Ruto: I accept COMESA chairmanship with gratitude

Kenya has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

President William Ruto said he accepts COMESA with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of duty.

President Ruto commended his counterpart, Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, saying his leadership has driven remarkable progress.

“I pledge to build on his achievements and work with every Member State as a committed and collaborative partner. Together, we will advance COMESA’s vision of shared prosperity, deeper integration, and true transformation,” he said.

The President called for African countries to shape COMESA into a digital, dynamic, and inclusive regional bloc that embodies the promise of a rising Africa.

He spoke during the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government, Nairobi.

Kenya’s assumption of the chairmanship comes as the bloc seeks to accelerate economic recovery, boost trade, and strengthen regional value chains through innovation and digital inclusion.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the forum’s theme aligns closely with Kenya’s national development agenda, which prioritises economic transformation through innovation, value addition, and regional cooperation.

He noted that the country intends to help address the long-standing challenge of low intra-African trade, which currently stands at just 15 per cent.

Kindiki emphasised that digital transformation will be key in achieving this goal.

He said Kenya will promote the adoption of digital tools to boost efficiency, reduce trade barriers, and enhance connectivity among COMESA members.

“The Summit aligns with Kenya’s digital transformation agenda, leveraging the country’s leadership in mobile money technology, digital governance, and fintech innovation,” he said.

“By leveraging digitalisation, the Summit is expected to address the issue of integrating Agri-tech and digitalisation into the agricultural sector.”

According to Kindiki, digitalisation is not just an economic strategy but a catalyst for innovation and competitiveness.

He highlighted initiatives such as the Electronic Certificate of Origin (ECO) and smart border systems as key tools to facilitate seamless trade across the region.

“Digital transformation creates a more dynamic business environment. It catalyses the reduction of non-tariff barriers by introducing digital solutions to trade facilitation and modernising customs and border procedures.”

The DP said Kenya’s approach will focus on moving beyond the export of raw materials to the creation of more sophisticated, higher-value products that can be traded regionally and globally.

“This approach also seeks to create more opportunities for small and medium enterprises led by youth and women, particularly within agricultural value chains,” he added.

The Summit is held under the theme: ‘Leveraging digitalisation to deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth’.

The leaders included Presidents Azali Assoumani (Comoros) and Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), Prime Ministers Russell Mmiso Dlamini (Eswatini), and Mustafa Madbouly (Egypt).

Others were African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Youssouf and Comesa Secretary-General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe.