The President of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, arrived in Kenya on Tuesday, March 24, for a three-day working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Chapo’s visit follows an invitation from President William Samoei Ruto and is expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and strategic partnerships.
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Mozambican leader was received by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Mudavadi said the visit provides an opportunity for both leaders to review the progress of bilateral relations and exchange views on political, economic, and security developments at national, continental, and global levels.
“This visit will provide an opportunity for the two Heads of State to assess the current state of bilateral cooperation and diplomatic ties, as well as to exchange views on key issues affecting our countries, the continent, and the globe,” he said.
During his stay, President Chapo will headline the 4th Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO) as guest of honour. The conference, set to begin Wednesday at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, will bring together global investors, policymakers, and private sector leaders.
Mozambique’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, said the President will use the platform to promote investment opportunities in Mozambique and attract international capital.
Earlier engagements between the two countries have been anchored under the Kenya–Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC), established in 1991 as a framework for structured dialogue.
Mudavadi noted that the second JPCC session held in Maputo in August 2023 marked a significant milestone, resulting in the signing of 13 bilateral agreements across sectors such as agriculture, education, energy, defence, and trade.
He emphasized the need to accelerate implementation of these agreements, including operationalizing the Joint Technical Committee on Trade and formalizing the Kenya–Mozambique Business Forum to address trade barriers and enhance market access.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the importance of connectivity, noting the resumption of direct flights between Nairobi and Maputo in 2024 as a key boost to trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. He, however, called for closer collaboration to resolve operational challenges affecting air connectivity.
Mudavadi observed that the JPCC meeting comes at a time of global uncertainty, with disruptions in energy markets, trade, and supply chains disproportionately affecting developing economies, particularly in Africa.
“It is paramount that we prioritise the expansion of intra-Africa partnerships and trade,” he said, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in navigating global challenges.
Beyond trade and energy, Kenya and Mozambique are also deepening collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime development, digital transformation, and tourism—key areas seen as critical to economic growth and regional integration.
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