Kenya has reached a new milestone in its relations with Morocco. In Nairobi, the Kenyan authorities signed 11 agreements with the Kingdom and reaffirmed their support for the autonomy plan for the Sahara. This stance is part of a broader international trend in favour of this initiative. Against this backdrop, an economic partnership between the two countries is rapidly taking shape
The Kenyan government signed eleven agreements with Morocco on 9 April 2026 in Nairobi. These bilateral instruments cover agriculture, justice, health, maritime fisheries and aquaculture, gender equality and women’s empowerment, cultural cooperation, higher education, sports, wildlife, and visa exemption for diplomatic, service and official passport holders. The two parties also signed a framework agreement relating to the granting of university scholarships, internships and the sharing of expertise. The agreements were signed on the occasion of the joint commission between the two countries.
“Morocco has succeeded in establishing itself as one of the African countries capable of shaping its own destiny and overcoming its many challenges through genuine strategic partnerships between African nations, within the framework of South-South cooperation, driven by optimism and confidence in the continent’s capacities as well as in its human and natural resources. ”
Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Morocco
In the joint communiqué issued at the end of the Joint Commission’s proceedings, Kenya praised the momentum driven by Mohammed VI, describing the Moroccan plan as a sustainable approach to resolving the regional dispute over the Sahara. This position is part of a growing international dynamic, marked by the opening of more than 30 consulates in the southern provinces and the endorsement of several powers of this Moroccan initiative.
“Our two countries, thanks to our leaders, have given us the direction, and it is our duty to implement it and ensure that the private sector in both countries works closely together so that we can achieve better results. I can assure you that, comparatively, if you look at the stock exchanges — that is, where the capital markets are — South Africa, Morocco, Kenya and Egypt are truly the financial hubs of capital markets in Africa.”
Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary – Kenya
In this momentum, the two countries intend to concretely strengthen their economic exchanges, with trade volume estimated at 80.4 million US dollars in 2024 (USD 80.4 million in trade with Morocco). The emphasis is on greater involvement of the private sector, which is expected to play a driving role in turning the agreements into real investment opportunities. Morocco and Kenya thus aim to consolidate their position among the continent’s leading economic hubs, relying on the complementarity of their markets and on strategic high value-added sectors.
“Your Excellency, my brother, in following your remarks, I wish to reaffirm our strong conviction that this joint commission represents a renewed imperative for our bilateral cooperation. We are confident that Moroccan-Kenyan relations will make great progress in the years ahead.”
Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Morocco
Kenya also welcomed the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which establishes the Moroccan plan as the basis for negotiations. In return, Morocco highlighted the importance of the UN framework and its continued cooperation with the United Nations, while relying on this strategic partnership with Kenya to strengthen its economic and diplomatic presence in East Africa. Beyond the diplomatic aspect, this meeting reflects a notable economic rapprochement between Morocco and Kenya.
