President William Ruto on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, led celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) by hosting African leaders at State House, Nairobi, for dinner.

During the event, the head of state reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to regional integration and economic transformation.

Taking to his official X account moments after the dinner that comes ahead of the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government, Ruto lauded the bloc’s three-decade journey, describing it as a “transformative force” that has expanded markets, deepened trade ties, and strengthened unity among member states.

“We celebrate 30 years of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), a transformative regional bloc that has powered integration across our region. We take pride in our journey of resilience and partnership, which has expanded markets, created opportunities, and strengthened our unity in confronting challenges,” Ruto stated.

Ruto on digital innovation

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.

Leaders present

Among the dignitaries present at the State House event were Presidents Azali Assoumani of Comoros and Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, and Prime Ministers Russell Mmiso Dlamini of Eswatini and Mustafa Madbouly of Egypt.

Also in attendance were African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf and COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, alongside several regional ministers and diplomats.

“At the COMESA leaders’ dinner, State House, Nairobi, hosted Presidents Azali Assoumani (Comoros) and Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), Prime Ministers Russell Mmiso Dlamini (Eswatini), and Mustafa Madbouly (Egypt). Others were African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Youssouf and COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe,” Ruto stated.

The 24th Comesa Summit of Heads of State will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.