Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assumed the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), pledging to strengthen regional trade, accelerate industrialisation and promote economic integration among member states.
Mnangagwa made the commitment during the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit held at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, Zimbabwe, where he took over from outgoing chairperson and Kenyan President William Ruto.
Accepting the leadership role, Mnangagwa said he was taking up the responsibility with humility and called on member states to work together to unlock the region’s economic potential.
“I accept the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) with deep humility,” he said.
The summit is being held under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”
Mnangagwa commended Ruto for his leadership of the regional bloc, citing his focus on digitisation and the development of robust regional value chains.
He also congratulated Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on his appointment as COMESA Vice Chairperson, expressing confidence that the two neighbouring countries would work together to advance the bloc’s economic agenda.
The new COMESA chairperson identified improved market connectivity, value addition and investment in infrastructure as key priorities for his tenure.
He called for the removal of transportation bottlenecks that continue to hinder trade among member states, arguing that stronger connections between markets would accelerate modernisation and industrial development.
“To reach new customers and achieve collective progress, we must expand our horizons,” Mnangagwa said, pointing to the growth of intra-COMESA projects as evidence of the benefits of regional cooperation.
He further called for innovative strategies to address financial challenges affecting young people, women and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Mnangagwa said wider adoption of digital trade systems would help bridge financing and market-access gaps while making cross-border commerce more efficient.
Mnangagwa pledged that Zimbabwe would work with other member states to accelerate value addition and beneficiation, enabling countries to derive greater economic benefits from their natural resources instead of relying primarily on raw-material exports.
“During our tenure, we aim to work closely with all member states to fast-track value addition and beneficiation,” he said.
He added that Zimbabwe would champion the development of agro-processing industrial parks and climate-resilient agriculture to strengthen food security across the region.
The president also underscored the need for sustainable, long-term financing for roads and railway networks, urging governments to explore alternative financing models in partnership with development partners.
Mnangagwa said the success of COMESA would ultimately depend on whether regional economic cooperation improves the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
“Integration is only a success when it benefits the ordinary citizen,” he said.
He urged member states to align their education and skills-training systems with the demands of their economies, ensuring that graduates acquire skills that contribute directly to the production of competitive goods and services.
The Zimbabwean leader also praised the private sector for participating in discussions on regional development, describing its partnership as crucial to achieving the bloc’s economic objectives.
He concluded by calling for unity among African countries as they pursue shared prosperity and greater economic independence.
“With unity of purpose, let us deliver a better, more prosperous future for the people of Africa,” Mnangagwa said.
His chairmanship comes as COMESA seeks to deepen regional integration, expand intra-African trade and strengthen industrial capacity across its member states.
