The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Kenya are entering a new era of strategic economic cooperation, marked by accelerating trade volumes, expanding investment flows, and a shared commitment to sustainable growth across key sectors.
Bilateral trade between the UAE and Kenya reached USD 3.1 billion in the first nine months of 2024, representing a 29.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
This surge reflects the deepening ties between the two nations and their mutual efforts to unlock new opportunities in ICT, banking, tourism, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
The signing of the UAE–Kenya Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in January 2025, witnessed by the heads of state of both countries, marked a pivotal milestone in the bilateral relationship.
The agreement is designed to streamline trade, enhance market access, and catalyze investment in high-growth sectors—positioning both economies for long-term resilience and innovation.
Kenya is widely regarded by the UAE as a strategic gateway to East Africa, offering access to a dynamic regional market and a hub for innovation and growth.
The partnership between the two nations extends beyond trade, encompassing shared priorities in sustainable development, technological advancement, and enhanced regional connectivity.
Kenya’s economic trajectory continues to impress, with GDP growth rising from 4.8% in 2022 to 5% in 2023, and further momentum projected in the years ahead.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, contributing approximately 25% of GDP, while the services sector accounts for 53.6%, making both areas prime targets for bilateral investment and collaboration.
The UAE’s world-class logistics infrastructure, investor-friendly regulatory environment, and global connectivity offer Kenyan enterprises a powerful platform for expansion into the Gulf and beyond.
Conversely, Kenya’s dynamic private sector, expanding infrastructure, and renewable energy ambitions present fertile ground for Emirati investors seeking long-term growth in Africa.
The United Arab Emirates and Kenya are entering a new chapter of strategic economic cooperation as bilateral trade and investments continue to grow at an impressive pace.
Diplomatic relations between the UAE and Kenya were formally established in 1982, with the UAE opening its embassy in Nairobi in 2012, following Kenya’s establishment of its mission in Abu Dhabi.
These ties are rooted in decades of cultural exchange and trade between the peoples of both regions.
As the UAE and Kenya continue to strengthen their partnership, the relationship stands as a model for cross-regional cooperation—bridging Africa and the Gulf in pursuit of shared prosperity, innovation, and economic resilience.
