By Joshua Otieno | May 5, 2026
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA — Kenya and Tanzania have set an ambitious target of KSh130 billion in new trade and KSh65 billion in cross-border investments as part of renewed efforts to strengthen bilateral economic ties.
The commitment was reaffirmed during the Tanzania-Kenya Business Forum held in Dar es Salaam, where William Ruto and Samia Suluhu Hassan addressed more than 300 business leaders and private sector stakeholders.
Leaders from both countries emphasized the urgent need to eliminate non-tariff barriers that continue to hinder trade, including border delays, non-harmonised standards and restricted market access.
“To unlock the full potential of our economies, we must deliberately remove the obstacles that limit the free movement of goods, services and people,” President Ruto said, setting a June 30, 2026 deadline for the removal of these barriers.
As part of the strategy, the Joint Business Council will be strengthened to serve as the central platform for structured engagement between the two nations’ private sectors.
Additionally, the Tanzania-Kenya Business Forum will be institutionalised as an annual event aimed at reviewing progress, tracking implementation of agreements and unlocking new economic opportunities.
The two governments also reaffirmed their commitment to creating a stable and predictable business environment anchored on regulatory clarity, investor protection and private sector-led growth.
The renewed push signals a broader regional effort to deepen economic integration within East Africa, positioning Kenya and Tanzania as key drivers of trade and investment growth in the region.
