President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been appointed chairperson of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
He accepted the position during the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
The summit is running under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”
Mnangagwa expressed humility over his appointment and pledged to work with member states to accelerate regional economic growth.
He also congratulated Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on his appointment as COMESA vice chairperson.
Mnangagwa Outlines Priorities for COMESA
In his remarks, Mnangagwa thanked outgoing chairperson and Kenyan President William Ruto for his leadership.
He also commended the COMESA Secretariat for supporting the regional bloc’s work.
The Zimbabwean leader said his tenure would prioritise industrialisation, investment and stronger trade links between member states.
Furthermore, he called for urgent solutions to transportation bottlenecks that continue to hinder regional commerce.
He also highlighted financial challenges affecting young people, women and small businesses.
According to Mnangagwa, expanding digital trade systems could help address these barriers and create new economic opportunities.
He pledged to promote value addition and beneficiation, allowing African countries to gain more from their natural resources.
Zimbabwe Pushes Industrialisation and Food Security
Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe would champion agro-processing industrial parks and climate-resilient agriculture during its tenure.
These initiatives, he noted, could strengthen regional food security while supporting industrial development.
However, he acknowledged that roads and railway infrastructure require sustainable, long-term financing.
He urged member states to explore innovative funding models while working closely with development partners.
The president also emphasised the importance of aligning education and skills training with the region’s economic needs.
He praised private-sector participation in regional discussions, describing business partnerships as essential to achieving meaningful progress.
Mnangagwa stressed that regional integration must deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.
He concluded by reaffirming Zimbabwe’s commitment to international cooperation and African prosperity.
“With unity of purpose, let us deliver a better, more prosperous future for the people of Africa,” he said.
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