The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is urging its member states to enhance trade integration and adopt trade facilitation tools in light of global trade disruptions. This call was made during the bloc’s 41st Trade and Customs Committee meeting in Nairobi, Kenya.

• Intra-regional trade potential in COMESA exceeds $100 billion (Sh12.96 trillion).
• Christopher Onyango, Director of Trade and Customs, emphasized the need for improved cross-border systems for informal traders.
• Despite trading under the Continental Free Trade Area, non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and low manufacturing capacity hinder seamless trade.