Strengthening bilateral ties with East Africa's biggest trade partner
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has touched down in Kenya for an official working visit aimed at deepening the longstanding relationship between Africa's two economic powerhouses. The trip, which includes attendance at the TikTok Safer Internet Summit, underscores Pretoria's commitment to bolstering cooperation with its largest trading partner outside the SADC bloc.
South Africa and Kenya have maintained robust diplomatic and commercial relations since 1994, with trade flows reflecting the complementary nature of their economies. Kenya predominantly exports primary products to South Africa, while South Africa ships semi-finished and manufactured goods in the opposite direction.
"We continue to enjoy close ties since 1994 and these engagements are meant to strengthen the bilateral engagements that continue to be enjoyed by both countries. Our similarities with Kenya are that of a government of national unity and the coalition government that has been formed… through the outcomes of various elections held in Kenya."
Morolong highlighted the political parallels between the two nations, both of which are governed through coalition arrangements born from their respective electoral outcomes. The Deputy Minister is travelling with a delegation that includes representatives from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) and Brand SA, the body tasked with safeguarding the country's international image and reputation.
A central objective of the visit is the exchange of expertise in government communications between the two countries. Brand SA's inclusion in the delegation signals South Africa's determination to promote its cultural richness, economic potential and national strengths on the global stage.
"We are here to share best practices in government communications. We have brought with us Brand SA, which is the custodian of our nation's image and reputation. Brand SA continues to showcase on international platforms our country's strength, our cultural diversity and our economic potential."
Digital safety and the fight against misinformation
A key item on the Deputy Minister's itinerary is the 2026 TikTok Safer Internet Summit, taking place on 10 and 11 March. While Morolong expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities digital platforms present for content creators, he was equally candid about the dangers that accompany rapid technological advancement.
The rise of artificial intelligence, he cautioned, has fuelled an alarming spread of misinformation, disinformation and deepfake content across the digital landscape. He pointed to research indicating that just 21% of South Africa's population in 2025 could distinguish between genuine content and AI-generated deepfakes — a statistic that lays bare the scale of the challenge facing governments and technology companies alike.
"TikTok is one of the most empowering platforms in the hands of creatives. But of course, technology comes with its own challenges. The evolution of AI has brought with it misinformation, disinformation and deep fakes."
The Deputy Minister's visit to Nairobi highlights the growing importance South Africa places on both continental diplomacy and the governance of digital spaces, as the country seeks to navigate an increasingly complex information environment while maintaining strong partnerships across the African continent.
