Kenya and Zambia are on course to formalise a bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing agricultural innovation, boosting trade, and promoting regional food security.

This follows high-level discussions held between Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, and Zambia’s Minister for Agriculture, Reuben Mutolo.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 7, 2025, Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture said the two leaders explored avenues for strengthening food systems and increasing agricultural productivity through collaborative research and institutional partnerships.

They specifically discussed linking key agencies such as Kenya’s Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) with Zambia’s Seed Control and Certification Institute.

Kenya, which previously sourced sunflower seeds from Zambia, is now working with Lusaka to access improved seed varieties that are both high-yielding and climate-resilient, in a bid to strengthen its food security. Discussions also covered veterinary cooperation, with Nairobi expressing readiness to supply vaccines to Zambia to support livestock health and combat regional disease outbreaks.

In a show of regional unity, Minister Mutolo proposed convening agriculture ministers from neighbouring countries to forge a joint agenda for food security. CS Kagwe welcomed the idea, saying it aligns with Kenya’s goal of building resilient food systems through cross-border partnerships.

He also praised the expanding collaboration, noting that the Zambian minister committed to linking Kenya with his country’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to widen the scope of engagement.

The two nations are pursuing agricultural modernisation as a strategic path to sustainable food production, with this meeting paving the way for a formal agreement that will consolidate their shared efforts. CS Kagwe was commended for his active diplomacy and commitment to regional cooperation in agricultural transformation.

This renewed momentum builds on earlier efforts, including a meeting on November 29, 2025, between Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) president Erick Rutto and Lilian Tomitom, Kenya’s high commissioner-designate to Zambia. Their talks focused on removing trade barriers and deepening commercial ties in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

A major highlight of that meeting was a push to expand the Kenyan tea market in Zambia, alongside broader discussions on untapped investment opportunities. Zambian authorities praised the role of the Kenyan High Commission and welcomed the participation of Kenyan businesses keen on value addition and strategic investment in Zambia.

The two countries also addressed regulatory and logistical hurdles affecting trade and agreed to collaborate on capacity building and technology transfer. Preliminary frameworks were laid out to guide future engagements, signalling a strong commitment to nurturing long-term economic cooperation between Kenya and Zambia.