Kenya eyes Algeria as key market for milk powder, tea, coffee

Kenya is seeking to establish direct trade links with Algeria to boost exports of key agricultural commodities and bypass traditional European transit markets such as Amsterdam.

This follows a high-level bilateral meeting between Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Senator Mutahi Kagwe and Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Exports Promotion, Prof. Kamel Rezig, held on the sidelines of the United Nations Food Systems Summit +4 (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

During the talks, CS Kagwe pitched Kenya’s interest in expanding the export of milk powder, tea, and coffee to Algeria, part of a broader strategy to open up new markets for local farmers and reduce post-harvest losses.

Last year, Kenya produced over 5.3 billion litres of milk, positioning itself as a major exporter of milk powder, with Algeria seen as a key emerging market in North Africa.

The two nations resolved to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening trade cooperation and creating mutually beneficial market access.

As part of the deal, Algeria committed to organising a trade expo in Nairobi to showcase its products to Kenyan businesses.

CS Kagwe also emphasised the need for stronger trade ties with North African countries, pointing out that while some currently import Kenyan flowers, many shipments are routed through Amsterdam.

The talks come as Kenya intensifies efforts to strengthen regional trade cooperation and tap into new export destinations amid shifting global supply chains and rising production.