Explained: What Kenya's assumption of COMESA chairmanship means

Kenya has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) today, during the 24th Heads of State Summit, taking over from Burundi.

For the next year, President William Ruto will chair the 21-member regional bloc, a position previously held by Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye since November 2024.

This will not be the first time Kenya has led COMESA. The country first held the chairmanship under the late President Daniel arap Moi in 1999, and again in 2007 under former President Mwai Kibaki.

President Ruto now becomes the third Kenyan Head of State to take up the role.

Unlike other regional blocs, COMESA’s chairmanship operates on a rotational basis among Heads of State and Government of member countries. The host nation of the annual Summit automatically assumes the chairmanship.

Kenya, as host of the 24th Summit, will therefore take over the leadership of the regional market.

Leaders present

Several regional leaders and representatives have already arrived in Nairobi ahead of the Summit.

Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe Prime Minister, Zambia’s Prime Minister, and Eswatini’s Minister of Trade are among the dignitaries already in the country for the high-level meeting.

Economic and diplomatic benefits

Hosting the COMESA Summit and holding its chairmanship carries significant economic and diplomatic benefits. A host country gains influence over the regional trade agenda, increases its visibility, and can attract investment while positioning itself as a key player in regional integration.

For instance, as chair in 2025, Kenya plans to focus on leveraging digitalisation to deepen value chains, showcasing its leadership in digital innovation, mobile money, and fintech. This focus aligns with Ruto’s broader digital economy agenda and positions Kenya as a driver of policy discussions on digital trade across the bloc.

The chairmanship also provides an opportunity to advocate for cross-border infrastructure projects that connect economies and lower the cost of doing business.

Improved transport and communication systems will promote the movement of goods and services, boosting trade efficiency.

In addition, the summit and associated business forums create platforms to attract new investment and strengthen business partnerships. This generates capital inflows into key national sectors, especially those aligned with the summit’s theme, while the event itself stimulates the local economy through increased business for hotels, airlines, and transport services as delegates arrive from across the region.

 Regional agenda

The chair is uniquely positioned to steer COMESA’s economic and trade priorities. This includes tackling challenges such as low intra-African trade, harmonising regional policies, and promoting fair market access.

By using its influence, Kenya can prioritise the elimination of non-tariff barriers, directly expanding market opportunities for its exporters. It can also shape discussions on key issues like trade liberalisation, agricultural reform, and climate action, ensuring national interests align with regional objectives.

According to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, “Kenya will leverage this role to champion a new era of regional integration that uses digitalisation to deepen value chains for sustainable and inclusive growth, to actualize the theme of this Forum.”

Kindiki added that “introducing digital solutions to trade facilitation and modernising customs and border procedures will help reduce non-tariff barriers.”

Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, echoing Kindiki’s remarks, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing digital trade, agricultural modernization, and strategic partnerships. “We are not just building digital infrastructure; we are creating ecosystems where technology catalyzes trade and job creation. We are transforming agriculture into a resilient, high-value sector that not only feeds our people but also fuels our industries,” said Kinyanjui.

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, embracing this year’s theme, said: “Digitising Governments leads to more transparency, and more opportunities for our people. We must embrace technology to improve services for citizens and #trade more with each other.”

For Kenya, assuming the COMESA chairmanship presents both a symbolic and strategic opportunity, to project regional leadership, advance its digital and trade agenda, and strengthen economic ties within Africa.

As International Relations Society of Kenya CEO Leonard Wanyama noted, “For Kenya, assuming the COMESA chairmanship presents a unique chance.”

Kenya’s leadership also comes at a pivotal moment, as Africa intensifies efforts to strengthen regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The chairmanship now offers Nairobi a platform to drive policies that promote deeper integration, wider markets, and a more unified African economy.