Ruto Takes Over COMESA Leadership as Nairobi Hosts Landmark Summit.
Nairobi, October 9, 2025 — President William Ruto is today assuming the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Authority as the 24th Heads of State and Government Summit opens at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
The summit brings together leaders from the 21-member bloc to discuss regional trade, peace, and economic integration under the theme of deepening partnerships for shared prosperity.
Ruto takes over from Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who has chaired the regional body for the past year. The Authority, which comprises all heads of state from COMESA member nations, serves as the organization’s top decision-making organ, guiding its policy direction and strategic goals.
This week’s meetings have seen Nairobi transform into a hub of regional diplomacy and business engagement. The summit follows a series of preparatory sessions, including the COMESA–EU Horticulture Connect, which linked small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with European buyers to expand export markets.
The 18th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition also drew over 300 business leaders, investors, and innovators from across Africa to explore new opportunities for intra-African trade and investment.
On Wednesday, ministers of foreign affairs reviewed the region’s peace and security landscape, proposing strategies to address emerging conflicts and foster dialogue in fragile states. Dr. Oita Etyang, Head of the COMESA Governance, Peace and Security Unit, said the report presented to ministers would guide future interventions to sustain regional stability.
The Nairobi summit is expected to chart a renewed path for stronger regional cooperation, with President Ruto now steering COMESA’s agenda for the next year.
Established in 1994, COMESA brings together 21 nations with a combined population of over 640 million people. The bloc seeks to promote trade, sustainable growth, and peace through shared development goals and economic partnerships that advance prosperity across Eastern and Southern Africa.
