President William Ruto has underscored the need to harmonise digital policies and regulatory frameworks among the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states noting that fragmentation is itself a non-tariff barrier.
Ruto noted that a single digital market for COMESA will require common standards for ecommerce, digital payments, data protection, and cybersecurity.
Speaking Thursday at the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government, as he officially assumed the chairmanship of COMESA, President Ruto pledged to lead the regional bloc toward deeper economic integration through digital transformation, inclusive growth, and financial independence.
The four day Summit that started on Monday is being held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The President called on member states to accelerate the adoption of electronic Certificates of Origin, integrated Single Window Systems, and interoperable cross-border payment platforms noting that these will make COMESA most efficient place to trade in Africa.
“Let us therefore accelerate the adoption of electronic Certificates of Origin, integrated Single Window Systems, and interoperable cross-border payment platforms to make our region the most efficient place to trade on the continent.” He noted.
Artificial intelligence driven supply chain systems
Similarly, Ruto stressed on the need to adopt the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) by integrating automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing, to transform Africa’s rich mineral and agricultural resources into high-value finished products within COMESA.
“We must now leap into the Fourth Industrial Revolution – Industry 4.0 – by integrating automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. This is how we will transform our rich mineral and agricultural resources into high-value finished products within COMESA, creating quality jobs, boosting incomes, and expanding our economies.” He said.
He also noted that digital solutions in logistics, including real-time cargo tracking, smart port management, and AI-driven supply chain systems, will reduce transit times, cut costs, and enhance transparency in trade networks, making COMESA the most efficient and attractive trading region in Africa.
Homegrown multilateral financial institutions
Additionally, President Ruto called on strengthening of homegrown multilateral financial institutions such as the Trade and Development Bank (TDB), Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Shelter Afrique, Africa Re, the African Trad and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), and ZEP-RE noting they represent Africa’s resolve to mobilise its own capital for its own priorities.
“These institutions embody our collective determination to mobilise African capital for African priorities.” He noted.
He said, Kenya has committed $50 million (Ksh 6.4 billion) as share capital to Afreximbank, noting the country is now making an additional $100 million (Ksh 12.9 billion) investment to enhance shareholding in TDB.
According to Ruto, intra-COMESA trade, though improving, still accounts for a small share of the total trade.
Africa contributes only 3% to global trade, and only 14% to intra-Africa trade.
Free movement across Africa
Further President Ruto emphasized on the need to embrace the free movement of people, goods, and services across Africa to strengthen continental integration.
“The question of continental integration must go beyond trade agreements and shared markets. It must also embrace the free movement of people, goods, and services across our borders. True integration will only be achieved when an African can travel, work, and invest freely anywhere on the continent.” He said.
“It is in this spirit that Kenya has taken the progressive decision to become visa-free for most African nationals, affirming our belief that Africa’s strength lies in its openness and unity.”
He also called on inclusivity noting that member states must uplift micro, small, and medium enterprises, empower women and youth, and ensure that every citizen becomes a stakeholder in the shared prosperity.
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