Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, has described the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Nairobi, Kenya today as successful.
Mr Haimbe adds that COMESA has further issued a communique pointing out areas of agreement during the deliberations.
The Minister, who represented President Hakainde Hichilema at the event, said key take away is the COMESA member states’ joint approach to the issue of capital which is crucial to Zambia and the entire organisation.
“We of course appreciate and understand the need for international financial architecture but also the key point is what we are doing ourselves for the institutions that we already have in COMESA and on the African continent,” he noted.
Mr Haimbe also stressed the need for continued and strengthened integration especially from the security perspective, stating that there cannot be effective development, collaborations and partnerships in the continent without ensuring that key questions on peace and security are addressed.
He also noted that the other key message is as mentioned by the COMESA in- coming Chairperson, the President of Kenya, William Ruto, that member countries should have confidence in themselves.
The Minister states that it is one thing for COMESA countries to want to achieve certain things but if without confidence in their own ideas, decisions and plans, then nothing can be achieved.
“That is another take away that we as Zambia agree to one hundred percent,” he said.
Mr Haimbe has also congratulated President Ruto and his Vice President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa for their new roles in COMESA.
And, Kenya President, William Ruto, noted that COMESA’s strength does not only lie in economic integration but also in social and human integration.
He added that over the years, COMESA’s integration journey has not only facilitated trade but also fostered peace, stability and resilience across borders.
” COMESA strength lies not only in economic integration but also in social and human integration at the heart of our mission and our people, and shared determination to bridge economic exhaustion gaps that divide our region,” he stated.
President Ruto further urged COMESA member states to recommit their vision of prosperity and sustainable development by ensuring that no member lags behind.
“As we gather here today, we must reaffirm our shared vision of prosperity, inclusivity and sustainable development ensuring that no member country is left behind,” he stressed.
President Ruto indicated that the ultimate goal of integration in Africa must be long term sustainable growth, job creation, poverty reduction and improved legal standards for the citizenry.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to peace and security as well as good governance across the region.
” Zimbabwe stands ready to work with fellow member states in promoting stability and collective peace,” he assured.
President Mnangagwa also noted that it is a collective responsibility for COMESA member states to harness the strength that lies in regional integration and promote a better future for the people.
” We all have a duty to harness collective strength within the region. Together we can deliver on a promise of a better future for our people,” he said.
COMESA Secretary General, Chileshe Kapwepwe, stated that the organisation is working with speed to digitise every aspect of its trade facilitation instruments and construction of digitised and physical infrastructure.
” For instance, the 2.5 Billion COMESA- World Bank Digital Acceleration Programme, it’s rolling out in 2025 targeting connection of 108 million people and digital services, to at least 100 more by the year 2030.
” This initiative prioritises access for women, youths, refugees, businesses and public agencies,” he explained.
Ms Kapwepwe noted that the theme for the meeting which is ‘ Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth’ reflects COMESA’s vision to harness technology for economic transformation, empowerment of the people and to foster a resilient future.
She further urged Heads of State to discuss issues surrounding over dependence on global development aid and delayed application and implementation of trade policy instruments.
” In our deliberations, let us confront persistent obstacles such as over dependence on global development aid and delaying deliberate commitments to slow application and implementation of trade policy instruments among others,” advised Ms Kapwepwe.
The high level gathering marked a significant milestone for the 21-member block.
COMESA is also celebrating 30 years of fostering economic integration, trade and cooperation across Eastern and Southern Africa.
At the event, Burundi handed over instruments of power for COMESA Chairmanship to Kenya, with Zimbabwe taking up the role of Vice Chairperson.
