Kenya signs agreement to Host 24th COMESA Summit Heads of State and Government
Kenya will proudly host the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit of Heads of State and Government at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi, from October 7–9, 2025.
The signing of the Host Agreement officially launched preparations for the Summit. Speaking at the event, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, welcomed the high-level gathering of Heads of State and Government, ministers, policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners from across the region.
“As a region, we have made significant strides, including the recent entry into force of the COMESA–EAC–SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area, which creates Africa’s largest integrated market. However, challenges persist. We must continue to work collectively to remove Non-Tariff Barriers and harmonize our policies to unlock the full potential of intra-COMESA trade,” said Hon. Kinyanjui.
He added: “The work ahead is not for one nation alone. It requires the sustained political will and concerted effort of all our member states to ensure that the resolutions we adopt translate into tangible benefits for our people.”
This year’s Summit will be held under the theme: “Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” The theme reflects COMESA’s strong commitment to harnessing the transformative power of technology to enhance trade competitiveness, deepen regional value chains, and foster inclusive development across member states.
Dr. Dev Haman, COMESA Assistant Secretary General (Administration and Finance), noted the critical role of digital transformation in unlocking new opportunities. “The 2025 COMESA Summit marks a pivotal moment for our region. By embracing digitalization, we can boost trade, drive industrialization, and ensure growth that is both inclusive and sustainable,” he said.
Preceding the Summit, the COMESA Business Forum will bring together private sector leaders and innovators to engage regional policymakers on trade, investment, and technology.
As host nation, Kenya will assume the rotating Chair of COMESA from Burundi for 2025/2026, strengthening its leadership role in shaping the bloc’s policy direction, trade priorities, and integration agenda. This milestone underscores Kenya’s growing influence in regional and continental economic affairs.
The Summit is expected to attract a diverse mix of stakeholders from government, business, civil society, and international partners, all working collectively to advance COMESA’s mission of deeper integration and shared prosperity.