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Global South Africans Strengthen South Africa–Kenya Cooperation

Brand South Africa Editor
|
March 17th, 2026

The strong and evolving relationship between South Africa and Kenya took centre stage in Nairobi during a Global South Africans engagement that highlighted growing economic cooperation, digital innovation partnerships, and continental integration.

The event formed part of a high-level working visit to Kenya by Hon. Deputy Minister in the Presidency Mr Kenny Morolong, accompanied by Mr Neville Matjie, Chief Executive Officer of Brand South Africa, and South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner and Chargé d’Affaires Mr Ernest Kgopa.

During the Global South Africans network session in Nairobi, the Deputy Minister emphasized the critical role of the South African diaspora in strengthening economic ties across the continent. Addressing South Africans living and working abroad, he described them as ambassadors of the country’s values and economic potential, helping to build bridges between African markets, cultures, and industries.

“A story of collaboration in business and trade. And now, a story of shared leadership in building Africa’s economic future. From the vision of leaders like Jomo Kenyatta to the democratic legacy of Nelson Mandela, our nations have always believed in one fundamental truth: Africa rises when Africans work together.” – Kenny Morolong, Deputy Minister in the Presidency.

A key message of the engagement was the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Morolong described the agreement as more than a trade framework, calling it a continental growth strategy aimed at unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

By reducing tariffs, removing non-tariff barriers, and promoting regional value chains, AfCFTA encourages African countries to trade more with one another and move away from exporting raw materials to distant markets.

For Kenya and South Africa, the agreement presented significant opportunities. South African manufacturing can integrate more effectively with East African supply chains, while Kenya’s innovation, logistics, and technology sectors can expand into Southern African markets.

The Deputy Minister noted that initiatives such as AfCFTA are transforming borders that once divided African economies into bridges of opportunity connecting businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs across the continent.

The engagement also highlighted the role of Brand South Africa in strengthening the country’s global reputation and economic positioning.

Brand South Africa’s CEO, Mr Neville Matjie, emphasized that Nation Branding is a strategic tool for investment attraction, economic diplomacy, and continental collaboration. Beyond reputation management, he noted, it is about building credibility, trust, and a shared narrative about Africa’s future.

During the visit, Brand South Africa’s CEO met with his Kenyan counterpart, Ms Floice Makabana, CEO of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency. Their discussions focused on sharing best practices and exploring collaboration between two of Africa’s leading economies.

Both leaders stressed the importance of jointly promoting their countries while advancing a broader vision of positioning Africa as a competitive destination for trade and investment. With the continent’s expanding technology sector and youthful population, they also explored opportunities to collaborate with other African nations toward the development of a unified “Brand Africa.”

During the visit, the South African delegation also participated in the TikTok Safer Internet Summit 2026 hosted in Nairobi by TikTok under the theme “2026 SaferTogether: Innovation and Safety.”

Deputy Minister Morolong delivered the Chief Guest Address at the summit, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration between governments, technology platforms, and civil society to build a safer digital ecosystem.

He pointed to growing concerns around online harassment, misinformation, and the protection of vulnerable internet users, particularly children and adolescents. The summit brought together stakeholders from across Sub-Saharan Africa to share best practices and explore innovative solutions for improving digital safety.

South Africa’s participation also signalled its commitment to strengthening digital governance, empowering young creators, and ensuring that the continent’s growing digital economy develops in a responsible and inclusive manner.

The visit also included strategic bilateral engagements with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo Gitau. Discussions focused on cooperation in digital transformation, cross-border innovation, and the harmonisation of ICT policies to support regional economic integration.

These engagements reflect the broader trajectory of South Africa–Kenya relations, which have evolved from historic solidarity during the struggle for freedom into a dynamic partnership focused on trade, technology, and investment. The legacy of leaders such as Jomo Kenyatta and Nelson Mandela continues to shape a shared commitment to African unity and cooperation.

As Africa advances continental integration through initiatives such as AfCFTA, partnerships between countries like South Africa and Kenya will play a critical role in driving economic growth and regional development.

The engagements in Nairobi highlighted the importance of strengthening investment partnerships, expanding trade opportunities, and fostering innovation-driven collaboration. At the same time, initiatives led by Brand South Africa continue to position the country as a trusted partner for investment and cooperation across the continent.