After endorsing the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara, proposed in 2007, the Kenyan government hopes its new position on this issue will open the Moroccan market to Kenyan agricultural exports, particularly tea and coffee. This topic was on the agenda for the Kenyan Foreign Minister this Tuesday. Kenya's Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, is continuing his official visit to Morocco. Following his meetings on Monday, May 26, with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and the inauguration of Kenya's embassy in Rabat, Mudavadi also held talks with the head of government, the Minister of Trade and Industry, and the Director General of the National Railways Office (ONCF). Discussions with Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch focused on «ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Morocco and Kenya», according to a statement from the Moroccan government released on Tuesday, May 27. On X, Mudavadi shared that he and Akhannouch discussed «cooperation across key sectors, including tourism, agriculture, trade, industry, and education». «In a significant gesture towards balanced trade, H.E. Akhannouch pledged to prioritise the importation of Kenyan tea and coffee. We also agreed to commence immediate bilateral engagements aimed at unlocking Morocco's full market potential for Kenyan products and expertise», Mudavadi stated. «Responding to my invitation, H.E. Akhannouch expressed his intention to visit Kenya, accompanied by a delegation of Moroccan investors, a move set to further cement economic and diplomatic ties.» Kenya Insists on Coffee and Tea Kenya's tea and coffee exports were also central to Mudavadi's discussions with the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ryad Mezzour. «Kenyan tea and coffee should find a growing market in Morocco, following the Kingdom's commitment to further open its doors to our agricultural exports», Mudavadi said. «We have reached a mutual agreement to increase imports of Kenyan agricultural products—a significant step towards rebalancing trade, which has long been in favor of Morocco», he added. «We also explored potential partnerships in the tourism sector, inspired by Morocco's remarkable growth, which aims to increase from 12 million visitors to 20 million by 2025. This journey offers valuable lessons and exciting collaboration opportunities», said. Rail Connectivity and Infrastructure As part of his economically focused visit to Morocco, Mudavadi also met with the Director General of ONCF. «Morocco continues to set the pace in Africa's infrastructure journey, with its high-speed rail line connecting Tangier and Casablanca at an impressive 320 km/h, the third fastest in the world», the Kenyan minister noted. «During a productive exchange with Mr. Mohamed Rabie Khlie, Director General and CEO of the National Office of Railways (ONCF), I learned that their rail network serves over 5.5 million passengers each year. We discussed the potential for collaboration between ONCF and Kenya Railways to enhance Kenya's connectivity in both passenger and freight transport, strengthening links within the country and across the region», he added. As a reminder, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch had previously met with Kenyan President William Ruto in January 2023 in Dakar. On that occasion, President Ruto highlighted that «Kenya and the Kingdom of Morocco enjoy deep-rooted economic relations especially in areas of trade, agriculture, health, tourism and energy. We commit to accelerate and strengthen our strategic ties for the shared benefit of the citizens of the two countries», he wrote on X.
