President Ruto Issues a Statement as He Officially Hands Over COMESA Chairmanship to Mnangagwa

President William Ruto has handed over the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, marking the end of Kenya’s leadership of the regional economic bloc.

The handover took place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, during the 25th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Mount Hampden, Zimbabwe.

Mnangagwa takes over the leadership for the 2026–2027 term as member states seek to strengthen regional trade, industrial development and investment.

During the summit, Ruto called for stronger trade and investment among African countries, urging member states to work together to unlock the economic potential of their markets.

He emphasised the importance of turning regional agreements into practical measures that improve business opportunities and deliver benefits to citizens.

The summit brought together leaders from COMESA’s 21 member states to discuss economic cooperation, industrialisation, investment and the removal of barriers affecting cross-border trade.

COMESA seeks to make it easier for businesses to sell goods and services across national borders. By reducing trade restrictions and improving cooperation, member states aim to expand markets for locally manufactured products, attract investors and create employment opportunities.

For Kenya, continued participation in COMESA is important because regional markets offer opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, farmers and service providers.

Improved access to these markets could enable Kenyan businesses to reach more customers and increase sales beyond the domestic market.

The summit also focused on strengthening regional value chains and advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to establish a single market for goods and services across Africa.

Zimbabwe’s assumption of the chairmanship places Mnangagwa at the centre of efforts to advance these priorities over the coming year. His administration will be expected to work with other member states to implement decisions that promote trade, investment and industrial growth.

Kenya will continue participating in COMESA’s leadership structures following the transition. The bloc’s progress will depend on the willingness of member states to implement agreed measures and address persistent challenges that make cross-border business difficult.

The leadership change comes as African countries seek to increase trade within the continent, strengthen local manufacturing and attract investment.

For Ruto, the handover concludes his term leading COMESA, while Mnangagwa begins a new period of responsibility focused on advancing regional integration and economic cooperation.

Link; https://x.com/StandardKenya/status/2113228336407142588

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