Kenya and Algeria are set to sign a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) agreement aimed at enhancing trade relations between the two nations through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Algeria is an important strategic partner for Kenya in several sectors, including agriculture, defence, and education, among others.
Speaking after a meeting with Ahmed Attaf, Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi expressed his anticipation for the first session of the JCC, scheduled to be held in Kenya.
“Our countries must continue to collaborate in strengthening bilateral relations for the benefit of our peoples. The upcoming JCC in Kenya will be a key step in reinforcing this cooperation,” said Mudavadi.
Mudavadi, also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, emphasized that the JCC will provide a vital platform for creating a framework for strategic partnerships. He highlighted Kenya’s commitment to expanding trade ties with Algeria through the AfCFTA frameworks.
“Kenya, being the commercial hub of East and Central Africa, offers a vast market of 400 million people. I invite Algerian investors to tap into these opportunities,” he added. Mudavadi also thanked the Algerian government for donating 16,000 metric tons of fertilizer and congratulated Algeria on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2024-2025.
He noted that Kenya and Algeria have consistently supported each other in international forums on matters such as peace and security, climate change, and agriculture. “Kenya is committed to working closely with Algeria on multilateral platforms to advance the goals of Agenda 2063 for the betterment of the African continent,” said Mudavadi.
Mudavadi further requested Algeria’s support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission, highlighting Odinga’s distinguished leadership and dedication to Pan-Africanism. “Raila Odinga’s strong leadership, his Pan-Africanist credentials, and his commitment to African unity, integration, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and gender equality make him an ideal candidate to lead the African Union Commission,” Mudavadi remarked.
In response, Minister Attaf affirmed Algeria’s readiness for the JCC agreement. “We are prepared for the bilateral agreements and look forward to finalizing them in Nairobi,” said Attaf.
