Kenya has stepped up efforts to attract foreign investment and expand trade following high-level bilateral talks with Portugal, as leaders from both countries pledged to unlock economic potential and strengthen cooperation across key sectors.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi held discussions in Nairobi with Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, with both sides emphasising the need to boost trade volumes that remain below their full potential.
“Notably, our trade volumes have historically been low; consequently, Kenya and Portugal recognise the imperative to maximise the immense potential that exists between our two economies,” Mudavadi said.
To address the gap, the two countries agreed to enhance collaboration between trade institutions, including ministries and business councils, while promoting joint forums and trade missions to facilitate direct engagement between investors and enterprises.
Mudavadi said Kenya is positioning itself as a strategic gateway for Portuguese investors targeting Africa’s fast-growing markets, citing its connectivity and regional integration advantages.
“Kenya is strategically positioned as the gateway to East and Central Africa… In this context, we invite Portuguese investors to choose Nairobi as their anchor for investment in the wider African market,” he said.
He noted that Kenya provides access to a combined market of more than 300 million people within the East African Community, as well as the broader African Continental Free Trade Area, which covers over 1.3 billion consumers.
The leaders also underscored the importance of leveraging existing frameworks such as the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement to accelerate trade and economic growth between the two nations.
Beyond trade, the talks highlighted opportunities for sector-specific investments, particularly in the blue economy. Both countries committed to expanding cooperation in sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, maritime transport and ocean governance.
The engagement builds on previous collaboration, including joint participation in the United Nations Ocean Conference 2022, and sets the stage for further cooperation at the upcoming Our Ocean Conference 2026.
“We have to work towards protecting oceans from threats of pollution and climate change. This is part of the progress in advancing sustainable food security,” Rangel said.
On labour mobility, the two sides pointed to progress in facilitating travel and workforce exchange, including the recent opening of a Portuguese visa processing centre in Nairobi aimed at easing movement between the countries.
“Kenya and Portugal agreed to continue exploring mutually beneficial frameworks that facilitate skills mobility and protect the rights and welfare of our citizens abroad,” Mudavadi said.
At the multilateral level, both nations expressed alignment on the need to reform global governance systems. They pledged to work together in advocating for reforms to the international financial architecture and the United Nations Security Council to better address emerging global challenges such as regional conflicts, climate change and debt vulnerabilities.
Climate and energy cooperation also featured prominently, with both countries committing to deepen collaboration in renewable energy development, climate financing and nature-based solutions. Mudavadi highlighted Kenya’s growing leadership role in global climate action under President William Ruto.
“The ocean agenda and climate action and financing are a top priority for us. We want to deepen the dialogue and investment in Africa, building partnerships that will help us have a credible voice to balance the ongoing geopolitical debate,” Rangel said.
Security cooperation remains another key pillar of the partnership, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to diplomacy and joint efforts to address instability in regions such as the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes.
“We have made progress that calls for action and follow-up. We are calling on the private sector to come on board and support us,” Rangel added.
Mudavadi also acknowledged Portugal’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions, particularly in South Sudan, noting that such efforts are critical in promoting regional stability.
“Kenya appreciates Portugal’s active engagement in international peacekeeping, including missions in Africa,” he said, adding that both countries will explore expanded collaboration in conflict prevention and counter-terrorism.
The talks signal a renewed push by Kenya to deepen bilateral partnerships while positioning itself as a key hub for trade, investment and sustainable development across the African continent.
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