KENYA: Ruto Takes Over As COMESA Chair, Calls For Digital Transformation

By Lapit Moses Punyuah, Nairobi, Kenya

President William Ruto has officially assumed the Chairmanship of the COMESA Authority, taking over from Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye during the 24th COMESA Summit held on Thursday, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa was appointed Vice Chair, as several regional leaders attended the summit, including Presidents Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), Azali Assoumani (Comoros), and Prime Ministers Ahmed Abiy (Ethiopia), Russell Dlamini (Eswatini), and Mustafa Madbouly (Egypt).

In his acceptance speech, President Ruto urged COMESA Member States to invest in digital infrastructure, data governance, and human capacity building to strengthen regional integration and economic competitiveness.

“Digitalisation will optimise resource use, improve energy efficiency, and enhance cross-border trade and financial inclusion,” said President Ruto. “It will also create new opportunities for our small and medium enterprises, translating into jobs, innovation, and prosperity for our people.”

Ruto emphasized that digital transformation remains the cornerstone of COMESA’s shared vision to build a modern, inclusive, and connected regional economy.