Kenyan President William Ruto has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) during the 24th Heads of State and Government Summit in Nairobi, marking a defining moment for regional economic integration, digital transformation, and peacebuilding across Africa.

“I accept the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of duty,” said President Ruto.

“I commend President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, whose wise 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. Let us shape COMESA into a digital, dynamic, and inclusive regional bloc that embodies the promise of a rising Africa.”

The 24th COMESA Summit, hosted in Nairobi, has drawn presidents, prime ministers, and senior government officials from across the continent. The meeting focused on boosting intra-African trade, digital transformation, and regional peace and security, as leaders called for a more united and economically independent Africa.

Under the summit’s theme, “Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” member states pledged to modernize trade systems, harmonize regulations, and remove long-standing barriers that have slowed economic growth.

Kenya announced a $100 million investment in the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) and an additional $50 million to Afreximbank, a move aimed at increasing access to affordable financing for African countries and supporting the shift toward locally driven economic solutions.

A key highlight of the summit was the launch of the COMESA Digital Retail Payments Platform, a system that allows cross-border trade settlements in local currencies. The platform aims to reduce dependency on the US dollar, lower transaction costs, and make it easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to trade across the region.

The pilot phase has already started between Malawi and Zambia, with plans to scale up to other member states. Kenyan officials said the system would help unlock regional value chains and encourage growth that is more inclusive.

“We must build a COMESA that empowers its people through technology, integration, and shared prosperity,” said Ruto.

On the sidelines of the summit, President Ruto held bilateral talks with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, reaffirming a long-standing partnership between the two nations.

“Kenya and Egypt share a long history of friendship built on our common struggle for freedom and our enduring commitment to the progress of our people,” said Ruto.

The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial development, and regional peace and security. Madbouly assured Egypt’s commitment to support COMESA’s new agenda and work closely with Kenya on trade and integration.

The summit brought together leaders including Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Comoros President Azali Assoumani, among others. Delegates emphasized the need to ease visa restrictions, modernize customs systems, and invest in infrastructure and digital connectivity to unlock the full economic potential of the COMESA region.

“Africa cannot prosper when its borders remain closed to Africans,” said Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The leaders also acknowledged the challenges that could slow progress   including inadequate infrastructure, uneven policy implementation, and political instability in some member states. Analysts noted that while the digitalization agenda offers great promise, effective implementation and political will will determine the real impact of the Nairobi declarations.

Kenya’s assumption of the COMESA chairmanship comes at a time when the continent is looking to strengthen regional economic blocs, promote value addition, and position Africa as a key global economic player.

With its digital-first vision and strengthened partnerships,   including with Egypt   Kenya is expected to lead efforts to modernize trade, empower small businesses, and foster peace and stability across the region.

If fully implemented, the outcomes of the Nairobi summit could transform how Africa trades within itself, reduce dependence on external financial systems, and advance a more united and self-reliant continent.