Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
Outgoing COMESA Chairperson and Kenyan President Dr William Ruto has called for the implementation of the regional bloc’s strategic plan and the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area for the continent to fully benefit from its economic initiatives.
President Ruto said this while delivering the COMESA 2025 Annual Report during the bloc’s 25th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Mt Hampden this afternoon.
“We need to join and fully apply the free trade area. Second, let us ratify the protocol on the free movement of persons, or at a minimum, adopt the business visa so that our traders can move as freely as our goods.
“Let us also connect our national payment system to regional payment and settlement systems. Our digital retail payment platform needs to be efficient so that money moves across our borders as easily as our WhatsApp messages.
“We also need to domesticate regional commitments we have signed and resolve the non-tariff barriers reported through our online mechanism. Finally, let us honour our financial contributions to COMESA in full and on time.”
He said there is a need to implement all agreed resolutions.
“These are not new promises. They are old promises waiting to be fulfilled. Guided by the vision of one market, one future, let us move forward with determination, unity of purpose, and a shared commitment to results,” said President Ruto.
“Through collective action and unwavering resolve, we will strengthen our common markets, unlock our opportunities for growth and investment, and build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for generations to come.”
He said there has been an increase in investment and regional integration during the year under review.
