Kenya and Mozambique have signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening cooperation in key sectors including diplomacy, trade, security, and development.
The agreements were witnessed by President William Ruto and Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
President Chapo is in Kenya on an official visit at the invitation of President Ruto and also served as chief guest at the 4th Kenya International Investment Conference, where investment deals worth approximately $2.9 billion (Ksh 376.5 billion) were signed.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The three MoUs cover diplomatic training, research and capacity building, correctional services, youth development, and sports cooperation. The leaders also agreed on broader institutional collaboration between the two countries.
President Ruto said the bilateral discussions focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Kenya and Mozambique, particularly in expanding trade and economic ties.
He noted that both countries had identified priority sectors for growth, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, agro-processing, horticulture, and industrial products.
“We have identified key areas of growth, including pharmaceuticals, tea, edible oil, cosmetics, industrial products, agro-processing, energy, agriculture, horticulture and business,” President Ruto said.
Trade, Energy, and Infrastructure Cooperation
The two leaders also agreed to enhance business linkages through forums such as the Kenya-Mozambique Business Forum while addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade.
They further committed to boosting tourism through joint destination marketing, integrated coastal and safari circuits, and increased intra-African travel.
On energy cooperation, Kenya and Mozambique will explore partnerships in natural gas, coal, and renewable energy to diversify Kenya’s energy mix and strengthen supply stability.
In the maritime sector, both countries agreed to explore cooperation between the Port of Mombasa and Mozambican ports to enhance regional logistics and reduce trade costs.
Security, Aviation, and Youth Empowerment
The two nations also pledged cooperation in counter-terrorism, regional peace, and security, alongside strengthening aviation ties, including efforts to restore Kenya Airways’ Nairobi–Maputo route.
President Ruto further highlighted youth empowerment initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for young people across both countries.
Mozambique’s Position
President Chapo welcomed the agreements, noting that Kenya and Mozambique have signed about 20 MoUs over time, many of which have delivered tangible benefits.
He also confirmed mutual recognition of driving licences to ease cross-border movement and said Mozambique will utilize the sports cooperation agreement to allow athletes to train in Kenya.
Conclusion
The signing of the three MoUs marks a renewed phase of diplomatic and economic cooperation between Kenya and Mozambique, with both governments expressing commitment to deeper regional integration and shared development goals.
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