Kenya and Angola Boost Bilateral Trade with Direct Flights and Visa-Free Regime

Kenya and Angola plan to re-establish direct flights between their capitals, Nairobi and Luanda, in a bid to stimulate bilateral trade. 

President William Ruto of Kenya noted that while trade between the two nations has been growing over the past four years, there remains significant untapped potential.“There is a huge scope for these numbers to go up if we strengthen our interconnection,” he said.

Strengthening Relations through Air Travel and Tourism

In addition to resuming flights, President Ruto announced the implementation of a visa-free regime to promote mobility. “Angolans coming to Kenya will not require a visa. Angola will equally consider the same for Kenyans,” stated President Ruto. This move is anticipated to foster a broader exchange of ideas, resources, and businesses.

The key announcements were made at a meeting at Nairobi’s State House on October 21, 2023, where Presidents Ruto and Lourenço discussed bilateral relations.

In a joint media briefing, Kenya backed Angola’s African Union Peace and Security Council membership bid. The event also saw the signing of 11 legal instruments, including wildlife conservation agreements, which President Lourenço believes will strengthen Kenya-Angola relations.