Kenya and Angola have agreed to enhance their bilateral relations by resuming direct flights between Nairobi and Luanda, with Kenya Airways set to restart services by March 2024. This landmark announcement came after a high-level meeting between Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and João Lourenço of Angola on Wednesday at the Angolan presidential palace in Luanda.
The resumption of flights is expected to boost connectivity, trade, and tourism between the two nations, fostering deeper economic and diplomatic ties. Additionally, Angola will waive visa requirements for Kenyan citizens travelling to the country, mirroring Kenya’s earlier decision to ease travel restrictions for Angolan nationals.
“This agreement will greatly facilitate travel for our professionals, including teachers and businesspeople, making it easier for them to access Angola,” said President Ruto during the meeting.
Beyond the travel agreements, the two leaders engaged in discussions on broader issues affecting Africa, including regional peace efforts, institutional reforms within the African Union (AU), and the upcoming election for the AU Commission chairperson. President Ruto, who has been entrusted by fellow African leaders to spearhead AU reforms, invited President Lourenço to a retreat in Kenya later this month in preparation for the AU Heads of State Summit scheduled for February.
In particular, the two leaders underscored the importance of continued peace initiatives in the Great Lakes region, including the ongoing Luanda Process for Peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They called for a joint meeting between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to solidify the peace process and ensure its success.
“Peace and security on our continent are of paramount importance to all of us,” President Ruto said. “We are committed to ensuring that the Luanda Process incorporates the voices and efforts of all regional partners.”
AU Chairperson Race and Trade Relations
President Ruto also sought President Lourenço’s support for former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the position of the AU Commission chairperson. This request is part of Kenya’s broader diplomatic strategy to play an active role in shaping the future of the African Union.
On trade relations, the two leaders discussed opportunities to enhance economic cooperation, with a focus on expanding bilateral trade and investment between Kenya and Angola. Both leaders emphasized the importance of developing stronger commercial ties to benefit both countries’ economies.
President Ruto was accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, as well as Governors Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga, Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, Mandera Senator Ali Roba, and Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku.
The bilateral discussions represent a significant step in fostering stronger, more cooperative ties between Kenya and Angola, with the travel and visa agreements expected to serve as a catalyst for further collaboration across various sectors.
