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President William Ruto announced that Kenya and Guinea-Bissau are focused on strengthening their diplomatic and trade relations, underpinned by mutual respect and a shared vision for prosperity.
He highlighted the countries’ goal of enhancing trade and investment to benefit their citizens.
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Ruto emphasized that this progress will be supported by utilizing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement, which unites COMESA, the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). “Together, we are committed to tapping into this potential to boost economic growth for our people,” he said.
The President made these comments during a press conference at State House, Nairobi, after bilateral talks with Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who was on a state visit to Kenya.
As the Champion of African Union (AU) Institutional Reforms, President Ruto expressed his determination to work with Guinea-Bissau to advance the reform of the African Union, promote peace, and stimulate economic development. This includes restructuring the African Court of Justice to improve dispute resolution mechanisms and realigning the Pan-African Parliament to ensure it meets the continent’s needs.
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“These reforms are crucial to ensuring that the AU’s institutions remain responsive, effective, and adaptable to the changing needs of Africa,” Ruto stated.
The two leaders expressed concern over the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, urging African unity to help restore peace and stability. Ruto praised Guinea-Bissau’s contributions to regional peacekeeping and security and reiterated Kenya’s readiness to collaborate in advancing peace initiatives across Africa.
The President stressed that peace and security are essential for unlocking Africa’s vast potential for industrialization, job creation, and wealth generation. He pointed out that investment and trade cannot flourish in an environment of conflict and instability.
Ruto also discussed how Africa must leverage opportunities in the 21st century, particularly in minerals, energy resources, and human capital.
To further strengthen ties, Ruto announced plans to explore a new Kenya Airways route to Guinea-Bissau, which would improve connectivity. Additionally, Kenya will offer scholarships to Guinea-Bissau students, focusing on agriculture, trade, and tourism.
Ruto expressed his gratitude to President Embaló for supporting Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission Chairperson for the 2025–2028 term, acknowledging Embaló’s key role in garnering support in West Africa. He expressed confidence that the candidate would provide visionary leadership for the AU, prioritizing the needs of its member states.
President Embaló reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing cooperation between the two countries and establishing strong frameworks for collaboration. He also reiterated Guinea-Bissau’s dedication to fostering peace and stability across Africa for the continent’s shared prosperity.
