Mozambique President begins three-day Kenya visit

The President of the Republic of Mozambique, Daniel Fransisco Chapo, has started a three-day working visit to Kenya, in response to an invitation extended by his counterpart, President William Samoei Ruto.

Upon his arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Mozambican Head of State was received by the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

The visit will largely feature a series of high-level engagements focused on strengthening collaboration in various sectors, expanding trade and investment, and deepening the Kenya–Mozambique strategic and longstanding partnership.

"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 the political, economic, social, peace and security situation of their respective countries, the continent, and the globe,” Mudavadi said.

During his stay, President Chapo will participate, as guest of honour, in the 4th Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO), which begins on Wednesday at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, KICC in Nairobi.

It is an event that will bring together global investors, policymakers, captains of industry and players from the private sector.

“At KIICO, the Head of State will promote the mobilisation of investment in Mozambique by showcasing the country’s potential and the investment opportunities available,” Amb. Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, Mozambique’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, who is accompanying the President, said.

Earlier, at the 3rd Session of the Kenya–Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) in Nairobi, Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s shared commitment to deepen bilateral ties and deliver practical outcomes for the mutual benefit of the two nations.

He said since its establishment in 1991, the JPCC has remained a key platform for structured dialogue and collaboration across priority sectors, including agriculture, education, energy, defence cooperation, public service capacity development, trade and investment.

“The successful convening of the Second Session of the JPCC in Maputo in August 2023 marked a significant milestone in our partnership. The signing of thirteen bilateral instruments. We firmly believe that the continued effective implementation of these agreements will further consolidate our partnership and ensure that the JPCC remains a dynamic and results-oriented mechanism for deepening our bilateral engagement,” Mudavadi said.

Mudavadi, also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, noted that the JPCC is being held at a time of global turbulence that continues to disrupt and create uncertainty in global markets and international relations.

He said in today’s highly interconnected world, global crises are rapidly and heavily impacting global energy prices, trade, supply chains and investor confidence. Unfortunately, this is felt more in the Global South, particularly in Africa.

“While we continue to actively advocate for diplomatic solutions, recognising that peace is essential for protecting livelihoods, supporting economic activities and ensuring long-term development across the continent, it is paramount that we prioritise the expansion of intra-Africa partnerships and trade,” he said.

“We acknowledge with gratitude the tremendous progress achieved across key sectors. However, there are areas where implementation is yet to advance as swiftly as anticipated. These include the timely establishment and convening of Joint Technical Committees, the finalisation of outstanding legal instruments and the advancement of trade facilitation measures.”

Mudavadi said it is essential, therefore, to operationalise the Joint Technical Committee on Trade and institutionalise the Kenya–Mozambique Business Forum so as to address tariff and non-tariff barriers, enhance market access, and foster stronger private sector linkages.

“Connectivity remains a key enabler of our partnership. The Kenyan government is most sincerely grateful to the Government of Mozambique for the resumption of direct flights between Nairobi and Maputo in 2024,” he added.

“This has enhanced trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. There is a need for close collaboration to address the operational challenges currently affecting air connectivity, including outstanding financial and logistical constraints, to ensure sustainable and reliable linkages between our capitals.”

The Prime CS pointed out that beyond trade and energy, the Kenya-Mozambique cooperation continues to expand into priority areas, including counterterrorism, maritime and port development, digital transformation, and tourism, among others.

He said these areas are central to the shared aspirations for economic transformation, regional integration and sustainable development.