By Ebi Kesiena
Kenya and Algeria are set to formalize an enhanced partnership through a new Joint Commission for Cooperation, (JCC) as announced by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi.
The agreement, to be signed under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, was discussed during a meeting with Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to Mudavadi, the JCC will foster a win-win outcome between the two nations in sectors such as; Agriculture, Defense, and Education. He highlighted Kenya’s role as a commercial hub in East and Central Africa, inviting Algerian investors to explore opportunities in the region’s market of 400 million people.
“The JCC will provide a robust platform for strategic cooperation,” Mudavadi noted, stressing that AfCFTA would be central to expanding Kenya-Algeria trade relations.
In addition to trade, Mudavadi acknowledged Algeria’s recent donation of 16,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, which supports Kenya’s agricultural sector. He also emphasized Kenya and Algeria’s history of cooperation on international issues like; peace, security, climate change, and agriculture.
Mudavadi further urged Algeria to support former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, (AUC) praising his leadership and commitment to African unity.
Algeria’s Minister, Attaf expressed readiness to move forward, stating, “We are waiting for Kenya to allow us to be in Nairobi for the signing.”
The JCC is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and promote mutual development between the two nations.
