NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto will undertake a three-day State Visit to South Africa next week at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa, as the two countries seek to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
According to a statement issued by the South African Presidency on Friday, President Ruto will be in South Africa from June 3 to June 5, 2026, with the official State Visit taking place on June 4 at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.
The visit underscores the longstanding relationship between Kenya and South Africa, which Pretoria described as a strategic partnership that has remained mutually beneficial since diplomatic relations were re-established in 1994 following the end of apartheid.
President Ramaphosa will formally receive President Ruto during a State welcome ceremony at the Union Buildings before the two leaders hold bilateral talks focused on strengthening cooperation between the two African economies.
The discussions are expected to cover trade, investment, regional integration, political cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.
Following the official talks, the two Heads of State will witness the signing of several memoranda of agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration between the two countries.
A joint media briefing is also scheduled after the signing ceremony.
A key highlight of the visit will be the South Africa–Kenya Business Forum, which will bring together government officials, investors and business leaders from both countries.
The forum, scheduled for June 4 at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg, will focus on expanding economic cooperation, promoting new business partnerships and identifying opportunities to unlock greater trade and investment flows.
Officials say discussions will target strategic sectors with strong growth potential and seek to address barriers that have limited commercial engagement between East and Southern Africa’s leading economies.
Kenya and South Africa are among the continent’s largest and most diversified economies, with growing interests in manufacturing, financial services, technology, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development.
The State Visit comes at a time when African governments are increasingly pushing for deeper intra-African trade under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to boost commerce and investment across the continent.
The visit is expected to culminate in new agreements and commitments aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation while advancing broader African economic integration objectives.
State Visit Programme
June 4, 2026 – Union Buildings, Tshwane
- Welcome Ceremony – 9:30 a.m.
- South Africa-Kenya Official Talks – 10:30 a.m.
- Memoranda of Agreement Signing and Media Briefing – 12:30 p.m.
June 4, 2026 – Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg
- South Africa-Kenya Business Forum – 5:00 p.m.
The visit will be President Ruto’s latest high-level diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening Kenya’s economic and political partnerships across Africa.
