Kenya and Morocco ink 11 cooperation agreements across key sectors

Kenya and Morocco sign 11 cooperation agreements covering trade, investment and connectivity, with a focus on trade balance and expanded sectoral collaboration

NAIROBI: Kenya and Morocco have signed 11 cooperation agreements spanning key sectors, including agriculture, health, trade, education, and security.

The agreements were finalized in Nairobi on Thursday during the inaugural session of the Kenya–Morocco Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC), co‑chaired by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

The framework marks a new phase of structured engagement between the two nations, aimed at expanding collaboration in trade, investment, and industrial development, while also enhancing air connectivity.

The agreements encompass a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, justice, health, fisheries and aquaculture, gender equality and women’s empowerment, cultural exchange, higher education, scholarships, internships, sports, immigration, and wildlife management.

These arrangements build upon five memoranda of understanding signed in May 2025, which covered areas such as diplomatic training, housing, trade cooperation, youth development, and public service capacity building.

On trade and investment, both sides underscored the importance of reducing the existing trade imbalance, improving market access for agricultural and value-added goods, and promoting mutual investments in sectors such as renewable energy, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

They also agreed to expedite discussions on future agreements covering ports, double taxation, energy, air transport, mining, and tourism. In addition, enhanced connectivity was identified as a priority, with both countries aiming to reinstate direct flights between Kenya and Morocco to facilitate trade, tourism, and broader people-to-people exchanges.

Agriculture remains a key pillar of the partnership, with Morocco supporting Kenya with the supply of affordable fertilizers, technology transfer, and investment in enhancing local production capacity.

Diplomats from both countries also highlighted the potential for enhanced coordination within continental and multilateral platforms, strengthening ties that extend beyond bilateral cooperation.

The approach reflects broader African efforts to advance South‑South collaboration and reduce dependence on external economic blocs. Monitoring Desk