Nairobi-based businessman James Wanjohi Njoroge has welcomed Brazilian Senator H.E. José Gonçalves Oliveira to Kenya for high-level discussions on a proposed $40 billion investment package focused on health technology and agriculture.
Senator Oliveira, who represents Pará—the largest state in Brazil by landmass—arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to a ceremonial welcome led by Hon. Danson Mungatana, Chairman of the African Congress Delegation in South Africa and Senator for Tana River County.
The visit marks a strategic effort by Brazil to deepen its economic footprint in East Africa through high-impact sectors aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 development blueprint.
“This is about jobs, technology, and sustainable partnerships,” said Wanjohi, who holds dual roles at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the East African Chamber of Commerce. “Senator Oliveira’s presence here is not just diplomatic—it’s a signal of real economic intent. We are positioning East Africa as a hub for innovation and agricultural excellence.”
Wanjohi, who also manages a major business enterprise in Brazil, has played a key role in strengthening trade ties between Brazil and East Africa.
His deep-rooted connections, including trusted relationships with President William Ruto of Kenya and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, have positioned him as a key figure in fostering South-South cooperation.During his multi-day visit, Senator Oliveira is expected to hold meetings with senior government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners.
Among his major engagements is a courtesy call on KNCCI President Dr. Eric Ruto, where talks will focus on health-tech innovation, agribusiness modernization, and public-private partnerships.The investment package, if finalized, could rank among the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) deals in Kenya’s history.
The initiative aims to generate thousands of jobs, enhance healthcare delivery through advanced technologies, and boost agricultural productivity through Brazilian expertise and technology transfer.“Kenya and Brazil share complementary strengths—Brazil in tropical agriculture and biohealth technologies, and Kenya with its tech-savvy population and fertile agricultural base,” Senator Oliveira said. “Africa, and particularly Kenya, represents the future.
There’s a strong alignment of vision between our nations, and we are here to build partnerships that will endure.”The Senator’s itinerary also includes a scheduled diplomatic extension to Uganda next week, underlining Brazil’s broader commitment to regional economic integration in East Africa.
Observers say the talks could signal the beginning of a new chapter in South-South economic collaboration, with Brazil’s growing interest in Africa offering mutual benefits in development, innovation, and trade.
As global attention turns to Nairobi, hopes remain high that the proposed $40 billion partnership could usher in a new era of transformative investments and strategic cooperation between Latin America and East Africa.