Deputy Minister Morolong highlights trade, investment, and AfCFTA opportunities in Nairobi
The historic solidarity between South Africa and Kenya during the struggle against apartheid now serves as the foundation for a growing economic and diplomatic partnership, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong said at the Global South Africans Fireside Chat and Networking Dinner in Nairobi.
Morolong reminded attendees that long before formal diplomatic relations were established in 1994, Kenya consistently supported South Africa’s fight against apartheid. “When the struggle against apartheid demanded international solidarity, Kenya answered that call. Kenyan leaders, institutions, and ordinary citizens extended moral, diplomatic, and political support to South Africa’s liberation movement,” he said.
He also referenced Kenya’s founding President, Jomo Kenyatta, who emphasized that Africa’s freedom would remain incomplete until South Africa achieved liberation. “That shared destiny continues to guide the partnership between South Africa and Kenya,” Morolong added.
Strategic and economic importance
The Deputy Minister described the two nations as strategic partners for regional economic development. Kenya is viewed as the “economic and logistical gateway to East Africa,” while South Africa anchors Southern Africa’s economic activity.
“Together, we are not just participants in Africa’s development story, we are co-authors of it. On continental platforms such as the African Union, our nations have consistently worked to advance peace, democratic governance, and economic integration. We share a commitment to African solutions for African challenges,” Morolong said.
Growing trade and investment
Morolong highlighted that the partnership extends beyond diplomacy into business. South African firms in Kenya operate in banking, media and entertainment, mobile communications, and clothing, contributing to job creation, skill transfer, and entrepreneurship.
Bilateral trade is robust. South Africa’s exports to Kenya total approximately US$660 million, while Kenya exports around US$50 million to South Africa. Morolong emphasized that “South Africa brings industrial capacity and manufacturing expertise, while Kenya contributes agricultural excellence, logistics networks, and a dynamic digital innovation ecosystem.”
AfCFTA: unlocking continental potential
Morolong also highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a transformative framework for the continent, which aims to:
- Reduce tariffs across Africa
- Remove non-tariff barriers
- Promote regional value chains
- Support industrialization
- Encourage intra-African trade
“For Kenya and South Africa, AfCFTA is more than a trade agreement; it is a continental development strategy. It enables South African manufacturing to integrate with East African supply chains and allows Kenyan innovation and logistics to reach Southern African markets,” he said.
Diaspora as bridge builders
Morolong addressed South Africans in the diaspora, calling them “ambassadors of South Africa’s spirit” and “bridge builders between markets, cultures, and opportunities.” He highlighted their critical role in fostering investments, collaborations, and connections that strengthen Africa’s economic integration.
Nation branding and continental leadership
Emphasizing the power of national branding, Morolong said, “South Africa’s brand reflects resilience, diversity, innovation, and democratic progress. Kenya’s brand reflects entrepreneurship, technological leadership, creativity, and regional connectivity. When these brands align, they amplify each other, sending a message that Africa is open for partnership, innovation, and growth.”
Concluding, Morolong reaffirmed that “Africa rises when Africans work together,” urging deeper partnerships, expanded trade, and full implementation of AfCFTA. “When Kenya and South Africa walk together, Africa does not merely move forward—Africa leads,” he said.