NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has called on African leaders to embrace digital technology as a catalyst for sustainable growth and regional integration, saying cooperation among nations is no longer optional in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Speaking at the opening of the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit in Nairobi on Thursday, President Ruto said digital innovation can transform Africa into a hub of inclusive prosperity by boosting trade, creating jobs, and bridging economic disparities.
“Integration is no longer a choice. It is an imperative,” he said. “By combining our strengths, we can bridge economic and social gaps, create opportunities, and raise living standards across the continent.”
Ruto said hosting the summit aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into a middle-income economy through regional cooperation and cross-border trade.
The summit’s theme — “Leveraging digitalisation to deepen regional value chains for sustainable and inclusive growth” — underscores the role of digital technology in overcoming global trade disruptions, rising protectionism, and climate-related challenges.
Ruto argued that digitalisation can optimise resource use, improve energy efficiency, streamline trade, and open up new markets for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping Africa strengthen its value chains and reduce dependence on raw material exports.
“Digital transformation is not just about technology. It is about people — about jobs, opportunities, and competitiveness,” he said.
He urged COMESA member states to invest in digital skills and capacity building, enabling citizens to benefit fully from emerging economic opportunities.
The president also reiterated the need for African economies to shift from exporting raw materials to value-added production, saying this transition is key to long-term prosperity and resilience.
“At the heart of our mission are our people and our shared determination to bridge the economic and social gaps that divide our region,” he said, adding that integration must also promote peace, stability, and inclusivity.
Kenya currently chairs COMESA and has pledged to lead efforts in promoting digital-driven regional integration as part of its broader economic transformation agenda.
The summit brings together heads of state, ministers, and business leaders from COMESA’s 21 member countries to discuss strategies for deepening trade, industrial cooperation, and digital innovation across Africa.
