Nairobi: Kenya will leverage on its technological advancements and innovation to support regional value chains and drive trade in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasized that intra-Africa trade through regional trading blocs like COMESA is crucial for Africa’s economic transformation, bridging infrastructure gaps, creating jobs, and building the continent’s future.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kindiki, speaking during the 18th COMESA Business Forum in Nairobi, highlighted this year’s theme, ‘Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,’ as aligning with Kenya’s aspirations for radical national transformation. The focus is on boosting intra-regional trade and economic integration. He noted that the Summit aligns with Kenya’s digital transformation agenda, leveraging the country’s leadership in mobile money technology, digital governance, and fintech innovation.
Kindiki stated that the Summit is expected to address integrating Agri-tech and digitalization into the agricultural sector. He mentioned Kenya’s upcoming chairmanship of COMESA, emphasizing the responsibility to champion regional integration using digitalization to deepen value chains for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The DP explained that the business forum’s outcomes would be presented to the 24th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit in Nairobi on October 9. He urged participants to ensure their recommendations are bold, ambitious, and practical, providing a clear roadmap for leaders to endorse.
According to Kindiki, digitalization reduces non-tariff barriers to trade by introducing digital solutions to trade facilitation and modernizing customs and border procedures for seamless trade within COMESA member states. He highlighted digitalization as a key enabler of innovation and competitiveness, creating a dynamic business environment and promoting initiatives like the Electronic Certificate of Origin (ECO) and smart border concepts.
He disclosed the goal of moving beyond exporting raw materials to creating sophisticated, higher-value products for regional and global trade. This approach seeks to create more opportunities for SMEs and businesses led by youth and women within agricultural value chains.
Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Lee Kinyanjui reiterated Kenya’s commitment to advancing digital trade, agricultural modernization, and strategic partnerships. He emphasized creating ecosystems where technology catalyzes trade and job creation, transforming agriculture into a resilient, high-value sector.
Kinyanjui commended the ongoing COMESA Multi-Sectoral Exhibition, showcasing regional innovations and products, aiming to promote intra-COMESA trade through strengthened supply chains.
COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe underscored the significance of digital tools like the Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO), Regional Payment and Settlement System (REPSS), and Digital Yellow Card in enhancing trade facilitation and reducing non-tariff barriers. She noted a 3.6% decline in intra-COMESA trade in 2024, from USD 14.2 billion to USD 13.7 billion, due to declines in exports of key commodities.
Despite this, she stressed the forum’s importance in laying foundations for a resilient, inclusive, and interconnected economy. Kapwepwe called for scaling up digital infrastructure, harmonizing regulations, and empowering MSMEs, particularly those led by women and youth, to drive Africa’s economic integration.