As Minsk seeks to secure more African allies, the Presidents of Kenya and Belarus have agreed to strengthen economic and trade ties during their talks on 10 December in Nairobi, Kenya
Belarus is known to be one of the biggest farm machinery and agricultural product producers in Eastern Europe. Kenyan President, William Ruto highlighted that immense opportunities existed between Kenya and Belarus that needed to be exploited for the prosperity of the two countries, while also mentioning Kenya’s keenness to tap Belarus technology in agriculture.
Accounting for 7% of its gross domestic product, Belarus has been a leading exporter of dairy products to more than 110 countries around the globe. Agriculture is also the backbone of Kenya’s economy, ensuring a valuable contribution to the economic performance with a total 30-40% share in GDP.
On the sidelines of the COP28 which took place on 1 December in Dubai, Ruto met the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, agreeing on the need to exchange visits and develop a cooperation framework. Belarus Ambassador to Kenya, Pavel Vziatkin noted that the two countries complemented each other, especially with the economic priorities of the Kenyan government, which included increasing production efficiency and ensuring food security, construction of affordable housing and industry development.