KNCCI and the Mayotte Development and Innovation Agency (ADIM) have signed a multi-year partnership aimed at strengthening economic exchanges between Mayotte and Kenya.

In his opening remarks, KNCCI CEO Ahmed Farah, HSC, welcomed the Mayotte delegation and expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunities the partnership would offer to KNCCI members and enhance trade relations between Kenya and Mayotte.

Speaking, KNCCI Vice President Mustafa Ramadhan emphasized the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), noting that the collaboration directly aligns with KNCCI’s mission to promote trade and sustainable growth for its members.

The Kenya Maritime connectivity offers Mayotte significant opportunities, especially as Kenya, the fourth-largest economy in Africa, boasts a youthful, talented population.

KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto acknowledged the virtual signing in January, which laid the foundation for the formal partnership now being signed.

Mr. Ramadhan’s recent visit to Mayotte highlighted France’s significant export potential, particularly in the agribusiness sector.

The Acting President of ADIM Zamimou Ahamadi passed her gratitude to KNCCI President for his dedication in the journey with Mayotte, and Mr. Mustafa for visiting Mayotte ahead of the signing ceremony.

The Minister of State for Francophone and International Partnerships of France, Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, expressed a strong desire to partner with KNCCI to further strengthen trade ties between Kenya and France. However, he expressed his concern on the 6% of import to Mayotte come from Africa with less than 3% commercial exchange between Kenya and Mayotte, stressing on the need for Mayotte to import more from Africa. Through the Kenya-EU EPA, the good relationship between Kenya and Mayotte will be cemented.

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Sing’oei, spoke of the excellent diplomatic relations between Kenya and France, marking 60 years of global diplomatic ties in 2025, with Kenya set to host the first French Africa Summit in early 2026.

The Chief Guest, H.E Ali Hassan Joho, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Mining and the Blue Economy, highlighted the shared cultural similarities between Kenya and Mayotte. He also acknowledged the immense opportunities for Kenyans in Mayotte and encouraged Mayotte to leverage Kenya’s rich coastline, including the largest port in East Africa, Mombasa, which holds untapped potential.

In his closing remarks, CS Joho reaffirmed the commitment of Kenya’s Ministry of Mining to explore and capitalize on the opportunities presented by Mayotte.

Also present were the French Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Arnaud Suquet, Principal Secretary – Blue Economy, Betsy Njagi, and the President of the Department Council of Mayotte, Ben Issac Ousseni.

KNCCI is committed to facilitate market linkages between Kenya and Mayotte and advocate for favorable policies to enhance trade relations between the two regions.