Kenya has officially taken over the leadership of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), with President William Ruto pledging to promote unity, innovation and inclusive growth across the region.
Speaking during the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government in Nairobi, President Ruto said he accepted the new role with gratitude, humility and a deep sense of duty.
He thanked Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the outgoing chair, for his leadership and achievements during his tenure.
“I pledge to build on his achievements and work closely with every member state as a partner. Together, we will advance COMESA’s vision of shared prosperity, deeper integration and meaningful transformation,” Ruto said.
The President called on African nations to make COMESA a digital, dynamic, and inclusive regional bloc that reflects the promise of a rising Africa. He emphasized the importance of technology and cooperation in driving economic growth and development.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said Kenya’s leadership will focus on promoting innovation, value addition, and regional trade. He noted that only about 15 percent of trade in Africa happens between African countries , a challenge Kenya hopes to help solve.
“Digital transformation will be key to achieving this goal,” Kindiki said.
“We will promote the use of digital tools to boost efficiency, reduce trade barriers and enhance connectivity among COMESA members.”
He highlighted Kenya’s success in mobile money, digital governance and fintech innovation as examples that can help other member states strengthen their economies.
According to Kindiki, digitalisation will not only make trade faster and fairer but also create new opportunities for youth and women entrepreneurs, especially in the agricultural value chain.
He mentioned initiatives such as the Electronic Certificate of Origin (ECO) and smart border systems, which make it easier for goods to move across borders by cutting paperwork and reducing delays.
“This is about moving beyond exporting raw materials. We want to create and trade in finished products that add more value and benefit our people,” he added.
The summit was held under the theme: “Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.”
Other leaders in attendance included Presidents Azali Assoumani (Comoros) and Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), Prime Ministers Russell Mmiso Dlamini (Eswatini) and Mustafa Madbouly (Egypt), African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Youssouf and COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe.
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