NAIROBI – Kenya and Mozambique have signed three Memoranda of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, security and investment between the two African nations.
The agreements were signed at State House Nairobi on Thursday in the presence of Kenya’s President William Ruto and Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo, who is on an official visit at the invitation of President Ruto.
President Chapo also attended the 4th Kenya International Investment Conference on Wednesday as chief guest, where investment deals worth 2.9 billion United States dollars were announced. 
The newly signed MOUs cover diplomatic training, research and capacity building, correctional services, youth development and sports collaboration, as well as broader areas of cooperation.
President Ruto said discussions between the two leaders centred on strengthening the strategic partnership between their countries, particularly in trade and economic collaboration.
“We have identified key areas of growth, including pharmaceuticals, tea, edible oil, cosmetics, industrial products, agro-processing, energy, agriculture, horticulture and business,” he said.
The two nations agreed to boost business linkages through platforms such as the Kenya Mozambique Forum and to tackle both tariff and non tariff barriers that slow trade.
Tourism was identified as another priority sector. President Ruto said the countries will pursue joint destination marketing, develop integrated coastal and safari tourism circuits and promote intra African travel.
“By strengthening cooperation between our tourism institutions and private sector stakeholders, we aim to increase visitor flows, diversify our tourism markets, and offer richer and more compelling travel experiences across our regions,” he said.
On maritime cooperation, the leaders discussed collaboration between the Port of Mombasa and Mozambican ports to support the creation of an integrated East Southern logistical corridor to improve regional connectivity and reduce trade costs.
Energy cooperation also featured prominently. Kenya and Mozambique are exploring ways to harness natural gas and coal resources in Mozambique to diversify Kenya’s energy sources and cushion the country against global fuel supply shocks.
“To support this, we agreed to promote partnerships in energy development, including opportunities in natural gas, while also strengthening collaboration in renewable energy to support a reliable, sustainable, and diversified energy mix,” said President Ruto.
Security cooperation was also on the agenda, with both countries agreeing to work together in counter terrorism efforts and to collaborate with regional and international partners to promote peace and stability.
The leaders further discussed aviation, including efforts to facilitate the return of Kenya Airways to the Nairobi Maputo route to strengthen trade, tourism and people to people relations.
They also committed to supporting institutional reforms within the African Union to improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of the continental body.
On youth empowerment, President Ruto said Kenya has rolled out targeted interventions to expand opportunities for young people.
President Chapo said the three MOUs would deepen ties and deliver benefits to citizens of both countries. He noted that Kenya and Mozambique have signed 20 agreements over the years, many of which have produced tangible results.
He also disclosed that the two countries mutually recognise each other’s driving licences, allowing citizens to travel by road across their borders.
On sports cooperation, President Chapo said Mozambique will use the agreement to allow its athletes to train in Kenya as part of efforts to improve performance and build capacity.
