Kenya has officially kicked off preparations to host the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit of Heads of State and Government, which will be held in Nairobi in October.
The summit will bring together leaders from 21 member states, representing more than 682 million people, to deliberate on regional integration, trade, peace, and investment.
It is expected to be one of the most significant gatherings in recent years, drawing thousands of delegates, investors, and partners to the Kenyan capital.
Senior officials attending the launch included Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui, COMESA Assistant Secretary General Dr. Dev Haman, Burundi Minister of Trade, Transport and Tourism Dr. Hassan Kibeya, and Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam.
CS Kinyanjui said Kenya was honoured to be the host nation and assured that the government had taken adequate measures to guarantee the success of the event.
“This summit offers us a platform to strengthen regional trade, advance industrialization, and enhance value addition across the region. Kenya is fully committed to delivering a successful event that will benefit the entire bloc,” he stated.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday during the signing of the Host Agreement for the 24th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit, the CS observed that the summit’s theme, “Leveraging Digitization to Deepen Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” was both timely and relevant as Africa adapts to rapid technological shifts.
“Digital technology is the great equalizer. It can dismantle trade barriers, streamline cross-border business, and empower small and medium enterprises. Kenya’s leadership in mobile money and fintech demonstrates how innovation can drive inclusion and transform economies,” he said.
Kinyanjui added that hosting the summit aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes industrialization, job creation, and competitiveness.
“Our focus is to move from exporting raw materials to producing value-added goods that support industrialization and create sustainable jobs. By enhancing value chains and regional markets, we can unlock Africa’s true potential,” he explained.
Kinyanjui pointed out that intra-African trade remains unacceptably low compared to other regions.
“Intra-African trade currently stands at about 17 percent, while Europe is at 47 percent and Asia above 60 percent. This summit is an opportunity to chart solutions and ensure that African products find markets within the continent,” he remarked.
He further assured that Kenya’s preparations were well coordinated across government departments, noting that Nairobi’s reputation as a reliable host city would ensure a smooth summit.
“We have invested in infrastructure, special economic zones, and export promotion facilities to make Kenya a competitive regional hub. We are confident that this summit will bring tangible benefits to our traders, entrepreneurs, and citizens,” Kinyanjui said.
Dr. Dev Haman, COMESA Assistant Secretary General, commended Kenya’s progress, noting that the host nation had surpassed expectations.
“Kenya has done more than we anticipated. Preparations are well on track, and we are confident Nairobi will deliver a resounding and successful summit,” he stated.
The Assistant Secretary General underscored the importance of regional integration in tackling unemployment and poverty across Africa, especially among the youth.
“Governments cannot provide jobs for all, but through regional integration and entrepreneurship we can create sustainable opportunities. Small businesses and cross-border trade are vital in providing livelihoods across the continent. That is why this summit is critical for our region,” he said.
He added that agriculture would also be a priority area, urging member states to treat it as both a food security measure and a source of employment.
“We must valorize agriculture as a sector that can employ millions while driving exports. The horticulture forum will give farmers direct access to markets, boosting incomes and building confidence in regional agribusiness,” Dr. Haman noted.
Dr. Haman also praised Kenya for aligning its national development agenda with COMESA’s objectives, citing Vision 2030 as an example of policy direction that supports industrial growth and integration.
“This summit will reinforce COMESA’s position as a formidable economic bloc. It is a chance to demonstrate how governments, the private sector, and development partners can collaborate to transform our economies,” he added.
He urged the media and stakeholders to play their part in sensitizing the public about the upcoming event.
“The public must understand why COMESA matters, what it stands for, and what it brings to Kenya and the region. Trade is central to job creation, economic growth, and raising living standards. This summit is a step toward achieving that vision,” Dr. Haman said.
Kenya and COMESA expressed optimism that the Nairobi summit will set the stage for deeper integration, stronger economies, and inclusive growth across Eastern and Southern Africa.
By Naif Rashid and Darlene Wambui
