Kenya Assumes COMESA Chairmanship at 24th Summit in Nairobi
Nairobi hosted leaders from across Eastern and Southern Africa for the 24th COMESA Summit, a milestone event celebrating the 30th anniversary of the trade bloc. The meeting took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), drawing heads of state, ministers, and policy experts focused on strengthening regional trade and economic growth.
The summit’s theme centered on digitalization and regional value chains. Leaders discussed how technology can drive sustainable development and help member countries connect their markets through innovation.
President Ruto Takes the Helm
President William Ruto addresses delegates during the 24th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit in Nairobi, surrounded by regional leaders and dignitaries marking the bloc’s 30th anniversary.
Kenya’s President William Ruto assumed the rotating chairmanship of COMESA, taking over from Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye. In his acceptance speech, Ruto urged African nations to invest in digital infrastructure and human capacity to unlock growth.
He emphasized that Africa’s transformation depends on connecting people and economies through digital systems. According to him, investing in innovation and modern technology will make regional trade faster, cheaper, and more inclusive.
“Africa’s future lies in our ability to connect markets, empower our people, and build digital economies that are inclusive and resilient,” Ruto said.
Commitments to Digital Transformation
The summit featured keynote speeches from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who spoke on digital transformation and economic integration, and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who became vice-chairperson of the bloc.
Discussions focused on implementing the COMESA Digital Free Trade Area, a platform that will enable businesses to trade online across borders. The initiative aims to promote e-commerce, mobile payments, and digital logistics across member states.
COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe commended Kenya’s role in pushing digital growth, saying the country’s focus on innovation, financial technology, and smart infrastructure makes it a model for regional cooperation.
“We must harness technology to bridge gaps in trade and support inclusive participation by women and youth,” she said.
Advancing Regional Integration
COMESA now has 21 member countries, representing a combined population of over 600 million people and a GDP exceeding $1 trillion. Since its creation in 1994, the bloc has worked to eliminate trade barriers, enhance mobility, and promote industrial development.
At the 30th anniversary celebration, leaders highlighted past achievements and future goals. They agreed that peace, stability, and governance are key to unlocking the region’s full potential. The summit ended with a joint pledge to boost intra-African trade, youth empowerment, and green industrialization.
As Kenya assumes leadership, the focus will shift toward building a digitally connected and economically resilient Africa. The country’s vision for a borderless trade system powered by technology is expected to shape COMESA’s priorities in the years ahead.
