Kenya and Mauritius have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral trade and advancing intra-African commerce following the Mauritius–Kenya Trade and Investment Promotion Forum held in Nairobi on April 27, 2026.

The high-level forum brought together 25 Mauritian companies and a wide cross-section of Kenyan businesses, providing a platform to explore investment opportunities, forge commercial partnerships, and strengthen trade linkages between the two countries.

Participants held business-to-business sessions covering manufacturing, agro-processing, tourism, financial services, and green technologies.

Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Trade and the Acting Director of Internal Trade, Elizabeth Miguda, Regina Ombam, Acting Director of Internal Trade, highlighted the steady growth in economic relations between Kenya and Mauritius. She noted that both countries are strategically positioned to contribute to regional trade and investment flows across the continent.

“Kenya and Mauritius have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral trade and advancing intra-African commerce following the successful Mauritius–Kenya Trade and Investment Promotion Forum held in Nairobi,” read the X post in part.

Kenya’s regional trade position

Ombam underscored Kenya’s role as a gateway to East and Central Africa, providing access to a regional market of more than 300 million people. She pointed to the country’s diversified manufacturing base, improving infrastructure, vibrant private sector, and ongoing policy reforms as key enablers of trade and investment.

She stated that strengthening partnerships with countries such as Mauritius remains essential in promoting value addition, industrialisation, and expanded market access for businesses across the region.

The engagement aligns with continental and regional frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the East African Community (EAC), which aim to enhance intra-African trade and economic integration.

AfCFTA implementation

In a related development, President William Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to the AfCFTA following discussions with AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene at State House, Nairobi. He described the framework as central to boosting intra-African trade and expanding opportunities for both the public and private sectors.

Ruto said Kenya remains committed to leveraging private sector capacity, innovation, and agility to support economic growth. He also announced Kenya’s selection to host the secretariat of the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative, noting that the decision reflects confidence in the country’s leadership in climate action, sustainable trade, and industrial policy.

The developments point to increased focus on South-South cooperation, with Kenya and Mauritius positioning themselves as key players in advancing intra-African trade, industrialisation, and green growth. Stakeholders expect follow-up investments and partnerships as outcomes of the forum are implemented.