On the morning of October 31, President William Ruto embarked on a trip to Burundi to take part in the 23rd Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government, convened in the vibrant city of Bujumbura. As announced by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, this year’s summit is particularly significant, marking the 30th anniversary of COMESA—a vital trading partnership that plays a critical role in Africa’s economic landscape.
With a combined population of 640 million and a total GDP of Ksh. 128 trillion, COMESA stands as a formidable market for Kenya, which holds a 12.4 percent share of this regional market, second only to Egypt. A report indicates that from 2019 to 2023, Kenya’s exports to COMESA have grown by 8.9 percent, signaling a strong potential for expanding regional trade relations.
During the summit, President Ruto is expected to engage in important discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade ties with other leaders. He is scheduled to meet with the Presidents of Egypt and Zambia, as well as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, among other dignitaries. These meetings aim to enhance strategic partnerships that could facilitate trade and investment across the continent.
The discussions with Egypt are anticipated to center around fortifying the Kenya-Egypt partnership, with both nations displaying a shared commitment to increasing trade volumes between them. This strategic collaboration could pave the way for new opportunities within the region.Moreover, during his bilateral engagement with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema,
“The discussions with Egypt will focus on enhancing the Kenya-Egypt partnership, with a joint commitment to increase trade between the two nations.”
President Ruto plans to explore various avenues for enhancing trade. One of the key proposals is the establishment of a Joint Trade Committee, which would address and work towards resolving non-tariff barriers that could hinder commerce between the nations.Through these engagements, the summit serves as a platform for President Ruto to champion Kenya’s interests while reinforcing cooperation and solidarity among African nations.
As COMESA celebrates its milestone anniversary, the potential for invigorated trade partnerships promises to bolster economic growth and development across the region.
