On June 4 - 5, 2026 South Africa has signed four new bilateral agreements on tourism, trade and security with Kenya, during Kenyan President William Ruto’s State visit to Pretoria, bringing the total number of agreements between the two ountries to 32.
The pacts that include Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) are designed to boost intra - African trade, streamline maritime transport, enhancing tourism, foster youth development through skills and cultural exchanges, as well as strengthen regional security.
International Relations Minister of South Africa Ronald Lamola announced the deals, which are aimed at enhancing ties between the two African countries and boosting both nation’s tourism sectors. Kenya is currently South Africa’s largest African trading partner outside the Southern African Development (SADC) region.
The official highlighted the impact of 2022 reciprocal visa - free agreement, which grants nationals of both countries up to 90 days’ visa - free access, describing it as having improved tourism flows in both directions by a huge number and citing it as a model for how regional well - managed and planned regional migration can work.
The agreements build on a growing bilateral relationship that spans trade, investment, and people - to - people connectivity. The Minister used the occasion to address concerns around migration, driving a clear distinction between legal cross - border movement and irregular immigration.
The Minister said that the South African public are welcoming, peace - loving people, who want to work with everyone on the continent, adding that the government was dealing decisively with irregular and illegal migration through law enforcement channels rather than through private actions.
Key outcomes and areas of cooperation between South Africa and Kenya:
• Trade and Maritime Transport: The countries signed agreements to reduce non – tariff barriers, harmonize standards, and enhance shipping logistics to support the Business Insider Africa reports on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
• Tourism and Migration: Building upon reciprocal 90 – day visa – free agreement implemented previously, is highlighted how eased migration rules have significantly boosted tourism flows and people – to – people connectivity.
• Security and Governance: Both nations committed to strategic aligments on regional peace, governance, and exploring shared digital infrastructure and cyber security.
• Skills and Cultural Exchange: MoUs were designed regarding technical and vocational training, gender equality, sports, and arts to improve youth employability and bilateral ties.
The State Visit reflects the increasing strategic importance of the South Africa - Kenya corridor as a driver of intra - African trade and tourism across the continent.
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