We’ll leverage Comesa Summit to deepen trade, lure investors: Govt

Remember Deketeke

Herald Correspondent

ZIMBABWE will leverage the 25th Comesa Summit of Heads of State and Government to deepen regional trade, attract investment and advance economic integration, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has said.

The Summit, scheduled for October 22 in Harare, will also see Zimbabwe assume the chairmanship of Comesa, with President Mnangagwa expected to take over the leadership of the regional bloc.

Prof Murwira said the signing of the Host Agreement between Zimbabwe and the Comesa Secretariat marked a formal commitment to ensuring the successful hosting of the summit.

“We welcome the Secretary General of Comesa, Ms Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, and your delegation to Zimbabwe for the signing of the Host Agreement for the 25th Comesa Heads of State and Government Summit,” Prof Murwira said.

“The signing of this Agreement represents a formal expression of the partnership and mutual commitment between the Government of Zimbabwe and the Comesa Secretariat towards the successful convening of the Summit.”

The summit will be held under the theme “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in Comesa.”

Prof Murwira said the theme captured Zimbabwe’s commitment to deeper African integration, arguing that Comesa provided an important platform for expanding trade and investment while strengthening the economic position of member states.

“Zimbabwe views Comesa as a vehicle for expanding trade opportunities, strengthening investment flows and integrating Africa economically, thereby enhancing the integrity, dignity and prosperity of the people of Africa,” he said.

He said President Mnangagwa had prioritised efforts to accelerate Africa’s economic integration and strengthen regional cooperation as part of Zimbabwe’s commitment to building an integrated and prosperous African economy.

Prof Murwira said the summit should result in practical economic benefits rather than merely political declarations.

“The strength of Comesa lies in our ability to deepen economic integration, develop regional value chains, promote industrialisation, facilitate investment and ensure that the benefits of regional integration are broad-based and inclusive,” he said.

Zimbabwe, he said, would use the summit to market its investment opportunities and strengthen commercial links with other member states.

Comesa secretary-general Ms Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe said the signing of the Host Agreement was an important milestone in preparations for the summit and reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to its successful hosting.

“This ceremony marks an important milestone in the preparations for the 25th Comesa Summit,” she said.

“Through the signing of the Host Agreement, the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Comesa Secretariat formally reaffirm our commitment to work together in ensuring the successful organisation of this important regional event.”

Ms Kapwepwe commended President Mnangagwa, the Government and people of Zimbabwe for agreeing to host the summit, while praising officials from Zimbabwe and the Comesa Secretariat for their cooperation.

She said preparations were progressing well and the Secretariat was committed to making the summit a success.

She said industrialisation, value addition and regional value chains would feature prominently during the summit, particularly in strategic sectors such as critical minerals, agriculture and manufacturing.

Ms Kapwepwe said the bloc wanted to attract investment into productive sectors while strengthening infrastructure and increasing trade within Comesa.

“By leveraging our collective strengths and resources, we can foster stronger regional value chains, increase intra-Comesa trade and position our region as an attractive destination for investment,” she said.

The summit will also consider the Comesa Medium-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP) 2026-2030, which provides the regional bloc’s roadmap for the next five years.

Ms Kapwepwe said the plan would focus on deepening economic integration, expanding intra-COMESA trade, promoting industrialisation and value addition, strengthening infrastructure connectivity and advancing digital transformation.

“The adoption of the MTSP marks a significant milestone in our regional integration journey,” she said.

“The MTSP is more than a planning document. It is a collective commitment by Member States to accelerate regional transformation and ensure that Comesa remains responsive to emerging opportunities and challenges.”

The summit is also expected to consider peace, security and governance issues affecting the region, reports on the state of regional integration and recommendations from the Council of Ministers.

Source: We’ll leverage Comesa Summit to deepen trade, lure investors: Govt – herald

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