Kenya Assumes COMESA Chairmanship, Calls for Digital Transformation and Intra-African Trade Boost

President William Ruto has officially taken over the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), pledging to lead with humility, gratitude, and a deep sense of duty. Speaking at the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, President Ruto commended outgoing chair President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi for his impactful leadership and vowed to build on his legacy.

In his address, President Ruto outlined a bold vision for COMESA’s future—one anchored in digitalisation, regional integration, and inclusive growth. He urged Member States to invest in digital infrastructure, data governance, and human capacity building to empower citizens and unlock the full potential of the digital economy.

“Digitalisation will optimise resource use, improve energy efficiency, and enable smart electrical grids,” he said. “It will also enhance cross-border trade, streamline logistics, and create platforms for SMEs to access regional and global markets—translating into jobs, opportunities, and competitiveness.”

The summit drew participation from key African leaders, including Presidents Azali Assoumani (Comoros), Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), Prime Ministers Ahmed Abiy (Ethiopia), Russell Mmiso Dlamini (Eswatini), Mustafa Madbouly (Egypt), and high-level representatives from the African Union and AfCFTA.

President Ruto called for a dramatic increase in intra-African trade—from the current 14% to 50%—to match other global regions. He emphasized the need to remove visa restrictions, dismantle tariff and non-tariff barriers, and shift from raw material exports to value-added production.

“Our borders must become bridges, not blockades,” he declared. “Let us shape COMESA into a digital, dynamic, and inclusive bloc that embodies the promise of a rising Africa.”