Kenya’s exports to African countries saw a 26% increase in the first seven months of 2024, bolstered by enhanced shipments and stronger regional relations, according to a new economic report from the Central Bank of Kenya released on Monday.
The report highlights that exports grew to 248.7 billion Kenyan Shillings (approximately 1.93 billion USD) in this period, up from 1.53 billion USD during the same timeframe in 2023.
Key destinations for Kenyan exports included Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, DR Congo, and South Africa, where demand for goods such as re-exported oil and lubricants, tea, coffee, animal products, vegetable fats, clinker, wheat flour, and manufactured items remained strong.
Breaking down the numbers, the report states that Kenya’s export earnings from Uganda reached 599.2 million USD, with Tanzania and Rwanda bringing in 287.8 million USD and 185.4 million USD respectively, while DR Congo accounted for 139.7 million USD.
Kenya has recently fortified its trade ties with numerous African countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda, and Egypt. The country has actively supported the removal of trade barriers within the continent, further promoting intra-African trade.
To further this mission, Kenya introduced a visa-free policy in January 2024, aiming to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and facilitate smoother trade interactions across the region.
Kenya’s total exports to Africa rose by 21.4% in 2023, reaching a value of 3.05 billion USD, marking consistent growth and strengthening regional trade partnerships.
