NAIROBI, Kenya — October 5, 2025 — The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretariat and the Government of Kenya have launched an electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO), a move expected to modernize trade facilitation and strengthen digital integration across the region.
The system, unveiled on October 2, marks a milestone in Kenya’s efforts to digitize trade documentation and streamline export processes. It allows for the electronic registration of exporters and digital issuance of certificates that verify the origin of goods — documents essential for exporters seeking preferential tariffs under regional trade agreements such as COMESA, the East African Community (EAC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at the launch, Timothy Were, Director of ICT at Kenya’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, said the initiative sends a strong signal that Kenya is ready to lead the region in digital transformation.
“By embracing innovation, we reaffirm our commitment to making trade more efficient, transparent, and inclusive for all,” he said.
Dr. Christopher Onyango, COMESA’s Director of Trade and Customs, described the eCO launch as a “significant advancement” under the COMESA Digital Free Trade Area (DFTA) program.
“This is a clear demonstration of Kenya’s commitment and leadership in advancing COMESA’s integration agenda,” Onyango said. “We commend Kenya for embracing this innovation, which promotes efficiency, competitiveness, transparency, and trust in regional trade.”
Digital Shift for Regional Trade
The eCO replaces the previously manual system that required exporters to submit physical applications, obtain printed certificates, and undergo in-person verification — a process often criticized for inefficiency and vulnerability to fraud.
The new platform enables real-time digital authentication, secure data exchange, and automated verification between customs authorities, significantly cutting costs and delays. Globally, countries that have implemented eCO systems report faster processing times and lower fraud risks through the use of encrypted digital signatures.
For Kenya, the reform aligns with its broader digital economy strategy and commitment to paperless trade facilitation. It also supports COMESA’s regional digitalization goals, complementing similar initiatives already adopted in Eswatini, Malawi, and Zambia earlier this year.
Potential Economic Impact
Trade analysts say the eCO system could have a measurable impact on Kenya’s export performance within the COMESA bloc, a key market for its goods.
According to the Trade Law Centre (Tralac), Kenya exported goods worth about US$2.2 billion to COMESA countries in 2024, up from US$1.65 billion in 2020, while imports from the bloc stood at roughly US$984 million. With total national exports valued at US$7.4 billion in 2024, COMESA represents a vital regional market for Kenyan products, particularly manufactured goods, processed food, and agricultural commodities. Simplifying origin certification could help more Kenyan exporters qualify for preferential tariffs and improve competitiveness across the region.
A 2023 COMESA study found that many member states underutilize their preferential trade benefits due to complex paperwork and compliance burdens. By digitizing the process, the eCO is expected to raise preference utilization rates — allowing more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to trade formally under lower-duty arrangements.
The benefits are not limited to exporters. Governments could also see stronger revenue protection, as the electronic system reduces forgery and fraudulent certificate issuance. Enhanced data tracking may improve trade statistics accuracy and customs efficiency across the bloc.
Toward a Digital Free Trade Area
The launch supports the broader vision of the COMESA Digital Free Trade Area, which aims to digitize key trade processes, enhance transparency, and create a paperless environment for cross-border commerce.
However, experts caution that the success of the system depends on adoption across all member states. Differences in digital capacity, infrastructure, and customs procedures could pose challenges to harmonized implementation.
To fully realize the benefits, COMESA countries will need to ensure mutual recognition of the eCO, provide technical training to customs officers and exporters, and maintain robust cybersecurity protections.
If successfully implemented, Kenya’s eCO system could mark a turning point in how African trade blocs manage cross-border transactions — offering a model for regional cooperation and digital transformation.
“The electronic Certificate of Origin is not just a technical upgrade,” Dr. Onyango said. “It is a powerful tool for building trust, efficiency, and competitiveness in African trade.”
As Kenya leads the rollout, COMESA’s digital integration efforts could help unlock the full potential of intra-African trade, fostering a faster, more transparent, and inclusive regional economy.
By the Numbers: Kenya and COMESA Trade Snapshot
- US$2.2 billion — Kenya’s exports to COMESA in 2024
- US$984 million — Kenya’s imports from COMESA in 2024
- US$7.4 billion — Kenya’s total exports worldwide in 2024
- One of the early adopters — Kenya joins Eswatini, Malawi, and Zambia in rolling out the digital system
by Moses Havyarimana
