President William Ruto has called for stronger regional economic integration, increased trade among African countries, industrialisation and greater investment in local value addition during the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

The summit brought together leaders from the 21-member regional bloc to discuss economic cooperation, trade, investment, industrial development, peace and security, and ways of expanding opportunities for businesses and citizens across the region. The meeting was held under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”

Ruto attended the summit as Kenya's President and the outgoing chairperson of the COMESA Authority. One of the key events was the handover of the chairmanship to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, marking the end of Kenya's year-long leadership of the regional economic organisation.Ruto calls on African countries to produce, invest and trade more

One of the strongest messages from President Ruto's remarks was the need for COMESA member states to increase production, investment and trade within the region.

During the handover ceremony, Ruto said the vision of one market and one future could be achieved if countries produced more, invested more and traded more among themselves while engaging the rest of the world on equal terms.

The message reflects a wider economic challenge facing African countries, many of which export raw materials but import finished products at higher prices. By encouraging greater regional production, Ruto's position points towards building stronger industries that can supply both domestic and international markets.Africa must negotiate with the world as an equal partner

President Ruto also emphasised the need for African countries to strengthen their collective position in international trade negotiations.

He challenged member states to demand equal treatment in global partnerships rather than settle for arrangements that disadvantage the continent. He expressed this position by saying that Africa should participate at the international table as an equal partner, rather than remain at its edge.

The remarks underline the importance of cooperation when African countries negotiate trade agreements, seek foreign investment or discuss access to international markets.Regional integration remains a major priority

Ruto's remarks came at a summit dedicated to advancing regional integration under the theme, One Market, One Future.

The central idea is that neighbouring countries can achieve greater economic opportunities by making it easier for businesses to operate across borders. COMESA brings together 21 member states and seeks to promote economic cooperation through trade liberalisation, investment and regional development.

Regional integration involves more than allowing products to cross borders. It also includes improving transport infrastructure, coordinating trade policies, strengthening customs systems and addressing restrictions that make business expensive.Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area

Ruto's participation also placed attention on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services.

The agreement is intended to strengthen trade between African economies, expand markets for producers and support the development of regional and continental supply chains.

COMESA's regional integration agenda can complement the AfCFTA by improving trade relationships among Eastern and Southern African countries.Ruto had indicated that leaders would focus on strengthening regional stability alongside trade, industrialisation and the implementation of the AfCFTA.

Security is important to economic development because businesses require stable conditions in which to operate, transport goods and attract investment.

Conflict and insecurity can disrupt supply chains, displace communities, damage infrastructure and increase the costs of doing business. Such disruptions can also affect food supplies and cross-border commerce.

Regional cooperation allows governments to discuss shared security concerns and work towards coordinated responses where appropriate.

For COMESA member states, stability can help strengthen investor confidence and support long-term development plans.A major development at the 25th summit was the formal transfer of COMESA leadership from Kenya to Zimbabwe.

Ruto handed over the chairmanship of the COMESA Authority to President Emmerson Mnangagwa on October 22, 2026, bringing Kenya's year-long tenure to an end. Ruto had assumed the position during the 24th summit in Nairobi in October 2025.

In his handover remarks, Ruto expressed confidence in Mnangagwa's leadership and called for cooperation among member states to turn the vision of one market and one future into tangible progress.

The transition is significant because the chairperson helps provide political direction to the organisation's highest decision-making body.Infrastructure connectivity is important because businesses need reliable roads, transport networks and other systems to move goods between markets.

Digital transformation can also support trade by improving access to information, simplifying administrative procedures and helping businesses connect with customers and suppliers.

At the same time, investment in industrial development can support employment and encourage the growth of local enterprises.

For the plan to deliver meaningful results, member states will need to coordinate their activities, allocate resources effectively and monitor implementation. Businesses and citizens will also need to see tangible benefits from the policies adopted.

The strategic plan therefore provides a framework for translating the summit's broader vision into programmes that can be assessed over time.What Ruto's message means for Kenya

For Kenya, the summit provided an opportunity to reinforce its position as an advocate of regional economic cooperation.

A larger and better-connected COMESA market could provide opportunities for Kenyan agricultural producers, manufacturers, transport operators, technology firms and other businesses.

Companies that currently depend heavily on the domestic market could explore additional customers across the region, while investors could consider opportunities in processing, logistics and manufacturing.The 25th COMESA Summit provided a platform for leaders to review progress in regional integration and determine the organisation's next priorities.

The gathering followed several days of preparatory activities, including a business forum, discussions on green industries and meetings involving foreign affairs ministers. These activities addressed issues such as financing, digital transformation, regional value chains, industrial competitiveness, peace and security.

The summit's wider purpose was to strengthen cooperation between governments and the private sector while identifying practical ways to expand regional economic activity.Its theme, One Market, One Future, reflects the belief that African countries can achieve stronger development outcomes by combining their economic strengths and improving cooperation.

For that vision to become reality, countries will need to reduce unnecessary trade barriers, support local production, attract productive investment and ensure that regional growth creates opportunities for ordinary citizens.

The summit also marked a leadership transition from Kenya to Zimbabwe, placing responsibility on the new chairperson and member states to maintain momentum on the bloc's economic agenda.