By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenya’s tea and coffee are poised for a major boost following a high-level bilateral engagement between Kenya and the Kingdom of Morocco.
In a strategic meeting between the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr.Musalia Mudavadi and Hon. Ryad Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, a mutual commitment was reached to expand the importation of Kenyan farm produce.
“In a productive meeting with Hon. Ryad Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, we reached a mutual understanding to expand the importation of Kenyan farm produce, an important step toward rebalancing trade, which has long tilted in Morocco’s favour,” stated Mudavadi.
The renewed trade cooperation is expected to open up Moroccan markets to Kenya’s world-renowned tea and coffee, offering new income streams for Kenyan farmers and strengthening Kenya’s position as a leading agricultural exporter in Africa.
“Kenyan tea and coffee are set to find a growing market in Morocco, following the Kingdom’s commitment to open its doors wider to our agricultural exports,” stated PCS Mudavadi.
Equally significant is the anticipated resumption of direct flights between Nairobi and both Rabat and Casablanca.
The improved air connectivity will not only facilitate the movement of goods and people but also catalyze deeper diplomatic and economic collaboration between the two nations.
Tourism emerged as another key area of cooperation, with Kenya drawing inspiration from Morocco’s impressive growth in visitor numbers, from 12 million tourists to a projected 20 million by 2025.
The two countries explored strategies for shared learning and joint ventures in hospitality, cultural tourism and eco-tourism to harness each other’s strengths in attracting global travellers.