The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is accelerating its digital transformation strategy by placing Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging technologies and digital innovation at the center of its industrial competitiveness agenda. Through a series of initiatives launched in August 2026, the regional bloc aims to help its 21 member states, representing a market of more than 640 million people and a combined GDP exceeding US$1 trillion, embrace advanced technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness and regional economic integration.
COMESA considers the Fourth Industrial Revolution a unique opportunity for African economies. Artificial intelligence, big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), industrial robotics, cloud computing, blockchain technologies and cybersecurity solutions are increasingly becoming integral components of national industrial strategies. These technologies enable manufacturers to modernize production processes, reduce operating costs, improve product quality and strengthen their competitiveness in global markets.
According to estimates by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other international organizations, Africa’s digital transformation could generate more than US$180 billion in additional economic value by 2028, while artificial intelligence alone could contribute approximately US$1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030, provided that investments in digital infrastructure, innovation and workforce skills continue to expand. COMESA intends to capitalize on this opportunity by promoting technology adoption and innovation across its member states.
The regional organization is encouraging investments in broadband connectivity, data centers, sovereign cloud infrastructure, digital payment systems and technology platforms designed to support industrial development. Several member states are also establishing technology parks, innovation hubs and research centers specializing in industrial technologies and digital manufacturing.
Artificial intelligence is already transforming numerous sectors across the region. In manufacturing, AI enables predictive maintenance, automated production systems, advanced quality control and energy optimization. In agribusiness, digital technologies improve crop monitoring, product traceability and yield forecasting. Mining companies increasingly rely on predictive analytics to optimize extraction processes while improving operational safety and efficiency.
COMESA is also promoting AI applications within public administrations to modernize customs procedures, facilitate cross-border trade and reduce border clearance times. The digitalization of trade procedures is considered essential for accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and strengthening regional economic integration.
Human capital development remains another strategic priority. COMESA supports training programs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science and digital technologies for governments, businesses, universities and research institutions. The organization believes that the expansion of the digital economy could create millions of high-skilled jobs across Eastern and Southern Africa over the next decade.
By placing artificial intelligence at the core of its industrial strategy, COMESA aims to build a more innovative, productive and resilient industrial ecosystem capable of integrating into global value chains. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that Africa’s future competitiveness will depend not only on its natural resources but also on its ability to harness advanced digital technologies to drive sustainable industrial development.
