All eyes will be on Nairobi this Thursday, October 9, 2025, when Kenya hosts the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit of Heads of State and Government at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

The high-level gathering, themed “Digital Transformation for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth”, marks a significant milestone for the 21-member bloc as it celebrates 30 years of fostering economic integration, trade, and cooperation across Eastern and Southern Africa.

A Milestone Moment

This year’s summit is not just another diplomatic event — it represents a turning point for COMESA as it charts a new course focused on digital trade, industrialisation, and youth-driven innovation.

President William Ruto, who will host the meeting, is expected to rally leaders behind a bold digital transformation agenda that seeks to unlock Africa’s potential through technology, innovation, and regional value chains.

Ruto, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to regional integration and economic transformation when he hosted African leaders at the COMESA leaders’ dinner at State House, Nairobi.

He emphasised that the next phase of Africa’s growth will be driven by digital innovation, urging member states to harness technology to accelerate trade, create jobs, and improve governance.

“At the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State, we will deliberate on the need to drive change to shape the next phase of Africa’s transformation through digital technology,” he wrote on X.

Who to Expect in Nairobi

Several African heads of state and government are expected to attend, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, President Azali Assoumani of Comoros, and Prime Ministers Mustafa Madbouly (Egypt) and Russell Mmiso Dlamini (Eswatini).

The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Youssouf, and COMESA Secretary-General, Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, are also scheduled to be present.

The summit will be preceded by ministerial and technical meetings, which have been ongoing in Nairobi this week, focusing on trade facilitation, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and digital innovation.

Kenya’s Strategic Role

For Kenya, the summit offers both a diplomatic and economic opportunity. As one of COMESA’s founding members, Nairobi is positioning itself as a hub for regional trade and investment, using the summit to attract partnerships in ICT, renewable energy, manufacturing, and tourism.

Digital Economy Takes Centre Stage

One of the most anticipated discussions will revolve around digital integration, with leaders set to explore ways of harmonising digital regulations, enhancing cross-border e-commerce, and promoting youth participation in the tech economy.

President Ruto is expected to push for a continental digital single market, aligning COMESA’s digital policies with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Security and Regional Stability

Beyond economics, the summit will also touch on regional peace and stability, particularly in conflict-affected areas such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and parts of the Horn of Africa.

COMESA’s peace and security committee is expected to present a progress report on mediation efforts and resilience programmes.