Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, is leading the country’s delegation to the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government, currently underway at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

The summit is being held under the theme “Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” It brings together heads of state, ministers, business leaders, and policymakers from across the 21 member states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the need for stronger regional integration to drive economic transformation.

“The future of Africa’s prosperity lies in our ability to act as one. Digitalization is the new frontier of trade, and COMESA must lead in creating a single digital market that connects our people and economies,” President Ruto said.

COMESA is Africa’s largest regional economic community, covering a population of over 640 million and a combined GDP of approximately $1 trillion. It plays a key role in promoting regional trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

Minister Sebahizi noted the importance of leveraging technology to strengthen Rwanda’s role in regional trade.

“Rwanda is fully committed to advancing digital trade integration, enhancing value chains, and working with partner states to ensure sustainable growth that benefits all,” Minister Sebahizi said.

Ahead of the Heads of State meeting, the Summit featured several side events, including the COMESA–EU Horticulture Connect Forum, the 18th COMESA Business Forum & Exhibition, and a Ministerial Meeting on regional peace, security, and economic cooperation.

Kenya officially assumed the rotating Chairmanship of COMESA from Burundi, signaling a renewed commitment to drive integration and economic growth across the region.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, reiterated AU’s support for regional economic communities.

“COMESA’s agenda must align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create a more unified and competitive continental market,” he said. Delegates are expected to adopt a joint declaration focusing on trade facilitation, infrastructure connectivity, and economic resilience in the face of global uncertainty.

The 24th COMESA Summit continues through October 9, 2025, with final resolutions expected to shape the bloc’s economic direction for the coming years.

Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, is leading the country’s delegation to the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government, currently underway at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.