Kenya, France forge economic partnership to unlock blue economy, regional trade opportunities  

KENYA – Kenya and the French overseas territory of Mayotte have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on trade, innovation, and the blue economy. 

The agreement is expected to generate trade opportunities worth approximately US$1.05 billion (140 billion Kenyan shillings), strengthening regional integration and access to European markets.  

The MoU, formalised after months of negotiations, is spearheaded by Kenya’s National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs. 

The signing ceremony in Nairobi brought together high-profile officials, including Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy, Hassan Ali Joho, Mayotte’s Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Thani Mohamed Soilihi, and French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet.  

This partnership aligns with Kenya’s broader strategic goals of leveraging its position as a regional economic hub while supporting Mayotte’s ambitions to become a vital export market for African goods.  

Focus on the blue economy  

Central to the partnership is the development of the blue economy—a concept that emphasises the sustainable use of ocean resources to promote economic growth, food security, and job creation. 

Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho highlighted Kenya’s commitment to protecting marine ecosystems while maximising the economic potential of aquatic and marine resources.  

Key initiatives will focus on sustainable fishing, marine biodiversity conservation, and developing marine logistics, enhancing regional trade routes between Kenya and Mayotte.  

The agreement also prioritises agricultural collaboration. With its surplus agricultural production, Kenya will supply Mayotte with food products, addressing regional food security concerns and the EU market’s stringent standards. 

This collaboration positions Mayotte as a gateway for Kenyan agricultural exports to Europe, boosting trade volumes and diversifying Kenya’s export markets.    

KNCCI Vice-President Mustafa Ramadhan emphasised the importance of reducing trade barriers, harmonising customs procedures, and improving trade logistics to foster smooth bilateral trade. 

Mayotte’s proximity to Kenya’s coast provides logistical advantages, including efficient shipping routes and air links.  

Innovation will enhance trade efficiencies and foster technology transfer, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and the blue economy.  

Strategic diplomatic gains  

This partnership also enhances Kenya’s diplomatic standing as the host of the upcoming 2026 Africa-France Summit, marking the first time the summit will be held outside a Francophone nation.

Presidents William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron jointly announced the event, which underscores Kenya’s growing influence in international diplomacy and its strategic partnerships with French-speaking regions.  

The summit will provide a platform for Kenya to showcase its achievements under the MoU with Mayotte, including progress in the blue economy, trade, and regional cooperation.  

The high-level engagement builds on Kenya’s participation in the 14th Indian Ocean Forum held in Mayotte earlier this month. 

Organised by CAP Business and ADIM Mayotte, the forum laid the groundwork for deepening trade relations between Kenya and Mayotte, with support from the European Union and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).  

Ben Issa, President of the Région Mayotte, expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to address shared challenges and capitalise on regional opportunities. 

Meanwhile, François-Xavier Bieuville, Prefect of Mayotte, pledged to work closely with stakeholders to resolve trade barriers and ensure mutual benefits. 

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