Kenya imports fridges from South Africa underneath AfCFTA

Kenya’s Cupboard Secretary for Investments, Commerce and Business (second left) with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (proper) on the port of Durban on January 31, 2024 in the course of the launch of the primary consignment of products to Kenya underneath the Africa Continental Free Commerce Space. PHOTO | MINISTRY OF TRADE by way of X

Kenya is importing its first consignment of equipment, agricultural merchandise and electronics, amongst them fridges, from South Africa underneath the African Continental Free Commerce Space (AfCFTA).

In return, Kenya is anticipated to export tea, espresso, fruit and veggies within the coming weeks underneath the identical initiative.

On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa inaugurated South Africa’s first commerce shipments underneath the AfCFTA on the Port of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal on the thirteenth AfCFTA Council of Ministers assembly attended by over 12 African Commerce ministers, together with Kenya’s Rebecca Miano.

“The primary consignment that was flagged off to Kenya contained fridges and freezers. Going ahead we will count on imports from South Africa solely of the merchandise we don’t manufacture in Kenya,” mentioned Ms Miano.       

“Kenya may also export to South Africa her tea, espresso, flowers, greens, a variety of fruits, attire, iron and metal merchandise, amongst others,” she added.

The implementation of the AfCFTA will see the 2 international locations enhance their degree of commerce by creating consciousness among the many merchants. At present, commerce is in favour of South Africa, which enjoys a major commerce surplus. Official information reveals Kenya imported items value Sh61.1 billion from South Africa towards Sh6.8 billion exports.

Preferential buying and selling

Based on Ms Miano, the 2 international locations dedicated to ease the entry of one another’s merchandise into the market and deal with non-tariff limitations to spice up intra-Africa commerce.

South Africa is the primary among the many 4 Southern African Customs Union (SACU) international locations to launch its preferential commerce exports underneath the AfCFTA’s second Guided Commerce Initiative.

Kenya was within the preliminary pilot part, together with Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania and Tunisia.

Learn: Kenya begins cashing in on Africa free commerce

The preferential buying and selling underneath the AfCFTA framework goals to unlock the motion of products and companies within the continent.

“We now have made important progress with resolving the modalities of the AfCFTA,” South Africa Commerce Minister Ebrahim Patel mentioned.

“We’re explicitly conscious of the expectations of residents throughout the African continent and an built-in Africa should present these alternatives for improvement and prosperity.”

AfCFTA secretary common, Wamkele Mene, emphasised the necessity for the personal sector to play a pivotal position within the continental commerce.

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