President William Ruto has taken over the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), unveiling an ambitious vision to transform the 21-member bloc into a technology-driven economic powerhouse.
Speaking at the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government in Nairobi on Thursday, Ruto said the regional body must move beyond traditional trade approaches and embrace innovation to unlock Africa’s full potential.
“I accept the chairmanship of COMESA with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of duty. Together, we will advance COMESA’s vision of shared prosperity, deeper integration, and true transformation. Let us shape COMESA into a digital, dynamic, and inclusive regional bloc that embodies the promise of a rising Africa," he said.
The Kenyan president signaled a shift toward modernizing regional trade systems, emphasizing digital platforms as key tools for connecting markets and creating opportunities for youth and small enterprises.
Ruto also praised his predecessor, President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, for steering the bloc toward stability and growth, promising to build on his achievements through stronger collaboration among member states.
His leadership comes at a crucial moment when Africa is accelerating efforts to harmonize regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Nairobi summit brought together heads of state, ministers, and policy experts to discuss strategies for boosting intra-regional trade, enhancing food security, and addressing the infrastructure gaps hindering growth.
Ruto’s chairmanship is expected to usher in a new phase of cooperation that prioritizes digital inclusion, sustainable industrialization, and equitable prosperity across Eastern and Southern Africa.
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