Brazilian Senator José Gonçalves Oliveira of Pará state has arrived in
Kenya to spearhead talks on a potential $40 billion investment in health
technology and agriculture.
The visit signals Brazil’s strategic interest in strengthening economic ties
with East Africa.
Senator Oliveira, whose home state of Pará is
larger than Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania combined, landed at Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport (JKIA) to a warm reception from Danson Mungatana, Tana River Senator and
Chairman of the African Congress Delegation in South Africa.
The Senator’s visit comes at the invitation of
prominent Kenyan businessman James Wanjohi Njoroge, a Director at the Kenya
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and a key figure in promoting
Kenya–Brazil trade.
Wanjohi, known for his strong ties to President William Ruto of Kenya and
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, expressed optimism that the senator’s
visit marks a turning point in Brazil–East Africa economic relations.
“This
is a historic opportunity to unlock massive investment that can transform lives
and accelerate development across our region,” Wanjohi said.
Wanjohi, who also heads a major business enterprise in Brazil, holds
influential roles at both KNCCI and the East African Chamber of Commerce.
During his visit, Senator Oliveira is expected
to hold high-level meetings with key players in Kenya’s business community,
including a courtesy call to KNCCI President Dr. Eric Ruto.
Discussions will centre on collaborative opportunities in the health tech and
agriculture sectors, pivotal to Kenya’s economic transformation.
Senator Oliveira will also travel to Uganda
next week as part of a broader regional mission aimed at expanding Brazil’s
trade and investment footprint in East Africa.
