Kenya and Portugal are seeking to deepen trade, investment and strategic economic cooperation as the two countries prepare to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations in January 2027, with both sides identifying opportunities to strengthen commercial ties and expand partnerships in key sectors.
The renewed commitment was highlighted during a meeting between Portugal’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Paulo Neves Pocinho, and Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Korir Sing’Oei at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding private-sector partnerships and identifying new areas of economic cooperation amid efforts by both countries to translate longstanding diplomatic relations into increased trade and investment.
Kenya and Portugal established diplomatic relations on January 10, 1977. The reopening of Portugal’s embassy in Nairobi in 2019 further strengthened Lisbon’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Kenya and the wider East African region.
As the two countries approach the golden jubilee of their diplomatic relations, Kenya expressed interest in developing a joint programme of activities to celebrate the partnership while establishing a new framework for economic and political cooperation.
Trade and investment opportunities
Trade and investment featured prominently in the discussions, with Kenya highlighting the potential to increase commercial exchanges and attract Portuguese investment into priority sectors of its economy.
Kenya welcomed the contribution of Portuguese companies operating in the country and encouraged greater participation by Portuguese investors in infrastructure development, renewable energy, manufacturing, information and communication technology, healthcare and agriculture.
The two countries also recognised the importance of strengthening business-to-business engagement, with the Portuguese Business Council in Kenya identified as a key platform for connecting investors, facilitating commercial partnerships and promoting new business opportunities.
For Kenya, deeper economic engagement with Portugal provides an opportunity to diversify its European trade and investment partnerships, attract technology and capital, and expand access to European markets.
For Portugal, stronger engagement with Kenya offers opportunities to deepen its commercial presence in East Africa, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, agricultural value chains and emerging technology sectors.
Blue economy and maritime cooperation
The Blue Economy emerged as another important pillar of the bilateral partnership, reflecting the countries’ shared interest in sustainable ocean governance, marine conservation and the development of maritime industries.
Kenya recognised Portugal’s contribution to sustainable marine resource management through the Go Blue Initiative, which supports coastal development, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, maritime value chains, environmental conservation and employment creation.
Portugal’s engagement in the 11th Ocean Conference, hosted in Mombasa, was also acknowledged as an important contribution to international discussions on ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, marine governance and climate resilience.
The cooperation presents opportunities for Kenya to strengthen its maritime economy, develop coastal industries and expand investment in fisheries, aquaculture and sustainable ocean-based enterprises.
Tourism, culture and multilateral engagement
The two countries also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in tourism, cultural heritage and education.
Kenya appreciated Portugal’s contribution to the preservation of historical sites, particularly through the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s support for the restoration and conservation of Fort Jesus in Mombasa.
Both sides explored ways to strengthen educational and cultural exchanges through scholarships, vocational training and implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Portuguese Language and Culture Training.
On the diplomatic front, Kenya congratulated Portugal on its election, alongside Austria, as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
Kenya expressed interest in strengthening consultations with Portugal on international peace and security, sustainable development and reforms of global governance institutions.
The upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations provides an opportunity for Nairobi and Lisbon to broaden their engagement beyond traditional diplomatic ties and focus on practical economic outcomes.
The discussions reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to increased trade, investment, institutional partnerships and people-to-people exchanges, with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expressing readiness to work with the Portuguese Embassy to advance the agreed areas of cooperation.
