Kenya Leverages Digital Innovation to Boost Trade Within COMESA

Kenya is banking on its technological advancements and innovation to strengthen regional value chains and boost intra-African trade within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Speaking at the 18th COMESA Business Forum in Nairobi, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasized that regional trade through blocs like COMESA is essential to Africa’s economic transformation. 

He noted that enhancing trade within Africa would help bridge infrastructure gaps, create employment opportunities and lay the foundation for a more prosperous future.

“This year’s summit, held under the theme “Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” aligns closely with Kenya’s agenda for radical national transformation and deeper regional economic integration,”he said.

The Deputy President highlighted Kenya’s leadership in digital finance, mobile money, e-governance and fintech innovation, saying these areas provide a strong foundation for driving regional digital transformation. 

He noted that digitalization will play a key role in modernizing agriculture through Agri-tech, increasing efficiency, productivity and value addition.

He further stressed that digital tools can reduce non-tariff barriers by streamlining customs and border processes, thus facilitating smoother trade among COMESA member states. 

“Initiatives such as the Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO) and smart border technologies,are critical in boosting competitiveness and innovation,”added the Deputy President.

Kindiki also underscored Kenya’s commitment to transitioning from exporting raw materials to producing higher-value products, thereby creating new opportunities for SMEs and enterprises led by women and youth.

“I am confident that through collaboration, we will build a more integrated, resilient, and prosperous COMESA,” he said.

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, reaffirmed the government’s focus on digital trade, agricultural modernization and strategic partnerships. 

CS Kinyanjui said Kenya is not only investing in digital infrastructure but also nurturing ecosystems where technology drives trade, employment, and industrial growth transforming agriculture into a high-value sector.

COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe showcased digital trade tools already implemented across the region, including the Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO), the Regional Payment and Settlement System (REPSS), and the Digital Yellow Card. 

These technologies, she noted, are enhancing trade efficiency and reducing cross-border barriers.

However, the Secretary General acknowledged a 3.6% decline in intra-COMESA trade in 2024 from USD 14.2 billion to USD 13.7 billion largely due to reduced exports of key commodities. 

Despite the dip, Kapwepwe emphasized the importance of the forum in building a more resilient, inclusive and interconnected regional economy.

She called for greater investment in digital infrastructure, regulatory harmonization, and the empowerment of MSMEs, particularly those led by women and youth, as key to advancing Africa’s economic integration.