Kenya and Zambia to consolidate agreement to enhance agricultural cooperation
Kenya and Zambia are set to develop and consolidate a formal agreement to enhance agricultural innovation, trade, and regional self-reliance.
This follows high-level talks between Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and his Zambian counterpart, Reuben Mutolo.
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In a statement on Thursday, August 7, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that the two leaders explored ways to strengthen food systems and boost agricultural productivity through institutional linkages and shared expertise.
“During the meeting, both ministers discussed plans to establish institutional linkages between Kenya’s Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and Zambia’s Seed Control and Certification Institute,” read the statement.
Kenya, which has previously imported sunflower seeds from Zambia, is now working with the southern African nation to secure access to climate-resilient and high-yield crop varieties to bolster food security.
The talks also delved into vaccine production, with Kenya expressing willingness to export veterinary vaccines to Zambia to support regional livestock health and disease prevention.
In a show of regional solidarity, Minister Mutolo proposed the convening of agriculture ministers from across the region to champion a shared food security agenda.
On his part, CS Kagwe welcomed the initiative, saying it complements Kenya’s ongoing commitment to building resilient food systems through cross-border collaboration and mutual support.
Minister Mutolo further pledged to link Kenya with Zambia’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to expand the scope of the partnership.
Both nations are actively investing in modernising agriculture to achieve sustainable food systems.
The meeting sets the stage for the development of a formal cooperation agreement that will consolidate efforts to enhance agricultural innovation, trade, and regional self-reliance.
CS Kagwe was praised for his proactive diplomacy and commitment to regional partnerships that advance Africa’s agricultural transformation.
KNCCI
This comes months after the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) president, Erick Rutto, and Lilian Tomitom, high commissioner-designate of the Kenya High Commissioner in Zambia, held discussions centred on identifying and mitigating mutual trade barriers to facilitate smoother business operations across borders, with a special emphasis on sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
In the meeting held on November 29, 2025, the significant part of the agenda was the special focus on unlocking the Kenyan tea market in Zambia, exploring strategies to increase its presence and consumption in the Zambian market.
The Zambian High Commissioner to Kenya expressed appreciation for the close collaboration with the Kenyan High Commission to Zambia and was pleased with the introduction of Kenyan businesses.
These businesses highlighted the untapped potential in value addition within Kenya and explored significant opportunities for Kenyan businesses in Zambia, particularly in areas ripe for investment that KNCCI members can capitalise on.
Additionally, the discussions addressed logistical and regulatory challenges impacting bilateral trade and explored joint initiatives for capacity building and technology transfer to boost trade efficiency. Agreements were reached on preliminary frameworks for cooperation in trade and investment, with action plans for future engagements, laying a robust foundation for strengthened economic ties and strategic cooperation between Kenya and Zambia.
