President Ruto handing over COMESA chairmanship to President Emmerson Mnangagwa IN Harare, Zimbabwe, on Thursday, October 22, 2026. PHOTO/@WilliamsRuto/X.
President William Ruto has handed over the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Authority to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, marking a leadership transition at the regional economic bloc.
Ruto handed over the leadership during a meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Thursday, October 22, 2026, expressing confidence that his successor would advance regional integration, trade and economic cooperation among member states.
In his outgoing remarks, the Kenyan President thanked fellow heads of state and government for supporting his tenure, describing his leadership of the regional organisation as a privilege.
“On behalf of the Republic of Kenya and as outgoing Chairperson of the COMESA Authority, I thank fellow heads of state and government for your support, for cooperation and for the privilege you gave me to serve our region. I do not take that privilege for granted,” Ruto said.
Ruto Praises Zimbabwe for Regional Cooperation
The President also recognised Zimbabwe’s contribution to the leadership of the regional organisation, highlighting the country’s role in supporting the chairmanship.
“I pay special tribute to the Bureau, Zimbabwe, as Vice-Chair, and Zimbabwe as Rapporteur. You made the work of the Chair lighter and its results stronger,” he said.
Ruto’s remarks underscored the importance of cooperation among COMESA member states in advancing economic integration, expanding trade and improving market access across Eastern and Southern Africa.
The regional bloc seeks to strengthen commercial ties among member countries by facilitating the movement of goods and services, promoting investment and reducing barriers to cross-border trade.
Mnangagwa Takes Over COMESA Leadership
As he handed over the chairmanship, Ruto expressed confidence in Mnangagwa’s leadership and called for continued cooperation among member states to translate regional commitments into tangible economic benefits.
“As I hand over the chair, I do so with full confidence in my brother, President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Under his stewardship and with the support of every member state, I trust that we will turn the ambition of one market, one future into progress our people can see and feel,” he added.
Mnangagwa’s tenure is expected to place renewed attention on implementing COMESA’s regional integration objectives, including promoting investment, expanding business opportunities and strengthening trade links among member states.
The organisation’s integration agenda aims to create a more connected regional market where businesses can reach more consumers and access opportunities beyond their domestic markets.
What the Leadership Change Means for Kenya
For Kenya, continued engagement within COMESA provides a framework for strengthening regional trade, accessing wider markets and building commercial relationships with other member states.
Kenyan businesses operating in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, transport and other sectors can benefit from regional trade arrangements that facilitate access to markets across Eastern and Southern Africa.
The transition from Ruto to Mnangagwa places the focus on continued cooperation among member states and the implementation of policies intended to deliver practical economic benefits to businesses and citizens.
The new chairmanship will therefore be important in determining how COMESA advances its regional integration agenda and strengthens economic cooperation across the bloc.
