Online Reporter
Good morning, everyone.
Welcome to our live coverage of the 24th Comesa Heads of State and Government Summit taking place in Nairobi, Kenya.
Today, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is attending this pivotal gathering, where leaders from across the region will discuss critical issues surrounding political and economic integration in Africa.
As the incoming chair of COMESA, Zimbabwe is set to host the next Summit and will guide the bloc’s agenda from 2026 to 2027.
Join us as Kudakwashe Mugari brings you updates and insights from this significant event, highlighting Zimbabwe’s commitment to fostering collaboration and partnership among member States for a prosperous future.
Significance of President Mangangwa attending the Summit
The Summit provides a platform for President Mnangagwa to promote intra-African trade and investment, and to champion economic reforms that support inclusive development.
It also aims to leverage digitalisation to deepen regional value chains for sustainable and inclusive growth, and President Mnangagwa’s attendance underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to this goal.
His participation also reflects Zimbabwe’s dedication to Pan-Africanism and economic empowerment, with a focus on ensuring that integration translates into real benefits for its people.
Zimbabwe’s expected assumption of Comesa’s vice chairmanship demonstrates its growing leadership role in shaping Africa’s regional economic policies.
Entertainment galore
These are some of the scenes at the Tsavo Conference Centre in Nairobi, the venue of the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government.
President Mnangagwa, host President William Ruto, and other leaders are expected to arrive anytime from now.
President Ruto calls for digital-driven transformation as COMESA marks 30 years
Kenyan President William Ruto has called on African leaders to harness digital technology to drive the next phase of the continent’s transformation as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Addressing the summit, President Ruto opened by celebrating COMESA’s 30-year journey of “courage, resilience and partnership,” noting that the bloc has expanded markets, created opportunities and strengthened regional unity amid challenges.
He told leaders they must drive change through digital technology, shaping the next phase of Africa’s transformation and urged stakeholders to leverage digitalisation to deepen regional value chains for sustainable, inclusive growth.
President Ruto also highlighted Kenya’s leadership role, saying the summit is a chance to advance an integrated approach to trade and development and to harmonise policies, dismantle barriers and build a free, efficient and sustainable trade mechanism.
OFFICIAL: The new COMESA bureau
Kenya has assumed the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Bureau, taking over from Burundi, which had been serving as chair.
Under the new arrangement, Kenya becomes the new chair, while Zimbabwe assumes the position of incoming chair (vice chair).
Burundi, the outgoing chair, will continue to serve as secretary.
The transition marks a new phase in COMESA’s leadership structure, aimed at strengthening coordination and advancing the bloc’s regional integration and economic cooperation agenda.
President Mnangagwa reaffirms Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional integration
President Mnangagwa, has delivered his speech as the incoming Chair of the Common
Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) stressing the importance of regional integration.
He congratulated Kenya on assuming the COMESA chairmanship and extended appreciation to Burundi for steering the regional bloc over the past year.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the ideals of regional integration, describing COMESA as a vital cog in promoting intra-regional trade and investment.
He emphasised the need to address tariffs and other trade hindrances that slow down progress within the region.
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic reforms, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is on a journey of transformation and modernisation, implementing policies aimed at attracting investment in line with the COMESA strategy.
He further underscored Zimbabwe’s readiness to work closely with COMESA in promoting stability and addressing peace across transfrontier states.
The President also reaffirmed his belief that Africa’s Agenda 2063 goals are achievable, stressing the collective duty of member states to work harder for a better future for their people.
He expressed gratitude to Kenya for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
“I thank you all and I hope to see you in Harare next year,” President Mnangagwa concluded.
