Kenya courts Portuguese investors, pushes trade expansion and protection of oceans in talks

Kenya has stepped up its push to attract foreign investment and expand trade ties following high-level talks with Portugal, as both countries pledged to unlock economic potential and deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi said discussions in Nairobi with Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel focused on increasing trade volumes, which remain below their potential.

“Notably, our trade volumes have historically been low; consequently, Kenya and Portugal recognize the imperative to maximise the immense potential that exists between our two economies,” Mudavadi said.

Trade and investment push

To bridge the gap, both countries agreed to strengthen collaboration between trade institutions, including ministries and business councils, while promoting joint forums and trade missions to connect investors and enterprises.

Mudavadi positioned Kenya as a strategic gateway for Portuguese investors targeting African markets, citing its connectivity and regional integration advantages.

“Kenya is strategically positioned as the gateway to East and Central Africa… we invite Portuguese investors to choose Nairobi as their anchor,” he said.

Kenya offers access to a combined market of over 300 million people within the East African Community, and more than 1.3 billion consumers under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The talks also highlighted the role of the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement in accelerating trade between Kenya and European partners, including Portugal.

Focus on the blue economy

A key outcome of the discussions was a renewed commitment to expand cooperation in the blue economy, including sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, maritime transport and ocean governance.

This builds on previous collaboration such as the United Nations Ocean Conference 2022, and sets the stage for further engagement at the upcoming Our Ocean Conference 2026.

Rangel emphasized the urgency of protecting oceans from pollution and climate change, linking ocean sustainability to food security.

Labour mobility and global cooperation

The leaders also discussed labour mobility, noting progress following the opening of a Portuguese visa processing centre in Nairobi, aimed at easing travel and workforce exchange.

At the global level, Kenya and Portugal aligned on the need to reform international institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, to better address global challenges such as conflicts, climate change and debt vulnerabilities.

Climate, security and peacekeeping

Climate and energy cooperation featured prominently, with both countries pledging to strengthen partnerships in renewable energy, climate finance and nature-based solutions. Mudavadi highlighted Kenya’s leadership in climate action under William Ruto.

Security cooperation also remains a key pillar, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to diplomacy and joint efforts to address instability in the Horn of Africa and Great Lakes regions.

Mudavadi acknowledged Portugal’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, particularly in South Sudan, noting their importance in promoting regional stability.

Both sides called for greater private sector involvement to translate commitments into tangible investments and long-term partnerships.