The bonds of solidarity forged during the liberation war that united South Africa and Kenya against apartheid are now fostering an economic and diplomatic partnership “forged in the fire of history.”
This is according to the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, who delivered the remarks at the Global South African Fireside Chat and Networking Dinner held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Morolong reminded the audience that long before the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1994, the East African country “stood firmly in favor of justice and freedom for the people of South Africa”.
“When the struggle against apartheid called for international solidarity, Kenya answered that call. Kenyan leaders, institutions and ordinary citizens gave moral, diplomatic and political support to South Africa's liberation movement.
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“Indeed, Kenya's founding President Jomo Kenyatta once reminded the world that Africa's independence would remain incomplete until South Africa became independent,” he said.
That shared destiny, Morolong said, “continues to guide the partnership between South Africa and Kenya”.
He stressed the strategic importance of both countries – introducing Kenya as an “economic and logistics gateway to East Africa” and South Africa as the driving force behind “economic activity in Southern Africa”.
“Together, we are not just participants in Africa’s development story, we are its co-authors. At continental forums like the African Union, our nations have consistently worked together to advance peace, democratic governance and economic integration.
“We share a commitment to the idea that African challenges deserve African solutions, and African opportunities deserve African partnerships,” the Deputy Minister said.
mutual trade
Morolong said this relationship goes beyond diplomacy, but also reaches “boardrooms, factories, financial institutions and technology platforms across Kenya”.
South African companies in the banking, media and entertainment, mobile communications and textile sectors often choose the country as a base for East African operations.
“These companies represent much more than a corporate presence. They represent confidence in Kenya's future, confidence in Africa's markets and a commitment to shared prosperity.
“They create jobs, transfer skills, support entrepreneurship and help connect African economies in ways that strengthen the entire continent,” he said.
Moreover, trade between the two countries reaches hundreds of millions of dollars.
South Africa's exports to Kenya have reached approximately US$660 million, while in contrast, exports from Kenya to South Africa amount to approximately US$50 million.
“These trade flows highlight the complementary strengths of our economies.
“South Africa brings industrial capacity and manufacturing expertise, while Kenya contributes agricultural excellence, logistics networks and one of Africa’s most dynamic digital innovation ecosystems,” Morolong said.
He said the current strong trade between the two countries represents “only a fraction of what we can achieve tomorrow”.
Morolong pointed out that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) represents a “transformational project for the continent” with its implementation.
The agreement – the largest of its kind in the world – seeks to unlock opportunities on the continent:
- reducing tariffs across the continent
- Removing Non-Tariff Barriers
- Promoting regional value chains
- supporting industrialization
- Encouraging African countries to trade more with each other rather than exporting raw materials to distant markets
“For Kenya and South Africa, this agreement is much more than a trade framework.
“It is a continental development strategy. It allows South African manufacturing to integrate with East African supply chains. It enables Kenyan innovation and logistics to access Southern African markets. It transforms the boundaries that once divided markets into something that connects opportunities.”
Addressing directly to South Africans in the diaspora, the Deputy Minister described them as “ambassadors of the spirit of South Africa” and “building bridges between markets, cultures and opportunities”.
“You are bridge builders between markets, cultures and opportunities. You represent the ingenuity, resilience and diversity that defines South Africa.
“And in cities like Nairobi, where African innovation and entrepreneurship are thriving, your role becomes even more important. Because every partnership you form, every investment you make, and every collaboration you foster strengthens not only South Africa, but all of Africa,” he said.
Better Africa, Better World
Turning to the continental situation, the Deputy Minister stressed the importance of nation branding and described it as “about identity, credibility and a shared narrative”.
“South Africa's national brand is built on resilience, diversity, innovation and democratic progress. Kenya's national brand reflects entrepreneurship, technological leadership, creativity and regional connectivity.
Morolong said, “When these two national brands align, they enhance each other. They send a message to investors, entrepreneurs and young Africans across the continent that Africa is open to partnership, innovation and growth. And perhaps more importantly, they help Africa tell its own story, confidently, authentically and on its own terms.”
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed the enduring principle that “Africa rises when Africans work together”.
“So let us deepen our partnership. Let us expand trade. Let us deliver on the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“And let us continue to build an African future that is defined not by limitations, but by possibilities.
Morolong concluded, “Because when Kenya and South Africa move together – Africa not only moves forward, but Africa moves forward.”