• Nairobi is preparing to host the 24th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit, which will take place from October 6 to 9, 2025. The theme of the conference is "Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth." 

Nairobi is preparing to host the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government Summit, which will take place from October 6 to 9, 2025. The theme of the conference is "Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth." 

Beyond the high-level discussions and policy papers, a deeper question emerges: Will digital trade truly benefit the people on the ground, farmers, youth entrepreneurs, and small traders across Africa?

Kenya, a founding member of COMESA, will assume the rotating chairmanship from Burundi during the summit. President William Ruto is expected to lead conversations on trade, innovation, and regional cooperation. The summit will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

During the summit, they will feature the COMESA-EU Horticulture Connect on October 6 to 8, multi-Sectoral Trade Exhibition, the 18th COMESA Business Forum on October 7, Foreign Ministers Meeting on October 8 and the Main Summit of Heads of State and Government on October 9, where they will convene to set regional priorities.

Kenya exports goods valued at USD 2.18 billion in 2023, giving it a 16% market share in COMESA. Through the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS), which has registered over 6.8 million farmers, and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the nation is also promoting digital reforms. 

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A large number of rural population continue to lack digital literacy, smartphones, and internet connectivity. Farmers and traders in local areas are still unable to access digital platforms. In the absence of inclusive infrastructure and training, the digital promises made at the summit might not materialize. 

Regional integration must be people-centered. That will be done by investing in digital access, supporting SMEs, and ensuring that youth and women-led businesses are part of the value chain. Kenya’s leadership in COMESA offers a chance to push for these reforms.

As COMESA leaders are set to gather in Nairobi, the hope is that digital trade will become a tool for transformation, from boardrooms to marketplaces.