Kenyan President William Ruto arrived in South Africa on June 3, 2026, for a three-day state visit hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The trip, running through June 5, marked a significant step in deepening ties between two of Africa’s largest economies. Ruto, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto and a delegation of ministers, touched down at Waterkloof Air Force Base near Pretoria, where he was received by South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes.

The visit built on diplomatic relations re-established in 1994 and positioned the two nations as strategic partners across East and Southern Africa. Officials described the engagement as an opportunity to advance trade, investment, regional integration, and shared positions on continental and global issues. Prior to the visit, the countries had already concluded 28 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering sectors such as agriculture, defence, tourism, and transport.

Official programme highlights included bilateral talks at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on June 4. The leaders held a one-on-one meeting followed by broader delegation discussions. Topics ranged from economic cooperation and infrastructure to peace and security, as well as reforms within the African Union. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the current state of relations, coordinated through the Joint Commission for Cooperation at foreign minister level.

Central to the visit was the signing of six new memoranda of understanding. These instruments covered trade facilitation through standards, regulation and metrology; shipping and maritime cooperation; gender equality and women’s empowerment; technical and vocational education and training; arts and heritage; and sports and recreation. The new deals brought the total number of bilateral agreements between the two countries to 34. President Ramaphosa described them as providing a legal framework to expand cooperation across multiple fronts.

Trade figures underscored the growing commercial relationship. Bilateral trade rose from $590 million in 2024 to $650 million in 2025, with Kenya serving as South Africa’s largest trading partner in East Africa. South African companies have invested significantly in Kenya across pharmaceuticals, retail, financial services, information and communications technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Kenyan businesses have similarly expanded their presence in South Africa. Leaders directed trade ministers to address remaining tariff and non-tariff barriers to further unlock potential.

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The African Continental Free Trade Area featured prominently in discussions. The agreement was highlighted as a catalyst for inclusive growth, industrialisation, and job creation. The first shipment of South African exports to Kenya under AfCFTA preferences took place in January 2024. Both presidents committed to using the framework to develop regional value chains and support manufacturing across the continent. A Kenya-South Africa Business Council was also proposed as a platform to translate political commitments into concrete private-sector opportunities.

Later on June 4, the leaders addressed the South Africa-Kenya Business Forum at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg. The event focused on deepening economic ties, facilitating business partnerships, and exploring investment in mutually beneficial sectors. Participants discussed logistics, transport, energy, renewable projects, and skills transfer. South African development finance institutions, including the Development Bank of Southern Africa, were noted for expanding activities in Kenya, particularly in infrastructure and private-sector development.

People-to-people connections received attention through the existing visa-free regime allowing stays of up to 90 days. Kenyan visitor numbers to South Africa increased by 18.7 percent, reaching a record 58,376 in 2025. Officials viewed the arrangement as a driver of shared prosperity and stronger interpersonal bonds. Broader cooperation in health preparedness, aviation, and cultural exchange also formed part of the agenda.

Regional and continental priorities shaped much of the dialogue. The leaders reaffirmed commitment to African Union institutions and the principle of speaking with one voice on global challenges. They discussed peace and security matters, good governance, and the rule of law. Ramaphosa extended congratulations to Kenya on co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania, calling it a proud moment for East Africa. Ruto highlighted preparations for Kenya’s 2027 general elections and the importance of democratic continuity.

Both presidents emphasised Africa’s role in shaping a re-imagined global order. Ruto stated that the continent must move from spectator to architect of international solutions, particularly amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Ramaphosa echoed the call for more responsive multilateral institutions. The visit was presented as strengthening the foundation for deeper collaboration in trade, investment, industrialisation, infrastructure, skills development, and regional integration, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous continent.

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Looking ahead, the agreements are expected to support harmonisation of regulations, improved infrastructure links, and revitalised value chains. Private-sector confidence appears to be rising, with companies active in banking, telecommunications, fintech, logistics, and retail operating across both markets. The engagement reinforced the strategic partnership between Pretoria and Nairobi as drivers of African interests on the world stage.

The state visit concluded on June 5 with Ruto’s departure, leaving behind a strengthened framework for ongoing cooperation. Officials from both countries expressed optimism that the outcomes would deliver tangible benefits for citizens through increased trade, investment flows, and collaborative initiatives on shared challenges.