President Ruto Arrives in Zimbabwe for 25th COMESA Summit
HARARE, Zimbabwe — President William Samoei Ruto has arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe, ahead of the 25th Summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government, where regional leaders are expected to deliberate on trade, industrialisation, investment and economic integration.
The summit, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026, will bring together heads of state and government from COMESA member countries to discuss strategies for strengthening regional cooperation and expanding economic opportunities across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Kenya is expected to join other member states in advancing regional integration, strengthening peace and security, accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promoting industrialisation through value addition to Africa’s natural resources.
Regional trade and industrialisation on the agenda
The summit will be held under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”
Discussions are expected to focus on removing barriers to trade, encouraging cross-border investment, strengthening regional value chains and supporting businesses to access wider markets across the continent.
Leaders will also consider ways of transforming Africa’s natural resources into finished products within the continent, a move intended to increase local manufacturing, create employment and retain more economic value within African economies.
Digital transformation is also expected to feature in discussions on improving regional value chains and supporting sustainable, inclusive economic growth.
Kenya’s regional economic interests
Kenya’s participation comes as the country seeks to strengthen trade links with neighbouring states, expand market access for locally manufactured goods and attract investment across key economic sectors.
Closer cooperation among COMESA members could provide opportunities for Kenyan businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, transport, technology and services by improving access to regional markets.
The discussions on peace and security are also significant, given the importance of stability to cross-border trade, investment and infrastructure development.
COMESA’s role in African integration
COMESA is a regional economic bloc comprising 21 member states, established to promote economic integration through trade, investment and infrastructure development.
The summit is expected to review progress in implementing the bloc’s regional integration agenda and consider priorities under its Medium-Term Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.
Zimbabwe is hosting the meeting in Harare, with the main summit scheduled to take place at the New Parliament Building in Mount Hampden.
The gathering is expected to provide an opportunity for regional leaders to strengthen cooperation and develop strategies aimed at building a more integrated, competitive and prosperous regional market.
