As Kenya takes over the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), leaders gathering in Nairobi have called for accelerated regional integration, enhanced intra-African trade, and a shift from raw exports to value-added goods.
At the 18th COMESA Business Forum held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on October 7, 2025, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged African nations to adopt digital solutions to simplify cross-border trade and eliminate non-tariff barriers. He called for stronger partnerships with the private sector to break bureaucratic hurdles and deepen value chains, saying digital integration would be key to unlocking the continent’s economic potential.
Kenya assumes the rotating chairmanship of the 21-member bloc, succeeding Burundi. The theme of this year’s summit and related events is “Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.”
COMESA Assistant Secretary General for Administration and Finance, Dr Dev Haman, said the bloc was founded to redefine trade by expanding it beyond national borders and fostering exchange among member states. He noted that by establishing clear rules and procedures, COMESA has helped reduce trade barriers and speed up the movement of goods across the region.
Dr Haman observed that although intra-COMESA trade currently stands at just about 14 billion dollars, compared to exports worth 191 billion and imports of 250 billion, the region holds vast untapped potential. He said that processing raw materials locally into semi-finished or finished goods would enable member states to create wealth, generate jobs, and strengthen economic resilience.
“Membership in regional blocs like COMESA or the EAC is a sovereign decision made by each member state. By collaborating on shared projects such as cross-border infrastructure, these blocs work together to avoid duplication and promote regional integration,” he said.
He added that while significant progress has been made in building market linkages, true integration requires stronger physical connectivity through infrastructure and technology. By leveraging digitalization and focusing on people-centered development, COMESA aims to ensure that integration directly benefits citizens, farmers, and local businesses.
Dr Haman also traced the roots of Africa’s regional integration to the Abuja Treaty, which established eight regional blocs as the foundation for the Continental Free Trade Area. He said the ongoing unification of these blocs through initiatives such as the Tripartite Agreement is steadily building the framework for a truly continental free trade area.
Other experts echoed similar sentiments. Prof. Peter Kagwanja noted that despite Africa’s progress in value addition, the continent remains largely dependent on exporting raw materials and importing industrial products. Dr. Maria Muli said many COMESA countries still rely heavily on external trade instead of prioritizing intra-African markets.
Ahmed Hashi reflected on Africa’s history of wealth and integration, citing the prosperous trade networks of the Mansa Musa era, which were disrupted by colonial boundaries and rigid nation-state systems that continue to limit regional trade and free movement of labour.
According to the COMESA Secretariat, intra-regional trade currently accounts for about six percent of total trade among member states. The bloc aims to raise this to 25 percent by 2026 through initiatives such as the Electronic Certificate of Origin (E-CO), smart border systems, and harmonized customs processes designed to reduce transaction costs and facilitate faster movement of goods.
Dr Haman emphasized that leaders across the region have recognized the need to build internal resilience to withstand external shocks. Developing strong intra-African markets, he said, would reduce vulnerability to global disruptions and ensure a reliable fallback position for trade and growth.
The COMESA exhibitions taking place alongside the summit are showcasing the creativity and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women, and youth who trade within the region. Through mentorship and support from institutions like the COMESA Federation of Women in Business, entrepreneurs are being empowered to grow their enterprises and contribute directly to regional integration.
The International Relations Society of Kenya, in partnership with COMESA, also hosted a conference on redefining the bloc’s strategic position amid shifting global dynamics. Leonard Wanyama, one of the organizers, said Kenya’s assumption of the COMESA chairmanship offers a unique opportunity to strengthen its leadership role in regional trade, peace, and business collaboration.
While rhetoric around integration has been strong, challenges remain. Analysts point to the need for improved physical infrastructure, harmonization of trade standards, and inclusive digital systems that benefit small producers, women, and youth.
For Kenya, which is nearing sugar self-sufficiency as the COMESA safeguard approaches its end, the focus will be on consolidating gains in agricultural production, industrialization, and trade. With local sugar production rising and several state-owned mills leased to private investors, questions remain about job security and competitiveness in the region.
As delegates converge for the Heads of State Summit on October 9, the Nairobi meeting is expected to produce resolutions aimed at transforming policy commitments into action. The challenge for COMESA’s new leadership will be ensuring that the ideals of integration and digital trade translate into real growth and tangible benefits for citizens across the continent.
Read: Ruto To Take Over COMESA Chairmanship During Nairobi Summit
>>> COMESA Summit: How Kenya Kwanza’s Agenda Aligns With COMESA Vision
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