The rapid changes in the world, the expansion of international cooperation and trade, and the globalisation of crises – such as pandemics, climate challenges or cyber security – also build closer connections between countries far away from each other.
This makes it a natural step for the small Estonia in Northern Europe, with its reputation for leading the way in digital transition, to seek opportunities for opening a diplomatic mission in Kenya.
Although October 2021 will only mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Estonia and Kenya, our nations first came into contact with one another through missionary work in the 19th century. We took our first steps in trade relations in the first half of the 20th century, after Estonia had become independent in 1918.
But our relations truly took off only in the first decade of the current century, and have continued on an upward curve ever since. There are many contributing factors to this. Firstly, Kenya is among the many African countries that are taking a massive leap forward on the road to progress.
The African Union has developed Agenda 2063 as a strategic blueprint for the entire continent on its path to becoming a safe, economically booming, and democratic continent in little over four decades. Additional internationally attractive opportunities are created by the AfCFTA free trade agreement from 2019, which impels African countries towards increased integration.
All this has served to generate a more varied interest in all things African for the Estonians, with topics ranging from diplomacy and economy to sustainable development.
Secondly, the globalised world and especially the digital revolution have created a completely new environment for developing trade relations. For example, the Estonian company Bolt, which is offering ride sharing in Nairobi as well, has set its sights on becoming the market leader on the whole African continent.
This is a hugely ambitious goal, but by no means unfeasible. After all, the development of Nairobi and many other African mega-cities boosts the increased introduction of environmentally sustainable technologies. Why couldn’t Kenya be one of the countries to drive the creation of a common market in Africa?
Thirdly, for years Kenya has been an excellent partner to Estonia in developmental aid programmes. Estonia knows its limitations, especially the meagreness of the resources in such a small country. And yet, Estonia’s unique experiences in introducing digital solutions in different sectors is an asset in itself, and something we have willingly shared with everyone who has wished to create a more inclusive and dynamic society.
We must also not forget that developmental aid is not limited to the digital world but allows us to create a closer synergy between the cultures and experiences of two countries for the benefit of a single common goal – the ability of a country to handle local challenges by itself ensures a much safer, sustainable, and successful environment on the international level.
Fourthly, Estonia and Kenya cannot but agree on any issues related to the global climate change. In this, Nairobi is internationally very prominent thanks to the activities of the UN. In recent years, Estonia has pro-actively sought international common ground, including through the Nairobi Framework Partnership (UNFCCC).
Sadly, climate change has now crossed the critical limits. Countries as well as every one of us private citizens has found it difficult, and is still struggling, to change our deeply rooted habits. Yet we are well aware that as members of the global village we simply have no choice but to quickly internalise an alternative green and sustainable mindset. In Estonia, I am already seeing the new generation adopt a completely new attitude that is centred on a sustainable future.
Fifthly, we have seen a clear increase in interpersonal contacts in recent years, which in turn allows us to understand each other’s view of the world much more easily and immediately. Right before the pandemic, over a couple of years we saw a nearly 60 per cent growth in the number of visits to the African countries by Estonian residents. After the corona crisis has died down, Kenya and other African countries could become popular destinations in broadening the world views of our citizens.
Today, Estonia and Kenya are working hand in hand as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. I can assure you that it was our campaign to join the Security Council that made us increasingly aware of the challenges faced by Africa, and opened us new doors in international relations.
Furthermore, several Estonian diplomats are heading European Union delegations in African countries, such as Riina Kionka in the Republic of South Africa, or Tiina Intelmann in Kenya’s neighbour Somalia.
Creating closer contacts, expanding economic interests, and discussing problems of common concern in international organisations led to drafting Estonia’s first ever strategy for Africa, which lays out our objectives for the next ten years.
The conclusions of the strategy include a suggestion to open an Estonian embassy in Nairobi as early as 2022. Should this take place, it would constitute a breakthrough not only in the relations between Estonia and Kenya, but in broadening Estonia’s diplomatic representation, interest, and engagement on the African continent.
The visit of the President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid to Kenya this week will start a new chapter in the relations between our countries. There is a plethora of topics to discuss and resolve. The large business delegation that will accompany the President reflects the innovative mindset of Estonia’s businesses and their readiness to build success in a competitive international environment.
Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee of Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament)
