Kenya is importing its first consignment of machinery, agricultural products and electronics, among them refrigerators, from South Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In return, Kenya is expected to export tea, coffee, fruits and vegetables in the coming weeks under the same initiative.
On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa inaugurated South Africa’s first trade shipments under the AfCFTA at the Port of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal at the 13th AfCFTA Council of Ministers meeting attended by over 12 African Trade ministers, including Kenya’s Rebecca Miano.
“The first consignment that was flagged off to Kenya contained fridges and freezers. Going forward we shall expect imports from South Africa only of the products we do not manufacture in Kenya,” said Ms Miano.
“Kenya will also export to South Africa her tea, coffee, flowers, vegetables, a wide range of fruits, apparel, iron and steel products, among others,” she added.
The implementation of the AfCFTA will see the two countries increase their level of trade by creating awareness among the traders. Currently, trade is in favour of South Africa, which enjoys a significant trade surplus. Official data shows Kenya imported goods worth Sh61.1 billion from South Africa against Sh6.8 billion exports.
Source: Business Daily
