Discussions about peace and security took center stage as Foreign Affairs Ministers from Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states met in Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 9, in preparation for the Heads of State summit on Thursday. The COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe said the conflicts in DR Congo and Sudan continue to erode the regional development efforts and prevent the bloc from initiating new initiatives. “Of particular concern is the continuing, devastating conflict in Sudan and the severe humanitarian consequences it has caused, Kapwepwe told the ministers and country representatives in the Kenyan capital. As you are all aware, despite numerous regional and international peace initiatives for renewed negotiations, no lasting ceasefire has been reached so far.” For eastern DR Congo, she observed that displacements and a humanitarian crisis caused by armed conflict continue to escalate despite the numerous peace efforts meant to address the causes of the insecurity. “Not only has this conflict caused a severe humanitarian crisis, but it has also negatively impacted cross-border trade and economic activities, thus adversely affecting our regional integration efforts in the Great Lakes region,” Kapwepwe said. At the ministerial meeting, Rwanda was represented by its High Commissioner to Kenya, Ernest Rwamucyo. Before the Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting, the inaugural COMESA–European Union (EU) Horticulture Connect Meeting and exhibition was held in Nairobi, with European buyers, Small Medium Enterprises and agribusiness leaders participating. They sought to unlock new trade, investment, and partnership opportunities across Eastern and Southern Africa. Niyikunda Mugeni Euphrosine, the Founder of AVOCARE, a Rwandan company and one of the exhibitors commended the partnerships, said the exhibition would allow new partnerships and market opportunities for the avocado oils she produces. “We have achieved a lot in terms of market and growth. Our only challenge now remains with the machinery required to increase production,” she said. Hosted at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the exhibition — the first of its kind under COMESA — set the tone for the upcoming Summit, which will convene under the theme, “Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, hailed horticulture as one of the most dynamic sectors in regional economies, employing millions and anchoring export revenues. “Horticulture is not just an agricultural activity; it is a major pillar of our economy,” said Kagwe. “In Kenya alone, the sector earned over KSh137 billion in 2024 and employs more than 200,000 people directly, most of them women and youth. With the right policies, standards, and digital tools, we can make horticulture a billion-dollar industry for the entire COMESA region.” He highlighted Kenya’s commitment to modernizing the sector through the National Horticulture Traceability System, trade agreements ensuring duty-free-quota-free access to EU and UK markets, and partnerships to digitalize customs procedures and reduce non-tariff barriers. Echoing these sentiments, Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, hailed the forum as a “timely platform” for building stronger value chains across the region. “This event showcases COMESA’s readiness to integrate horticulture into regional and global value chains. It is time for our private sector — especially women- and youth-led enterprises — to seize opportunities in sustainable production, value addition, and trade with Europe,” he said. COMESA Secretary General Kapwepwe commended Kenya for hosting the inaugural forum and emphasized COMESA’s strategic focus on value chain development, SME competitiveness, and sustainable market integration. “This is not just an event — it is a practical expression of COMESA’s commitment to link enterprises from our region directly with European partners,” said Kapwepwe. “Through EU-funded initiatives like RECAMP, over 500 SMEs — 30% of them women- and youth-led — have enhanced competitiveness and secured export contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. These are the tangible results of partnership.” She noted that COMESA’s horticulture exports to the EU already exceed $3.3 billion annually, with the Netherlands accounting for 28% of the total. Lana Zutelija, the European Union Team Leader Environment and Climate, Rural Development, Trade Cooperation, pledged continued support from the European Union. Over 300 regional business leaders showcased innovation, forged partnerships, and explored strategies to enhance Africa’s position in global trade during the COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition.
