Rabat and Nairobi strengthened their bilateral dialogue by signing five memoranda of understanding on May 26, 2025, as part of a major diplomatic normalization. This step marks a turning point in relations between the two countries, long affected by tensions related to the Sahara issue.
The five agreements for a strengthened bilateral dialogue
These memoranda of understanding aim to deepen bilateral cooperation in several strategic sectors. The objective is to structure a more substantive dialogue on both the diplomatic and economic levels. The specific areas covered by these agreements were not detailed in the sources, but they reflect a shared desire to expand cooperation beyond traditional trade.
Context and Economic Issues
Kenya and Morocco are seeking to correct a significant trade imbalance: in 2023, Kenyan exports to Morocco represented only approximately 500 million shillings (3,9 million USD), while Kenyan imports from Morocco reached nearly 12 billion shillings, mainly fertilizers and basic necessities.
To rebalance this trade, Kenya is implementing concrete measures to increase the value and variety of its exports to Morocco, particularly tea and coffee, two key agricultural products.
Morocco, for its part, can strengthen its presence in the Kenyan market, which has approximately 40 million consumers. The objective is to contribute to Kenya’s agricultural development through its phosphates and fertilizers, and even consider building a fertilizer plant there.
Diplomatic Significance and Outlook
The official visit of Kenyan First Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to Rabat and the inauguration of the first Kenyan embassy in Morocco symbolize the full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Kenya’s official support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara is expected. This constitutes a major diplomatic asset for Rabat in the international legitimacy of its sovereignty over this disputed territory.
This normalization is part of a broader context of geopolitical realignment in Africa, where economic pragmatism now takes precedence over ideological solidarity. This paves the way for strengthened and diversified cooperation between Rabat and Nairobi.
