Kenya and UAE Sign Historic Economic Partnership Agreement
The agreement grants duty-free access to UAE markets for key Kenyan exports, including meat, horticulture products such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers, as well as tea and coffee.
Kenya has become the first country in mainland Africa to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant milestone in its trade and investment ambitions. Photo/Musalia Mudavadi.
Kenya has become the first country in mainland Africa to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant milestone in its trade and investment ambitions.
The landmark agreement was signed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, during a high-profile ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
The signing, witnessed by Kenyan President William Ruto and UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, represents a bold step in strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
The agreement grants duty-free access to UAE markets for key Kenyan exports, including meat, horticulture products such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers, as well as tea and coffee.
“This agreement opens new horizons for Kenyan exports, enhancing market access and fostering mutual prosperity. It underscores Kenya’s position as a vital trade and investment hub for East and Southern Africa,” Mudavadi stated during the event.
The CEPA is expected to significantly boost Kenya’s export volumes, providing a competitive edge for its agricultural products in the global market.
By eliminating trade barriers, the agreement will enhance the country’s economic resilience and provide new opportunities for Kenyan farmers, producers, and exporters.
Additionally, the agreement is set to attract UAE investments into Kenya’s economy, targeting sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and logistics.
These investments align with Kenya’s development agenda, focusing on economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
For the UAE, the agreement provides an opportunity to deepen its trade footprint in Africa, leveraging Kenya’s strategic location as a gateway to East and Southern Africa.
The deal reflects a shared vision of fostering economic cooperation, innovation, and shared prosperity between the two nations.
President William Ruto emphasized the importance of the CEPA in strengthening Kenya’s economic sovereignty and driving growth.
“This partnership is a testament to Kenya’s commitment to building strong, strategic relationships that deliver tangible benefits to our people,” he said.
The CEPA not only underscores Kenya’s leadership in advancing trade relations within Africa but also sets a precedent for other nations seeking to forge strategic partnerships with global economic players.
As implementation begins, the agreement is poised to unlock new economic opportunities and propel Kenya into a new era of trade and investment prosperity.
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