President William Samoei Ruto has officially opened the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
As the incoming Chairperson of the COMESA Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Ruto underscored Kenya’s deep commitment to regional cooperation as a driver of economic transformation.
“The nature of 21st-century globalisation has strengthened the case for regional integration as a pathway to sustainable growth.
Africa’s relevance in the global marketplace will be determined by the depth and speed of its integration,” he said.
Regional Integration
The President noted that the current wave of global challenges – from supply chain disruptions and debt distress to the rise of digital economies – makes it urgent for African nations to work together.
He emphasised that regional blocs like COMESA remain central to Africa’s economic resilience, as they create larger markets, spur industrial linkages, and promote peace and stability.
“By merging our economies and pooling our capacities, endowments, and energies, we can overcome the daunting challenges that hinder our continent’s transformation,” President Ruto stated.
Digitalisation for Growth
The 2025 COMESA Summit is being held under the theme: “Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.”
The theme captures the defining shift in global economics – that technology and innovation are now key levers for sustainable development.
“Digitalisation offers immense potential to drive sustainability by optimising resource use, improving energy efficiency, enabling smart grids, and fostering circular economies,” The president added.
COMESA must invest deliberately in digital infrastructure, data governance, and human capacity building to ensure African citizens are empowered to thrive in the digital era.
People-driven Integration
President Ruto reiterated that COMESA’s greatest strength lies not only in trade but also in social and human integration.
He highlighted the importance of bridging economic and social gaps within the region, ensuring no member state is left behind.
“COMESA’s integration journey has not only facilitated trade but also fostered peace, stability, and resilience across borders,” he said.
He urged member states to make concrete commitments to scale up intra-COMESA trade, foster industrial linkages, support innovation, and strengthen resilience against external shocks.
Vision 2030 and Africa’s Agenda 2063
Hosting the 24th COMESA Summit, President Ruto said, aligns seamlessly with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Both agendas seek to transform economies through regional integration and cross-border cooperation.
He positioned Kenya as a model for regional collaboration, pointing to its investments in infrastructure, innovation, and human capital.
The COMESA Clarion Call
In closing, the President called for bold action to make COMESA a globally competitive region that focuses on value addition, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
“Together, we can transform COMESA into a region that promotes prosperity for all and pursues growth that is sustainable, inclusive, and transformative,”
He said, before officially welcoming fellow Heads of State and dignitaries to Nairobi.
The summit, bringing together leaders, ministers, and business representatives from 21 member states, is expected to chart new strategies for accelerating Africa’s integration through digitalisation and value chain development.
