agreements between South Africa and Kenya gender equality and empowerment, technical and vocational training, arts.

In addition, both Heads of State agreed to strengthen bilateral ties on culture and heritage, and sports and recreation.

“The new agreements cover shipping and maritime, gender equality and empowerment, technical and vocational training, arts, culture and heritage, and sports and recreation,” Ruto noted.

According to President William Ruto, these agreements are aimed at elevating our partnership, building on the existing strong foundation of cooperation we have nurtured over the past three decades.

At the same time, Ruto noted that the Kenyan Government is positioning itself to unlock greater trade opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area, expand markets, boost investment, and drive inclusive growth.

Kenya, South Africa trade

On the other hand, according to Ramaphosa, Kenya is one of South Africa’s top trading partners on the continent outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with over 60 South African companies already operating in Kenya.

A partnership, he says, has been forged by the immigration decision made in 2022.

“Tourism, business travel and cultural exchanges have grown. This is a clear demonstration of how reducing barriers can bring Africans closer together and advance the vision of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want,” Ramaphosa said.

Further reports by the South African Government indicate that trade between Kenya and South Africa continues to grow, creating greater balance and mutual benefit.

Ramaphosa praised the tangible benefits of closer ties, noting increased Kenyan exports to South Africa and the successful launch of the first consignments under the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative.

“We are proud of the milestone we achieved when South Africa and Kenya launched the first consignments traded under the AFCFTA Guided Trade Initiative. This shows that the AFCFTA is not just an aspiration. It is a living instrument that is already transforming intra-African trade,” he added.