KAM calls for deeper COMESA region integration
Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has today called for deeper COMESA region integration, during the 18th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition taking place in Nairobi.
The event, themed “Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” brings together Heads of State, policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners to chart a new course for regional trade and integration.
COMESA remains one of Kenya’s most strategic economic blocs and a vital source of raw materials. Overall, Africa accounts for about 42% of Kenya’s export market, with COMESA contributing 11%, behind the East African Community (EAC) at 30%, and the rest of Africa at just 1%.
Despite its potential, intra-regional trade within COMESA remains modest, accounting for less than 12% of total trade among the 21 member states. This highlights the need to strengthen regional value chains, enhance competitiveness, and source more goods and services from within the continent. Looking ahead, the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), which unites COMESA, the EAC, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is expected to help address challenges of overlapping memberships while opening new opportunities for growth and cooperation.
Speaking during the Forum, H.E. Professor Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of Kenya, called on COMESA member states to lead innovation and embrace digital transformation to drive inclusive growth. He said, “Digital transformation is the key to deepening value chains for sustainable and inclusive growth. It is crucial that we embrace digitalization as a driver of economic progression within COMESA. Digital tools are enablers of innovation and competitiveness, they create a more diverse business environment, simplify the flow of goods and services, and reduce non-tariff barriers by modernizing customs and border procedures for seamless trade among COMESA member states.”
H.E. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, Secretary General of COMESA, emphasized the organization’s ongoing efforts to harness technology for trade facilitation and economic integration. She said, “This year’s Forum discussions will focus on four critical areas: business mobility, digital trade and investment promotion, agricultural productivity, and industrial development. COMESA has developed robust digital tools that are revolutionizing regional trade and integration, from integrated border management systems and the Digital Yellow Card System to smart border technologies and the Regional Payment System, which is increasing transactional value across all 21 member states. Most recently, we launched the Electronic Certificate of Origin Program in Eswatini, Malawi, Zambia, and now in Kenya.”
Highlighting the significance of regional cooperation amid global uncertainty, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Kenya noted that, “This Forum has come at a time when the global trade and investment landscape is facing significant turbulence. Amid these uncertainties, intra-regional trade presents a strong solution. It is crucial to leverage COMESA by addressing the barriers that hinder trade among member states. We must also prioritize the free movement of people within Africa to unlock the full potential of our regional economies.”
Representing the private sector, Hitesh Mediratta, Vice Chairperson of Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to advancing regional integration and industrial growth. “COMESA presents immense opportunities for Kenya’s manufacturing sector, not just as a market, but as a partner in building a more integrated, self-sustaining regional economy. Stronger regional value chains, harmonized standards, and efficient trade facilitation are not aspirations, but necessities. To fully harness COMESA’s potential, governments, the private sector, and development partners must work together to remove barriers, align policies, and unlock investments that drive industrial growth.”
The 18th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition runs from 6th October 2025 to 8th October 2025, showcasing innovations, partnerships, and investment opportunities in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, energy, and digital services. The recommendations from the High-Level Business Forum will form part of the COMESA Business Declaration to be presented at the 24th Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government.
