Under the terms of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Kenya is importing its first shipment of electronics, industrial and agricultural goods, including refrigerators, from South Africa.
Under the same programme, Kenya is anticipated to export fruits, vegetables, tea and coffee in exchange in the upcoming weeks.
The 13th AfCFTA Council of Ministers meeting, which was attended by more than 12 African trade ministers, including Rebecca Miano of Kenya, took place on Wednesday at the Port of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened South Africa’s first commercial shipments under the AfCFTA.
“Freezers and refrigerators were included in the initial shipment that was sent to Kenya. Going forward, we only anticipate importing goods from South Africa that we do not produce in Kenya”, as stated by Ms. Miano.
She continued, “Kenya will also export her tea, coffee, flowers, vegetables, a wide variety of fruits, apparel, iron and steel products, among other things, to South Africa.”
By raising trader awareness, the two nations will witness an increase in commerce as a result of the AfCFTA’s adoption. Right now, trade benefits South Africa, which has a sizable trade surplus. According to official data, Kenya exported commodities worth Sh6.8 billion from South Africa, while it bought items worth Sh61.1 billion.
