BRASILIA, Brazil — Kenya is seeking to deepen trade and investment ties with Brazil following a reported 25 per cent increase in exports in 2025, as both countries move to strengthen commercial cooperation and narrow a persistent trade imbalance.
A delegation from Kenya’s State Department for Trade, led by Patrick Mukuria, held talks at the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Brasília during an official visit aimed at expanding market access and strengthening bilateral economic ties.
The delegation was received by Ambassador Andrew Karanja, who highlighted ongoing efforts by the mission to promote Kenyan products and build stronger institutional partnerships in the Brazilian market.
Focus on trade expansion
During the meeting, the embassy presented progress made in advancing commercial and economic relations between Kenya and Brazil.
Officials noted that Kenyan exports to Brazil rose by 25 per cent in 2025, reaching approximately USD 1.5 million, driven by improved market linkages and targeted export promotion efforts.
The discussions also focused on strategies to further increase Kenya’s visibility in Latin America’s largest economy through stronger buyer-seller connections.
Strengthening market access
Mukuria praised the embassy’s role in facilitating trade diplomacy, saying diplomatic missions continue to play a central role in connecting Kenyan producers with international markets.
He said such engagement is key to supporting export growth, attracting investment, and facilitating technology transfer between the two countries.
The embassy, in turn, reiterated its commitment to supporting Kenya’s trade agenda through sustained commercial diplomacy and targeted outreach to Brazilian institutions and businesses.
Addressing trade imbalance
Officials acknowledged that while trade has grown, the balance remains skewed in favour of Brazil.
Kenya continues to import significantly more from Brazil than it exports, creating a structural trade deficit that policymakers are now seeking to address.
The two sides agreed that expanding Kenya’s export portfolio would be critical in reducing the gap.
Focus on diversification
The partnership is expected to prioritise market access initiatives, institutional cooperation, and promotion of Kenyan products in Brazil.
Key sectors identified for growth include agricultural exports, manufactured goods, and value-added products.
Officials said diversification of export markets remains central to Kenya’s broader economic strategy, particularly as the country seeks to reduce reliance on traditional trading partners.
Growing Kenya–Brazil cooperation
Kenya and Brazil have in recent years strengthened cooperation in agriculture, trade, and technology exchange, supported by diplomatic engagement and multilateral forums.
The latest talks signal renewed efforts to scale up economic ties between Africa and Latin America, with a focus on practical trade outcomes.
As engagement deepens, both countries are expected to pursue additional initiatives aimed at boosting exports, increasing investment flows, and strengthening long-term economic cooperation.
