Thursday, June 4, 2026
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) will this afternoon host a business forum that will bring together business representatives, senior government officials and economic cluster ministers from both South Africa and Kenya.
The business forum is scheduled to take place at the Gallagher Convention Center in Midrand.
The forum will be addressed by both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenyan President Dr William Ruto later in the day.
According to Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competitiveness, the business forum will focus on exploring strategies to deepen economic cooperation, facilitate trade partnerships and unlock the full potential of trade and investment between the two countries.
“South Africa and Kenya recognize the importance of trade development and trade diversification for overall economic growth and prosperity.
“Diversification of exports is vital for balanced economic growth and is vital to guaranteeing the long-term stability and future economic well-being of both countries.”
Tau said both South Africa and Kenya are well positioned to utilize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for improved trade growth, complementary regional gateways and job creation investments, which have the potential to drive continental integration.
He further explained that AfCFTA preferential trade between South Africa and Kenya has seen steady growth since SA's preferential trade launch on 31 January 2024, with Kenya being one of South Africa's top destinations along with Ghana and Egypt.
Total trade between South Africa and Kenya is expected to grow from R9.3 billion in 2016 to R10.5 billion in 2025, registering an average growth rate of 3.5% over the period 2016 – 2025.
The targeted strategic sectors for the platform are finance and technology, agriculture and agribusiness, manufacturing and infrastructure development. – sanews.gov.za