By Peace Muthoka.
The 41st Meeting of the COMESA Trade and Customs Committee opened on July 22, 2025, in Nairobi, bringing together senior trade officials, customs experts, and regional stakeholders.
Their mission: to fast-track policy measures that will boost intra-African trade and deepen regional economic integration.Kicking off the four-day session, Alex Tomerang, Deputy Director at Kenya’s State Department for Trade, welcomed delegates and reaffirmed Kenya’s strong support for COMESA’s goals.
Speaking on behalf of Principal Secretary Regina Ombam, he described the meeting as a crucial step in advancing regional collaboration and modernizing customs systems.
According to Ombam, the gathering plays a vital role in removing trade barriers and improving the competitiveness of African economies. She noted that Kenya remains committed to building a united and prosperous COMESA region anchored in seamless trade and strong partnerships.
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Meanwhile, the summit comes at a time of rising global trade tensions. With growing reliance on external markets, Africa has been left vulnerable to shifting geopolitics and protectionist policies. Consequently, COMESA is now prioritizing intra-regional trade while developing climate-resilient value chains in agriculture, mining, and tourism.
Speaking at the meeting, COMESA Assistant Secretary General Christopher Onyango acknowledged that while some progress has been made, intra-COMESA trade still lags. It currently accounts for less than 10 percent of total exports far below the 25 percent target outlined in the COMESA Medium-Term Strategic Plan (2021–2025).
“We must take bold action to change this,” Onyango stressed. “Our region has the capacity to redirect up to \$100 billion in external trade back into our own markets if we move with urgency and unity.” To illustrate progress, he cited the adoption of flexible rules of origin, the rollout of digital tools to tackle non-tariff barriers, and efforts to formalize small-scale cross-border trade.
Nevertheless, he urged all remaining member states to join the COMESA Free Trade Area to unlock the full benefits of integration.During the session, delegates are examining key proposals, including the digitalization of customs procedures and the launch of an e-Certificate of Origin. They are also reviewing a draft COMESA-AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, designed to harmonize regional trade with the wider African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
This year’s theme, “Accelerating Regional Integration through the Development of Regional Value Chains in Climate Resilient Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism,” reflects the bloc’s commitment to long-term, sustainable growth. With the current strategic plan nearing its end, COMESA is also laying the groundwork for its 2026–2030 roadmap.
Wrapping up the opening day, Tomerang urged participants to take bold policy steps. “Let’s use this platform to craft practical solutions that empower our traders, attract investment, and strengthen supply chains across Africa,” he said.
