President Ruto Attends COMESA Summit in Bujumbura to Boost Regional Integration.
President William Ruto has departed for Bujumbura to participate in the 23rd Summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State. The summit, which brings together leaders from member countries, will offer President Ruto an opportunity to strengthen Kenya’s connections with key regional partners. This year’s summit also marks the 30th anniversary of COMESA, underscoring its ongoing influence as a major economic bloc in Africa.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed confirmed that President Ruto plans to engage in several significant discussions. A primary focus will be on bolstering regional value chains, a step that could further integrate Kenya within COMESA. By enhancing these networks, COMESA member states can deepen trade ties and improve economic cooperation.
During his visit, President Ruto is set to meet with Egypt’s President and Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, as well as Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, among other leaders. Talks with the Egyptian President will center on advancing the Kenya-Egypt partnership, with a shared goal of increasing bilateral trade. In addition, his meeting with Zambia’s President Hichilema aims to tackle trade obstacles through a proposed Joint Trade Committee, which would help streamline trade and address non-tariff barriers between the nations.
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Beyond strengthening partnerships, President Ruto will work to build support for Kenya’s bid to host the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Secretariat. This TFTA initiative unifies three major economic blocs—COMESA, the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). As a result, hosting the TFTA Secretariat would position Kenya as a central player in regional economic integration, expanding opportunities across these diverse economic communities.
Another focal point for President Ruto is Kenya’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, a position also contested by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. As the AUC election approaches in February 2025, Ruto is rallying support for Kenya’s representation in this influential African role.
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Additionally, President Ruto will address Kenya’s interest in finalizing sugar safeguard measures, which aim to revitalize the country’s sugar industry by protecting it from market pressures. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s goal of strengthening domestic industries while building stronger trade alliances within COMESA.
COMESA remains an essential market for Kenya, which currently holds a 12.4% share in the regional bloc, ranking second after Egypt. With COMESA’s combined market of 640 million people and a GDP of $1 trillion, this summit highlights the vast potential for economic growth and trade expansion within the bloc. In addition, Kenya’s exports to COMESA have grown by 8.9% from 2019 to 2023, reinforcing the value of continued engagement and collaboration in the region.
President Ruto attends the COMESA Summit in Bujumbura with a clear vision to boost Kenya’s role in regional trade and integration. Through high-level discussions, support for key economic initiatives, and strategic alliances, Kenya aims to strengthen its ties within COMESA, securing its place as a vital player in East and Southern Africa.
President Ruto Attends COMESA Summit in Bujumbura to Boost Regional Integration.
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