Tech Africa News, 9 October 2025

COMESA and Kenya launch electronic certificate of origin to drive digital trade integration

The new digital platform streamlines exporter registration and the issuance of Certificates of Origin — documents that are vital for traders seeking preferential access under COMESA, the East African Community (EAC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), in collaboration with the Government of Kenya and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), officially launched the Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO) on October 2, 2025. This milestone marks a significant advancement in COMESA’s digital integration and trade facilitation agenda. The new digital platform streamlines exporter registration and the issuance of Certificates of Origin — documents that are vital for traders seeking preferential access under COMESA, the East African Community (EAC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By moving this process online, the eCO system is expected to reduce operational costs, minimize fraud risks, and enhance efficiency, transparency, and trust across regional supply chains.

Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Timothy Were, Director of ICT at Kenya’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, commended the initiative as a powerful symbol of Kenya’s commitment to digital transformation and regional integration. He emphasized that the move reflects Kenya’s readiness to leverage technology in promoting trade competitiveness and supporting continental economic unity. The eCO aligns with Kenya’s broader vision to integrate digital solutions in customs, logistics, and trade documentation systems — a step that positions the country as a regional leader in digital trade facilitation.

Dr. Christopher Onyango, COMESA’s Director of Trade and Customs, also lauded Kenya’s leadership in adopting the system, describing it as a cornerstone of the COMESA Digital Free Trade Area (DFTA). He highlighted that digitizing the certificate process would not only simplify trade across borders but also strengthen regional economic resilience and competitiveness. The eCO launch thus represents a concrete step toward achieving COMESA’s long-term goal of building a digitally connected and efficient trading bloc, fully aligned with the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area for a unified and technology-driven African market.