By Dorothy Musyoka
President William Ruto has assumed the Chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), with commitment to drive deeper regional integration, boost intra-African trade, and promote shared prosperity across the continent.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 24th COMESA Summit held in Nairobi the President expressed gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of duty in accepting the leadership role.
“I accept the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of duty,” stated President Ruto.
He commended President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi for his visionary leadership that has propelled COMESA’s progress, pledging to build on his achievements through partnership and collaboration with all Member States.
“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,” added the President.
The President called on African nations to increase intra-African trade in order to achieve demand for African goods.
“We call on Africa to work together to increase intra-African trade from the current 14% to 50%, matching other regions that trade at between 60% and 70%. Unlocking trade for the 1.4 billion Africans in the continent would triple demand for our goods, products and services,” the President said.
Additionally, he called for bold action removing visa restrictions, dismantling tariff and non-tariff barriers, and fostering the free movement of people, ideas and talent across the continent.
He further challenged African nations to end the export of raw materials and instead enhance value addition in locally available materials.
Kenya’s assumption of the COMESA Chairmanship marks a new chapter in the region’s pursuit of economic transformation.