COMESA–EU horticulture meeting opens in Nairobi with call for smart agriculture, trade digitization

The COMESA–European Union (EU) Horticulture Connect Meeting has opened in Nairobi, Kenya, with a call to boost agricultural productivity through smart agriculture, value chain enhancement, trade digitalization, and investment promotion.

The high-level meeting has drawn government officials, COMESA Member States, European Union representatives, agribusiness leaders, farmers, and other stakeholders, who are discussing strategies to advance regional trade, logistics, transport, and the movement of businesspersons.

The event also marks 30 years of COMESA’s impact, highlighting institutional innovation and the bloc’s contribution to regional growth and integration.

COMESA Secretary-General, Chileshe Kapwepwe, said the meeting provided an opportunity to build on the progress already achieved while deepening engagement with the European Union and private sector players.

“This event is not only meant to share perspectives and experiences, but also to connect with SMEs from COMESA and co-create business opportunities that strengthen both our regions,” Kapwepwe said.

She added that the two-day forum features panel discussions, business-to-business sessions, dialogues, and farm visits aimed at deepening partnerships and strengthening market linkages across the region.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, urged the private sector to seize emerging opportunities in sustainable production, value addition, regional trade, and access to the European market.

“Success requires greater investment, stronger partnerships, and bold innovation,” Kagwe said, emphasizing that the private sector must drive transformation by scaling up production, meeting international standards, and building cross-border linkages to make COMESA horticulture globally competitive.

He further encouraged the inclusion of women- and youth-led enterprises in the horticultural value chain, saying:

“Let this COMESA–EU Horticulture Connect mark the beginning of deeper collaboration where our SMEs are fully integrated into competitive global markets.”

European Union Team Leader for Environment, Climate, Rural Development, and Trade Cooperation, Lana Zutelija, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the initiative, pledging continued collaboration to strengthen regional agricultural resilience and trade competitiveness.

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