Government has urged COMESA member states that have not yet ratified the three outstanding regulations to do so and speed up implementation of regional integration commitments.
Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga has encouraged member states to embark on an integrated planning and resource mobilisation programme.
The media reports that Mr Mulenga said this in a speech read for him by his Permanent Secretary Lillian Bwalya during the 46th COMESA Inter-Governmental Committee Meeting held in Lusaka.
“Member States must accelerate domestication and implementation of instruments adopted by the Tripartite Council of Ministries, he said,
“fully engage in market integration, infrastructure development and industrial development,” he added.
Mr Mulenga also called for stronger collaboration with continental partners, saying the secretariat should work jointly with the three RECs in implementing programmes that support regional integration.
“The Secretariat should seriously work on alternative funding mechanisms,” he said.
Mr Mulenga further appealed to partners to support the upcoming 2026–2030 Medium-Term Strategic Plan once adopted.
He expressed appreciation to cooperating partners for continued support.
“We are grateful to our development and cooperative partners for their steadfast support in funding commercial programmes,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe stressed the importance of digital technologies in deepening regional integration.
“It is both a great honour and a profound privilege to welcome you all,” she said.
Ms Kapwepwe said the summit theme Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth strikes at the heart of the current ambitions and future aspirations.
She noted that COMESA’s population and economic size provide a strong foundation for digital transformation.
“With a combined GDP of over one trillion United States Dollars and a population of over 680 million, we are well positioned to transform regional trade and investment,” she said.
Highlighting major digital projects, Ms Kapwepwe said the US$2.5 billion COMESA World Bank Digital Acceleration Programme aims to connect 180 million people and deliver digital services to at least 100 million by 2030.
Ms Kapwepwe noted that the meeting is also reviewing progress under the 2021 to 2025 Medium Term Strategy and considering the 2026 to 2030 Medium Term Strategic Plan, which identifies priority value chains across agriculture, agro-processing, tourism and other sectors.
“We must be bold in reform, diligent in implementation and innovative in forging new partnerships,” she said.
Ms Kapwepwe also emphasised the importance of peace and stability, noting that regional progress depends on strengthened collaboration to address ongoing conflicts.
“The future of our region is in our hands. Let us seize this moment to create a digital, competitive, resilient and united COMESA,” she said.
