Kenyan President William Ruto has called for African nations to urgently build their capacity for utilizing digital technology to drive economic transformation and secure the continents rightful place in the global economy.

President Ruto's remarks were made as he officially opened the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)Heads of State and Government Summit, which commenced in Nairobi.

He emphasized that developing the ability to harness digital technology is the cornerstone for both Africa's economic transition and the strengthening of regional integration.

"Digital technology is essential for Africa's economic transition and for strengthening regional integration,"President Ruto stated during his opening address to the COMESA Authority.

He pressed member states to make joint investments in foundational areas, including digital infrastructure, data management, and human capital development. The expansion of digital technology, he argued, would enable the creation of seamless trade transactionsand inclusive financial systems across the region.

As a case study, the President highlighted Kenyas success with the locally-developed M-PESA technology, noting that its utilization of digital tools has yielded extensive benefits.

Consequently, President Ruto urged COMESA member nations to collaborate on establishing regional digital data centers and jointly investing in the digitalization of trade and transport corridors.

He concluded by reiterating his call for member states to prioritize building digital capacity for economic transformation, which he views as vital for Africa to realize its potential on the global economic stage.