Pretoria – South Africa and Kenya have signed six new Memoranda of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, maritime transport, skills development, gender equality, arts and culture, and sport, as the two countries move to deepen their strategic partnership.
The agreements were signed during Kenyan President William Ruto’s State Visit to South Africa on Thursday, bringing the total number of bilateral agreements and memoranda between the two countries to 34.
Addressing a media briefing at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the agreements would provide a framework for enhanced collaboration between the two nations. 
“The Memoranda of Understanding that we have just signed provide a legal framework to further expand our cooperation,” he said.
“This State Visit has further strengthened the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries. It has laid a firm foundation for deeper collaboration in trade, investment, industrialisation, infrastructure development, skills development and regional integration,” Ramaphosa added.
Ruto spoke to the significance of the agreements, describing them as a reflection of the expanding relationship between the two nations.
“As a statement for growing ties, we have today witnessed the signing of six instruments,” he said.
Among the most significant agreements was a Memorandum of Understanding on the facilitation of trade through cooperation in standardisation, technical regulations, conformity assessment, accreditation and metrology. The agreement is expected to improve market access for businesses in both countries by addressing technical barriers to trade and harmonising standards.
Ramaphosa said both countries view the African Continental Free Trade Area as a critical instrument for economic growth and industrialisation.
“President Ruto and I agreed that the AfCFTA must serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth, industrialisation and job creation,” he said, adding that the agreement should help develop regional value chains, support manufacturing and create opportunities for entrepreneurs, women and young people across Africa.
Ruto acknowledged that obstacles to trade remain.
“We acknowledge that real obstacles still remain, including tariff and non-tariff barriers, limited market access, and regulatory constraints,” he said, noting that trade ministers have been directed to accelerate efforts to remove these barriers and unlock the full potential of intra-African commerce.
A second agreement on shipping and maritime cooperation seeks to improve collaboration in the maritime sector and enhance connectivity between East and Southern Africa. With Kenya serving as a gateway to East Africa and South Africa as a major economic hub in Southern Africa, the deal is expected to improve the movement of goods and services across the continent.
“South Africa appreciates Kenya’s key role as a gateway to East Africa and as one of the leading voices on matters of peace, security and development on the continent,” Ramaphosa said.
The third agreement focuses on promoting partnership in gender equality and women empowerment, seeking to strengthen collaboration on policies and programmes aimed at improving women’s participation in economic activities, leadership, governance and entrepreneurship.
A fourth agreement centres on cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training, aiming to strengthen collaboration in skills development, curriculum design, vocational training and workforce preparedness.
The fifth agreement covers arts, culture and heritage, aiming to deepen cultural exchanges, preserve heritage resources and strengthen cooperation between artists, cultural institutions and creative industries in both countries.
The sixth agreement covers cooperation in sport and recreation and is expected to promote exchanges between sporting bodies, facilitate athlete development programmes and encourage collaboration in sports administration. It comes as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Ramaphosa used the occasion to congratulate Kenya on securing the hosting rights.
“I also wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, Your Excellency, and to the Republic of Kenya for being among the three nations chosen to host the Africa Cup of Nations next year, alongside Uganda and Tanzania. This is truly a proud and historic moment for East Africa,” he said.
Ruto said the agreements reflect a relationship that continues to grow.
“Over three decades, we have built one of the most impactful partnerships on the continent, grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for the prosperity of our people,” he said.
