Kenya and Italy have agreed on a four-year Action Plan covering 2026 to 2029 following talks between President William Ruto and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 21, State House noted that the agreement was reached during President Ruto’s official visit to Italy on Monday, April 20.
The two leaders committed to strengthening cooperation aimed at boosting Africa’s regional trade and economic integration, with a focus on enhancing partnerships across the continent.
Kenya, Italy seal four-year action plan after Ruto–Meloni talks in Rome. Photo: Courtesy.
They also agreed to explore synergies under the Mattei Plan for Africa to support inclusive growth and advance regional trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
On economic relations, Kenya and Italy pledged to deepen trade and investment ties, while also encouraging stronger collaboration between businesses in both countries.
The two countries also identified new opportunities for collaboration in infrastructure, renewable energy, agribusiness, manufacturing and tourism as part of the expanded partnership.
They further underscored the importance of skills development and public sector training within the cooperation framework, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and service delivery.
The agreement also highlights plans for capacity-building initiatives in areas such as foreign service, customs and trade facilitation, building on public administration training programmes supported by the Italian National School of Administration under the Mattei Plan for Africa.
On sustainable development, Kenya and Italy reaffirmed their commitment to joint action in key areas including food security, climate resilience, supply chain strengthening, renewable energy expansion, infrastructure development and environmental protection.
The two leaders also agreed to deepen cooperation in science, innovation and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and space programmes linked to the Malindi Space Centre.
They emphasized strengthening innovation ecosystems, technology exchange and space sector capacity-building, while also expanding education partnerships through TVET programmes, university collaborations and student exchanges.
Both sides further highlighted the importance of youth engagement, cultural ties and institutional partnerships between local authorities.
Additionally, Kenya and Italy welcomed a new Defence Cooperation Agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration in addressing shared security challenges.
President Ruto is currently on an official visit to Rome.
