Mattei's Africa plan: Agreement between Kenya and Italy to boost trade and security

Written by: Mohammed Salem

Kenya secured a new four-year cooperation framework with Italy covering trade, investment, security, education and innovation, following high-level talks in Rome between President William Ruto and Prime Minister Georgia Meloni.

The agreement, which is based on Italy's Mattei plan for Africa, sets out a broad roadmap for deepening bilateral relations Between the two countries from 2026 to 2029.

During the meeting held on April 20, 2026, the two leaders acknowledged the remarkable progress in bilateral relations and committed to strengthening political cooperation through high-level reciprocal visits and ongoing exchanges, including through multilateral platforms.

They agreed to hold regular bilateral consultations between their respective foreign ministries under the existing memorandum of understanding on political consultations.

Strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums

Both sides also committed to strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to address global issues such as technology, migration, sustainable development and climate change.

Both sides also pledged to support peace, stability and security efforts in Africa and beyond through diplomatic engagement and humanitarian assistance.

The two leaders also agreed to explore further cooperation under the MATI Plan for Africa to promote inclusive growth, regional integration and intra-African trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA).

Building on the opportunities created under the MATI Plan for Africa and the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic relations through structured consultations, expanding trade, and increasing investment flows, including ongoing negotiations on pending agreements.

They emphasized the importance of private sector participation and partnerships between Italian and Kenyan companies, including cooperation in third markets.

The agreement stated: “The bilateral business forum held during President Ruto’s visit was welcomed as a key platform to promote cooperation in the areas of infrastructure, sustainable energy, agribusiness and manufacturing, with a particular focus on modernizing the leather industry to become a competitive, sustainable and high-quality sector.”.

It was also highlighted that Tourism As a key driver of cultural exchange, economic growth, and community empowerment through sustainable and inclusive practices.

The two leaders also agreed to strengthen capacity-building programs in the diplomatic corps, customs and trade facilitation, based on training initiatives launched by the Italian National School of Administration within the framework of the MATI Plan for Africa.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in the areas of food security, climate change resilience, and sustainable value chains, particularly in coffee production and the blue economy. They also pledged to promote urban development through circular bioeconomy systems and integrated waste management solutions.

They pledged to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, including transport and communications, and to expand joint efforts in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the broader energy transition. They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in water management and environmental protection.

In the fields of science, technology, innovation, and space, both sides agreed to expand cooperation through joint research, institutional partnerships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Particular emphasis was placed on artificial intelligence and its applications within the MATI Plan AL Center for Sustainable Development. They also committed to fostering innovation environments and enhancing technology exchange between the two countries.

Capacity building initiatives and space economy development

The agreement stated: “In the space sector, cooperation will be strengthened through capacity-building initiatives and the development of the space economy, leveraging the Luigi Brolio Malindi Space Centre.”.

The two leaders also prioritized expanding technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs and deepening academic cooperation between universities and research institutions. They also emphasized youth exchanges and cultural cooperation to foster mutual understanding, along with partnerships between local authorities, including twinning agreements.

The two leaders welcomed the signing of the defense cooperation agreement, noting that its implementation would be fully subject to the legal frameworks and priorities of both countries. All initiatives, including training and capacity building, will be based on mutual agreement, transparency, and specific guarantees.

The agreement will support cooperation in addressing common security concerns such as maritime security and counter-terrorism, while respecting sovereignty over territorial waters and airspace.

The agreement stated: “The implementation of the action plan will be reviewed regularly through existing bilateral mechanisms.” Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership and exploring additional areas for mutual cooperation.