The President of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, has arrived in Kenya for a three-day official visit aimed at expanding economic cooperation, strengthening diplomatic relations, and promoting investment opportunities. The visit, prompted by an invitation from President William Ruto, marks a continuation of the two nations’ long-standing partnership.
Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on Tuesday, President Chapo was received by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who highlighted the importance of the visit in advancing shared interests.
Over the next few days, the Mozambican leader will participate in several high-level meetings designed to explore avenues for collaboration across trade, investment, energy, and regional development.
“This visit will provide an opportunity for the two Heads of State to assess the current state of bilateral cooperation and diplomatic ties, as well as to exchange views on the political, economic, social, peace and security situation of their respective countries, the continent, and the globe,” Mudavadi said.
One of the key events during the visit is the 4th Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO), scheduled to start on Wednesday at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi.
President Chapo will serve as guest of honour, highlighting Mozambique’s investment climate and potential opportunities for global investors. Amb. Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, Mozambique’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, said: “At KIICO, the Head of State will promote the mobilisation of investment in Mozambique by showcasing the country’s potential and the investment opportunities available.”
Earlier, during the 3rd Session of the Kenya–Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) held in Nairobi, Mudavadi reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to practical and result-oriented cooperation. Established in 1991, the JPCC serves as a platform for structured dialogue on priority areas including agriculture, education, energy, defence, trade, and public service capacity development.
“The successful convening of the Second Session of the JPCC in Maputo in August 2023 marked a significant milestone in our partnership. The signing of thirteen bilateral instruments. We firmly believe that the continued effective implementation of these agreements will further consolidate our partnership and ensure that the JPCC remains a dynamic and results-oriented mechanism for deepening our bilateral engagement,” Mudavadi said.
He noted that the current session comes at a time of global uncertainty affecting trade, supply chains, and investment, particularly in Africa. “While we continue to actively advocate for diplomatic solutions, recognising that peace is essential for protecting livelihoods, supporting economic activities and ensuring long-term development across the continent, it is paramount that we prioritise the expansion of intra-Africa partnerships and trade,” he said.
Mudavadi acknowledged the progress made in key sectors but highlighted areas needing faster implementation. These include the operationalisation of Joint Technical Committees, completion of pending legal agreements, and measures to improve trade facilitation.
“We acknowledge with gratitude the tremendous progress achieved across key sectors. However, there are areas where implementation is yet to advance as swiftly as anticipated. These include the timely establishment and convening of Joint Technical Committees, the finalisation of outstanding legal instruments and the advancement of trade facilitation measures,” he said.
He further called for the operationalisation of the Joint Technical Committee on Trade and the formalisation of the Kenya–Mozambique Business Forum to enhance market access, tackle tariff and non-tariff barriers, and strengthen private sector collaboration.
The Prime CS also praised the resumption of direct flights between Nairobi and Maputo in 2024, which has improved trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections. “This has enhanced trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. There is a need for close collaboration to address the operational challenges currently affecting air connectivity, including outstanding financial and logistical constraints, to ensure sustainable and reliable linkages between our capitals,” he said.
Beyond trade and connectivity, Kenya and Mozambique are exploring partnerships in counterterrorism, maritime development, digital transformation, and tourism, all of which are critical to economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development, Mudavadi added.