A team of Kenyan business leaders is heading to Mayotte this week in a diplomatic and economic mission aimed at strengthening trade ties with the French territory in the Indian Ocean.
The visit, taking place from 28 to 31 May, follows an invitation by the French embassy in Nairobi and local authorities in Mayotte. The move signals growing interest in closer cooperation between East Africa and France’s overseas regions.
The Kenyan delegation includes entrepreneurs and industry heads working in transport, logistics, construction, energy, and tourism. Their goal: to explore joint ventures, scout investment opportunities, and exchange ideas with Mahoran business leaders.
“It’s about building practical partnerships, not just goodwill,” said one official involved in the planning, who asked not to be named. “Kenya sees Mayotte as a gateway—not just to France, but to wider European markets.”
A Strategic Step for Both Sides
Mayotte, an archipelago with strong economic ties to France and the European Union, is viewed as a bridge between the African continent and the European market. Kenyan businesses, particularly in infrastructure and services, are eyeing this link.
French officials say the visit is part of a broader push to connect Mayotte more closely with its neighbours in the Indian Ocean region.
“We are keen to see more collaboration,” said Romain Boyer, a French embassy spokesperson in Nairobi. “There is untapped potential in areas like maritime trade, green energy, and education.”
The trip will include meetings with the Mayotte Chamber of Commerce and Industry, site visits, and a networking forum for both Kenyan and Mahoran firms. Delegates are also scheduled to engage with local government leaders and community groups.
Not Just Business—Also Cultural Ties
Though business is at the heart of the visit, the organisers say they also hope to encourage deeper cultural links. Mayotte’s mix of African, Arab and French heritage is familiar territory for many Kenyan visitors.
“This is about people as much as profit,” said a Kenyan delegate ahead of the trip. “We want to learn from each other, open minds as well as markets.”
A Test of Regional Cooperation
The visit comes at a time when countries in the Western Indian Ocean are under pressure to work more closely together on trade, climate resilience and sustainable development.
Experts say that while the economic stakes are real, the political message is just as important.
“This shows a shift in how Kenya is positioning itself,” said Dr. Aisha Mbarak, a regional trade analyst based in Mombasa. “It wants to lead not just in East Africa, but across the Indian Ocean rim.”
The trip is seen as a follow-up to ongoing diplomatic efforts between France and Kenya, including previous missions and cultural exchanges.
The results of this visit will likely shape future talks, with both governments watching closely to see whether ideas turn into real action on the ground.
As Boyer put it, “This is the beginning of something, not the end.”
