Kenya and Angola are taking bold steps to enhance bilateral relations, with plans to resume direct flights between Nairobi and Luanda and a commitment to waive visa requirements for Kenyans visiting Angola. This agreement follows high-level talks between Kenyan President William Ruto and Angolan President João Lourenço in Luanda.
Boosting Connectivity and Trade
The reintroduction of Kenya Airways’ direct flights to Luanda in March is set to bolster trade and people-to-people connections. The visa waiver reciprocates Kenya’s earlier removal of visa requirements for Angolan nationals.
“This move will enable our professionals like teachers to access Angola much more easily,” President Ruto noted, highlighting the potential for expanded professional exchanges between the nations.
Key Agreements:
•Direct Flights: Kenya Airways to resume Nairobi-Luanda flights starting March.
•Visa Waiver: Angola to remove visa requirements for Kenyans.
•Trade and Mobility: Agreement aims to strengthen economic and professional exchanges.
Addressing Continental Issues
The leaders also addressed broader African issues, including peace efforts in the Great Lakes region and reforms within the African Union (AU). As the AU reform champion, President Ruto invited President Lourenço to a retreat in Kenya ahead of the AU Heads of State Summit in February.
Focus Areas:
•Peace in Eastern DRC: Call for collaboration between SADC and EAC under the Luanda Process.
•AU Reforms: Preparing for the election of the next AU Commission chairperson.
“Peace and security in our continent is of paramount importance to us all, and we are keen to have a process that incorporates all and ensures its success,” President Ruto emphasized.
Outlook:
The agreements reached in Luanda pave the way for stronger Kenya-Angola relations, with direct flights and eased travel fostering closer ties. These efforts are complemented by collaborative initiatives on peace, security, and institutional reforms in Africa.
Source: https://www.citizen.digital/news/kenya-airways-to-resume-direct-flights-to-angola-n355531
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