The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has underscored the critical role of accurate statistics in tracking regional progress and informing policy decisions that foster integration.
COMESA Assistant Secretary General for Programmes, Mohamed Kadah, says the oversight role played by the Statistics Committee remains a cornerstone of the regional body’s strategy for advancing statistical development.
The media reports that speaking when he officially opened the 16th COMESA Committee on Statistical Matters, Dr Kadah noted that the meeting comes at a crucial time, as the COMESA Regional Strategy for Development of Statistics (RSDS) 2021–2025 enters its final year of implementation.
He said the gathering will enable delegates to take stock of achievements recorded so far and reflect on the challenges and priorities that lie ahead.
Dr Kadah explained that an independent end-term review conducted in late 2025 with support from STATTAFRIC (AUC) and Paris 21 recommended actionable steps to address challenges such as resource constraints and inadequate staffing.
He emphasised that COMESA will continue to urgently seek additional funding and strengthen capacity across the region.
Meanwhile, Dr Kadah highlighted several milestones achieved under the RSDS pillars which include enhanced market integration statistics, expanded support in international merchandise trade, improved import and export price indices, and sustained harmonisation of consumer price indices.
He also acknowledged the contribution of development partners such as the African Development Bank, Statistics Norway, and Statistics Sweden, among others.
The three days meeting has attracted participation of Statistics representatives from the 21 COMESA Member States.
