Kenya’s President William Ruto has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), ushering in a new era of leadership centered on digital transformation and technological innovation. Speaking during the 24th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit held in Nairobi, President Ruto emphasized his vision to shift Africa from being a technology consumer to a global innovation powerhouse capable of shaping its own economic destiny.
In his inaugural address at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, President Ruto highlighted that Africa’s digital transition must become the driving force of regional growth and inclusivity. He reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a leading innovation hub, pledging that his tenure will focus on accelerating regional digitalisation to unlock Africa’s economic potential through strategic technological investments and policy harmonisation.
Guided by the summit’s theme, “Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” Ruto urged member states to harness digital tools to enhance productivity, empower citizens, and integrate economies. His priorities will include digitalising trade facilitation, improving transport corridors, developing regional data centres, and strengthening cloud infrastructure across the continent. He further stated that Africa’s “digital superhighway must reach every village, connect every farmer, empower every entrepreneur, and link landlocked nations to global trade arteries.”
The summit also marked the official launch of the COMESA Digital Retail Payment Platform — a groundbreaking innovation designed to enable instant, affordable, and inclusive cross-border payments across 21 member states. The platform supports transactions in local currencies, reducing dependency on foreign exchange and promoting financial inclusion, particularly for small and medium enterprises, women, and youth. This milestone aligns with Ruto’s broader vision of building a digitally connected and globally competitive Africa.
In his closing remarks, President Ruto called for harmonised digital policies across COMESA states to eliminate fragmentation and foster a more integrated digital economy. He underscored the need for common standards on e-commerce, cross-border payments, data protection, and cybersecurity, describing them as the pillars of Africa’s future trade framework. His leadership marks a significant moment for the region, setting the stage for an Africa that not only participates in the global digital economy but defines it.
