KEPSA participated in the Kenya - South Africa High-level Business Forum that was held on 9^th November 2022 at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi. Themed, Unlocking Trade and Investment Potential and Deepening Mutual Cooperation Between Kenya and South Africa, the event brought together Government officials, investors and business communities with an aim of exchanging views and developing measures to strengthen trade relations and investment opportunities for both countries.

The forum was graced by the two heads of state H.E Dr William Ruto CGH - President of the Republic of Kenya and H.E Cyril Ramaphosa - President of the Republic of South Africa. KEPSA was represented by the Chairperson Ms Flora Mutahi and the Vice-Chairperson Mr Jas Bedi. Also present included Hon. Moses Kuria - Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Investment and Industry, Kenya together with his South African counterpart Hon. Ebrahim Patel, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Dr Alfred Mutua, top Government officials, and captains of industry from the two countries among other dignitaries.

In her remarks, Ms Flora Mutahi noted that Kenya and South Africa needed multiple efforts both bilaterally and within the purview of the regional agreements such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to establish strong partnerships and unlock the potential of the private sector.   “We require bilateral agreements and regional cooperation especially in AfCFTA in order to unlock trade and investment. We need to be honest and factual about information that will spur trade growth between the two nations,” she remarked.

Based on the mutual partnership between Kenya and South Africa, trade between the two countries has consistently been growing. A quick scan shows that Kenya’s exports to South Africa averaged about US$36.09 million in 2021 compared to US$34.6 million in 2020. Similarly, Kenya’s imports from South Africa doubled in the first three months of 2022 compared to the same time in 2021, growing by 64 per cent to KSh. 17.7 billion from KSh. 10.8 billion.

In a panel session on Maximizing Opportunities Within the AfCFTA to Enhance Trade and Investment Between Kenya and South Africa, discussants emphasized the need to ensure a conducive policy environment that will bring together regulatory authorities, streamline processes and enhance intra-African trade.  The panel was moderated by Mr Jaswinder Bedi and featured Mr Ashit Shah - CEO, SUNRIPE; Mr Wilson Muthaura - CEO, KTDA; Mr Imtiaz Velji – CEO, Quality Meat Packers; Dr Narendra Naval - CEO, Devki Group of Companies; Mr Gerhard Victor - CEO, PG Bison; Mr Dominic Khumalo - Group Strategic Public Affairs, MTN; Dr Stavros Nicolau - Aspen Pharmacare.

The forum also featured breakout sessions on resolving trade barriers and optimising opportunities for trade in agricultural, agro-processed and forest-based commodities; developing strategic infrastructure projects to support intra-Africa trade within the AfCFTA framework; realities and prospects for the automotive sector; and unlocking opportunities for trade and investment in financial services.

During the presidential event later in the afternoon, speakers exuded confidence in stronger bilateral relations and enhanced trade and investments between the two nations henceforth. Hon. Ebrahim Patel stated that trade between the two countries is beginning to support the joint vision of industrialisation of both countries, however, much still needs to be done to push up the overall level of trade. His Kenyan counterpart Hon. Moses Kuria decried the fact that Kenya and South Africa continue to lose the bigger opportunity that exists within the wider African market by trading more with the rest of the world as opposed embracing to intra-African trade.

In his remarks, President Ruto acknowledged the fact that Africa is a continent of great opportunities and possibilities but is still choking with retrogressive bureaucracies and regulations that impede its collective progress. "We must turn our borders from being hurdles to being bridges so that we can trade and invest freely in our continent,” He remarked. President Ruto also called on the South African private sector to cease investment opportunities, especially in the housing sector.

South African President H.E Cyril Ramaphosa said that his visit to Kenya has come at a time when the world is facing enormous challenges, having just come from the COVID-19 pandemic and the realities of the impact of climate change. He praised the African continent for being resilient with a reputation of always emerging from difficulties and called for unity and integration for the prosperity of Africa. He added that the announcement of Visa-free travel between South Africa and Kenya will be closely monitored and should not be mistaken for a loophole for those who want to transgress immigration regulations.