The main objective of this project is to analyse the effects of COVID-19 on international trade and recommend post-recovery strategies in Kenya taking into consideration the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area. The research is particularly important for policymakers since Kenya has had the 8th highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Africa, respectively, as of 9th May 2021. The country is also among the top 10 economies in Africa by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and total trade (exports and imports).

Oman has been involved in various regional trade integration within the MENA region but has also displayed longstanding Indian ocean connection with the aim to diversity its trading partners and market opportunities. The Indian ocean has always been a trade nexus connecting Asia, the Middle East and Africa and has received new impetus in the course of the current decade. Along with other countries of the region, Oman created in 1997 the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) with the objective of promoting trade liberalization through trade and investment facilitation.