JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Horn Post) — President of the Republic of Kenya William Samoei Ruto concluded his two-day state visit to South Africa with a pledge to strengthen economic, trade and investment ties between the continent’s two leading economies.
President of the Republic of Kenya William Samoei Ruto said he held discussions with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile as both governments reaffirmed their commitment to elevating bilateral relations and ensuring that newly signed agreements translate into tangible economic benefits.
“We are committed to elevating the already strong relations between our two nations for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples,” Ruto said. “We are determined to translate each commitment and agreement into concrete results.”
The Kenyan leader noted that trade relations between Kenya and South Africa continue to grow, but emphasized that significant untapped opportunities remain across multiple sectors.
According to Ruto, agreements signed during the visit will help harmonize regulations and standards, strengthen regional and continental integration, improve infrastructure and revitalize key value chains.
South Africa, widely regarded as a financial and manufacturing hub in Southern Africa, and Kenya, considered a gateway to East and Central Africa, possess complementary economic strengths that could unlock substantial business and investment opportunities, he said.
The two countries also agreed to maximize the potential of regional economic blocs, including the East African Community, Southern African Development Community and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area, to accelerate economic growth and expand intra-African trade.
President of the Republic of Kenya William Samoei Ruto and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also addressed the Kenya-South Africa Joint Business Forum in Midrand, Johannesburg, where they encouraged businesses to expand investments and operations across borders.
The Kenyan president said he was encouraged by the strong interest shown by companies seeking to capitalize on growing opportunities in both markets, underscoring the role of private-sector partnerships in driving Africa’s economic transformation.
The state visit is expected to deepen economic cooperation between Kenya and South Africa and strengthen efforts to boost regional integration under the African Union’s broader development agenda.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Nairobi, Kenya
