Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday called on African nations to strengthen economic cooperation, eliminate trade barriers, and accelerate regional industrialization as part of efforts to achieve collective self-reliance and prosperity.
Addressing fellow Heads of State and Government at the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, President Mnangagwa said unity, peace, and economic collaboration remain the foundation for achieving Africa’s development aspirations.
The summit, hosted by Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto, brought together leaders from the 21-member regional bloc under the theme “Delivering Economic Integration for a Thriving COMESA Anchored on Green Investment, Value Addition, and Tourism.”
In his address, President Mnangagwa expressed appreciation to President Ruto and the people of Kenya for their hospitality, describing Nairobi as “a beautiful city that reflects Africa’s progress and promise.”
“Zimbabwe is committed to the ideals of regional integration, trade liberalization, and collective self-reliance that underpin this organization,” he said. “COMESA continues to be a relevant and vital platform for fostering multi-faceted cooperation, the pooling of resources, harmonization of policies, and promotion of intra-regional trade and investment.”
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe has continued to benefit significantly from its membership in COMESA, particularly through access to broader regional markets and empowerment of small-scale traders. “Our businesses continue to access a wider regional market, while thousands of small-scale traders, especially women and youth, benefit from simplified trade regimes that ease cross-border commerce,” he said.
He highlighted that COMESA’s initiatives have helped member states strengthen value chains, spur industrialization, and improve infrastructure connectivity. However, he urged the bloc to intensify efforts to remove non-tariff barriers, address infrastructure gaps, and resolve policy misalignments that constrain trade.
“To fully unlock COMESA’s potential, we must re-double our efforts as we implement key initiatives such as the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said.
Turning to domestic progress, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is on a journey of economic transformation and modernisation, guided by policies that align with COMESA’s Medium-Term Strategic Plan.
“My Government is implementing comprehensive reforms to improve the business environment, enhance empowerment, productivity, and attract investment. Industrialization, digital transformation, and climate-resilient agriculture are among our top priority areas,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to peace, security, and good governance, describing them as essential for sustainable development and regional integration. “Zimbabwe stands ready to work with fellow Member States in promoting stability and consolidating democratic institutions, as well as addressing transnational threats that undermine our collective peace, progress, and prosperity,” he added.
Formed in 1994, COMESA is one of Africa’s largest regional economic communities, encompassing 21 member states, with a combined population of more than 640 million. The bloc aims to promote regional integration through trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cooperation in areas such as peace and security.
Through its trade protocols, COMESA provides a platform for member states to expand their export markets, harmonize trade policies, and reduce tariffs, making it a key pillar of Africa’s broader economic integration agenda alongside the SADC and EAC regions.
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