PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO TAKES OVER AS COMESA CHAIR, PLEDGES TO DRIVE DIGITAL INTERGRATION AND REGIONAL PROSPERITY

President William Samoei Ruto (left) accepts the Chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) during the 24th Heads of State and Government Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi. (Photo credits)

By: Gladys K

President Dr. William Samoei Ruto has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) during the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. The high-level gathering brought together regional leaders, including outgoing Chair President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, and COMESA Secretary General, Ms. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, among other dignitaries.

In his acceptance remarks, President Ruto said he was honoured to take over the leadership of COMESA and pledged to steer the regional bloc toward greater digital integration, trade expansion, and sustainable development. This year’s theme, “Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” guided the discussions, highlighting the central role of technology in transforming Africa’s economic landscape.

“I accept this responsibility with deep gratitude and a strong sense of duty,” said President Ruto. “Our collective prosperity will depend on how boldly we embrace digital transformation and use technology to strengthen trade, innovation, and connectivity across our nations.”

The Head of State urged member countries to move from being passive users of technology to becoming creators and exporters of digital innovations capable of driving industries, creating employment, and boosting competitiveness across the region.

“We must digitalise every aspect of our trade systems  from infrastructure to data management and secure online platforms. The digital superhighway should connect every citizen, empower our farmers, support entrepreneurs, and fuel inclusive growth,” he emphasized.

President Ruto further called on COMESA states to harmonise their digital and trade policies to remove barriers that slow regional trade. He encouraged the adoption of electronic Certificates of Origin, Single Window Systems, and interoperable digital payment frameworks to make COMESA a model of efficiency and innovation.

Highlighting industrialisation as a key driver of transformation, he stressed the importance of embracing automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing to increase value addition for Africa’s minerals and agricultural commodities.

“By embracing smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies, we will unlock new industries, create decent jobs, and build resilient economies,” said President Ruto.

He also underscored the importance of financial self-reliance, encouraging member states to invest in homegrown financial institutions such as the Trade and Development Bank (TDB), Afreximbank, and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

“Kenya has increased its investment in the Trade and Development Bank by $100 million, in addition to the earlier $50 million in Afreximbank,” he revealed. “Through these African-led institutions, we can now access affordable, long-term financing that supports our national and regional priorities.”

The President reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to continental integration, citing the government’s decision to grant visa-free entry to most African nationals as a step toward a borderless, prosperous Africa.

“Africa’s unity is our greatest strength. By opening our borders to one another, we strengthen trade, collaboration, and the shared vision of a truly connected continent,” he said.

COMESA Secretary General, Ms. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, congratulated President Ruto on his election as Chairperson, describing his leadership as a reflection of the region’s confidence in Kenya’s vision and capability.

“Your Excellency, your election as COMESA Chairperson is a testament to the trust and confidence member states have in your leadership,” she said. “We are committed to implementing the $2.5 billion COMESA–World Bank Digital Acceleration Programme, which will connect 180 million people and expand access to digital services for 100 million more by 2030.”

She noted that intra-COMESA trade had grown from $2 billion in 2000 to $14 billion in 2024, while foreign direct investment increased by 154% to $65 billion, accounting for 65% of all FDI inflows into Africa last year.

“Our region continues to demonstrate resilience and potential. By embracing digital tools and inclusive value chains, we will empower women, youth, and small enterprises to participate meaningfully in regional growth,” Ms. Kapwepwe added.

Newly elected Vice Chair President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe commended Kenya for hosting a successful summit and pledged to work with President Ruto to advance COMESA’s integration goals.

“COMESA remains a cornerstone for regional cooperation and trade,” said President Mnangagwa. “We must continue removing trade barriers and improving infrastructure to enhance movement of goods, services, and people across our borders.”

Outgoing Chair President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi was praised for his steady leadership, which advanced digitalisation, trade facilitation, and food security initiatives across the region.

Closing the summit, President Ruto called for peace, security, and unity as key ingredients for Africa’s development and prosperity.

“Peace and stability are the foundation of progress. Together, we can build a COMESA that is digital, competitive, and inclusive — one that captures the spirit of a rising and united Africa,” he said.

The 24th COMESA Heads of State Summit concluded with a renewed pledge to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen trade integration, and promote inclusive growth across the region, with Kenya now leading the charge under President Ruto’s chairmanship.