President Ruto Calls for Deeper Economic Cooperation at Kenya–South Africa Business Forum
President William Ruto has called for deeper trade, investment and industrial cooperation between Kenya and South Africa, underscoring the critical role of the two countries in driving Africa's economic transformation and advancing regional integration.
Speaking at the South Africa–Kenya Business Forum in Midrand Johannesburg on June 4 2026, during his State Visit to South Africa, President Ruto said Kenya and South Africa are among Africa's foremost economic anchors and possess the capacity to catalyse industrialisation, innovation and sustainable growth across the continent.
The President noted that the partnership between the two countries continues to expand across trade, investment, tourism, aviation, financial services, manufacturing, ICT and logistics, roviding a strong foundation for enhanced economic cooperation.
"Kenya and South Africa stand among our continent's foremost economic anchors," President Ruto said, adding that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a historic opportunity to create a single competitive market capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and accelerating industrialisation.
President Ruto called for deliberate efforts to build integrated regional value chains in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, logistics, pharmaceuticals, energy, digital services and green industrialisation, noting that greater collaboration between African economies is essential to unlocking the continent's full potential.
He further highlighted opportunities for cooperation in automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, mining, chemicals and steel, where South Africa's industrial strengths complement Kenya's position as a regional production, innovation and logistics hub.
On agriculture, President Ruto noted the need for increased investment in agro-processing, irrigation, cold-chain logistics and agricultural value chains to enhance food security and strengthen intra-African trade.
President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Kenya, describing Kenya as one of South Africa's most important trading partners on the continent outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
President Ramaphosa noted that bilateral trade between the two countries has grown steadily in recent years and highlighted the strong investment links that continue to underpin the relationship.
The South African President also underscored the role of development finance institutions in supporting key infrastructure projects and expressed readiness to expand cooperation in catalytic infrastructure, technology transfer, industrial innovation, digital trade and artificial intelligence.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to removing barriers to trade and investment, strengthening regional value chains and creating enabling environments for business growth through improved physical and digital infrastructure.
The two Presidents further underscored the importance of fully implementing the outcomes of the Kenya–South Africa Joint Commission for Cooperation and the Joint Trade Committee to ensure that bilateral agreements translate into tangible benefits for businesses, investors and citizens.
The Kenya–South Africa Business Forum brought together government leaders, business executives and investors from both countries to explore new opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation, while advancing Africa's industrialisation, economic integration and shared prosperity agenda.
President Ruto was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary for Trade Hon. Lee Kinayanjui, Hon Ali Hassan Joho, C.S for Mining and Blue Economy , Ms. Hannah Cheptumo C.S for Gender, Culture and Arts and Dr. Korir Singoei P.S State Department for Foreign Affairs among others.