Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has arrived in Windhoek, Namibia, to spearhead discussions on enhancing bilateral trade relations.
In a press release on Sunday, Mudavadi announced his meetings with Namibia’s Vice President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Peya Mushelenga. This high-profile visit marks a crucial step in fortifying economic and diplomatic ties between Kenya and Namibia.
The leaders will review several key agreements between the two countries, which date back to 1964, with a major focus on establishing a Namibian Diplomatic Mission in Nairobi to boost diplomatic and business relations.
Kenya and Namibia have maintained a long-standing relationship, formalized by the General Agreement on Cooperation signed in 1992, which has facilitated collaboration in agriculture, health, aviation, and education. Both countries are active in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and the COMESA-SADC-EAC Tripartite Free Trade Area, aimed at enhancing regional economic integration.
During the press briefing, Mudavadi highlighted the trade imbalance between the two nations, noting Namibia’s trade surplus. “Kenya exports approximately KSh 106.31 million worth of goods to Namibia annually, while imports from Namibia amount to KSh 117.76 million,” he said.
Mudavadi stressed Kenya’s export potential, particularly in black tea, coffee, and agricultural products. He pointed out that Namibia, which imports about 50% of its cereal requirements, presents a significant opportunity for Kenyan agricultural businesses.
Mudavadi will encourage Kenyan investors to leverage the robust diplomatic relations and visa-free protocols between the two countries to explore these opportunities. Additionally, the discussions will cover increasing cooperation in areas such as the blue economy, water conservation, and livestock farming.
Mudavadi will also engage with Namibian officials to explore the possibility of establishing direct flights between Kenya and Namibia through Kenya Airways, which would enhance connectivity in the Southern African region. Furthermore, as part of his diplomatic efforts, Mudavadi will seek support for Kenya’s bid to elect Raila Odinga as Chairperson of the African Union Commission in February 2025.
