From (L-R) KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto,( Center) Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho signing MOU with France’s Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Hon. Thani Mohamed Soilihi, (R) ADIM Mayotte President Zamomou Ahamadi
Kenya and Mayotte have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at bolstering trade, mobility, blue economy and cultural exchange
The agreement was signed during a high-profile ceremony in Nairobi, attended by senior government officials from Kenya, Mayotte, and France.
The MoU formalizes a framework for collaboration between Kenya’s National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Adim Mayotte.
The signing was witnessed by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Blue Economy and Mining, Hon. Ali Hassan Joho, and France’s Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Hon. Thani Mohamed Soilihi, marking a historic milestone in Kenya-France relations through Mayotte.
CS Joho described the agreement as a pivotal moment in Kenya’s efforts to expand its export markets and attract investment in key sectors.
“This agreement is a new frontier in our economic partnership. Mayotte is uniquely positioned to become a key destination for our exports, particularly as we enhance food production and explore opportunities in the blue economy,” Joho said.
Joho highlighted agriculture and the blue economy as priority areas for collaboration, aligning with Kenya’s strategic focus on food security and sustainable resource management.
Hon. Thani Mohamed Soilihi emphasized Mayotte’s strategic importance as a bridge between Kenya and Europe.
“This MoU is a gateway for Kenyan businesses to access European markets. With our shared cultural and linguistic ties, we have a strong foundation for growing trade volumes and creating new economic opportunities,” Soilihi stated.
Currently, Kenya accounts for just 3 percent of Mayotte’s trade, but Soilihi expressed confidence in significantly expanding this figure, envisioning a future where trade share could grow to 50 percent or more.
KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto described the MoU as a “game-changer” for Kenyan businesses, particularly in accessing Mayotte’s €1 billion annual import market, dominated by fast-moving consumer goods.
“With four weekly Kenya Airways flights and short shipping times, Mayotte is ideally positioned to become a leading destination for Kenyan exports,” Rutto said.
He added that the MoU focuses on trade facilitation, business-to-business matchmaking, and leveraging Kenya’s strengths in ICT and agri-processing.
Zamimou Ahamadi, President of Adim Mayotte, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the shared cultural and linguistic ties between Kenya and Mayotte as a natural foundation for deeper cooperation.
“This agreement enhances France and Europe’s engagement with the African continent. With direct connectivity between Nairobi and Mayotte, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and development,” Ahamadi remarked.
She highlighted the role of European and Indian Ocean funds in supporting the partnership, which she said would drive innovation and economic integration.
The MOU is the culmination of months of groundwork, including a KNCCI delegation’s visit to Mayotte earlier this year to explore trade opportunities. Officials view the agreement as a catalyst for unlocking Kenya’s export potential and fostering regional economic growth.
The ceremony was graced by high-ranking officials, including Ben Issa Ousseni, President of the Departmental Council of Mayotte; Principal Secretaries Dr. Korir Singoei (Foreign Affairs) and Betsy Njagi (Blue Economy); French Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Arnaud Suquet; and KNCCI Vice President Mustafa Ramadhan.
As Kenya gears up to host the 2026 France-Africa Summit, the MoU underscores the growing importance of Kenya-France relations in driving economic transformation in the region.
“This is a historic moment. Together, we are paving the way for a future of shared prosperity,” Joho added
The partnership signals a new era of cooperation, promising significant benefits for businesses and communities in both regions.