Kenya, along with 18 other trade-block countries, is set for faster internet connectivity as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) moves to improve trade within the region. The organization is currently holding its 31^st annual Council of Ministers Summit Meeting in a bid to improve, promote and subsidize trade within the region through the use of ICT strategies.

The group has embarked on developing a Common Markets Information System to implement the provisions of Article 139 of the COMESA treaty. It calls for the development of information systems that will secure easy access to regional data and promote good governance through the use of ICT.

The move is part of an e-Government (Electronic Government) Framework which was drawn in 2007 by the COMESA Secretariat under the Regional ICT Support Programme (RICTSP). The project is funded through KES 219.2 million initiative from the 9^th European Development Fund (EDF) under a corporation framework between COMESA, the EAC, IGAD and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).

RICTSP aims to reduce the cost of trade and investment in the region while stimulating economic growth and reducing poverty. The programme is also aimed at closing the digital gap between member states through the efficient use of ICT.

RICTSP is expected to deliver the following results:

Result 1: Development and monitoring of ICT policy guidelines and strategies.

Result 2:  Provision of high speed internet connectivity to key regional stakeholders and installation of ASYCUDA++ Software in selected countries.

Result 3: Improved access to economic, commercial and practical information for the public and private sector through the use of regional internet portals and data websites.

19 African Countries are covered by RICTSP as seen in the table below:

The summit follows the 31st COMESA Intergovernmental Committee held on 15 November in Kampala when COMESA announced that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) were key to Africa’s development. It will run from the 19^th of November 2012 until the 20^th, when the 8^th Annual COMESA Business Forum begins.