Comesa businesses push for financing reforms, removal of trade barriers

THE regional business community has called for improved access to finance, the removal of trade barriers and increased investment in regional industries to boost trade and economic integration across the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa). The proposals are contained in the Comesa Business Declaration 2026, adopted at the 19th Comesa Business Forum and Comesa Green Industry Connect held in Harare on October 19 and 20, on the sidelines of the 25th Comesa Summit. The declaration, released by the Comesa Business Council, called for coordinated industrial policies, investment in processing facilities and better access to funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), women, youth and informal businesses to strengthen regional value chains and diversify exports.