By Teddy Soobramanien
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Secretary General, Her
Excellency Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, has underscored COMESA’s intra-regional trade which
has held steady at 14 billion United States Dollars over the past two years, despite broader
economic fluctuations.
In her address, during the 17th High-Level COMESA Business Forum held yesterday in
Bujumbura, Burundi, under the theme: “Accelerating Regional Integration through the
Development of Regional Value Chains in Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism”,
highlighted that while intra-COMESA trade currently stands at 6%, there is ample opportunity to increase this figure by reducing trade barriers and enhancing regional cooperation.
“By consolidating our efforts, we can build more robust economies equipped to capitalize on
regional and global market opportunities,” She stated.
H.E. Kapwepwe also applauded CBC’s efforts in promoting Digital Financial Inclusion (DFI)
across the region, emphasizing the need for low-cost, interoperable digital financial services that
support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). She also highlighted the vast potential
for tourism and mineral resource sectors within COMESA, advocating for value addition to mineral
exports to maximize earnings and drive economic growth.
“COMESA Secretariat is working closely with CBC to promote the free movement of
businesspersons in the COMESA region through gradual relaxation and eventual elimination of
visa requirements within the COMESA region,” she noted.
Complementary to these integration efforts, Prime Minister of the Republic of Burundi His
Excellency Gervais Ndirakobuca in addressing the Forum’s climate resilience goals, emphasized the need for sustainable practices, citing climate change as a threat to regional economies and
livelihoods.
The Prime Minister noted that the Business Forum provided an excellent platform to explore how
to collectively develop COMESA’s regional value chains in agriculture, mining, and tourism.
In alignment, COMESA Business Council’s Board President, Mr. James Chimwanza stated that,
as an engine for economic growth in COMESA, the Private sector, undisputedly has a pivotal role
to play in driving the sustainable development agenda in the region.
The 17th COMESA Business Forum brings together leaders from government, industry, and
business associations across the region and internationally to discuss strategies for a competitive business environment that benefits all COMESA Member States.
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ABOUT CBC
COMESA Business Council is the recognised Business Member Organisation, established as a private sector institution of COMESA, which advocates for the interests of businesses across the region, offering more than just advocacy by actively encouraging business involvement in regional integration, investment, and global trade
in all 21 member countries. Through fostering strong business connections, identifying
opportunities, forging alliances, and engaging in legislative and strategic advocacy, the
CBC facilitates the growth of businesses. Our services are customised to address both
industry and enterprise needs, aiming to promote economic development and prosperity
within the COMESA region.
Website: https://comesabusinesscouncil.org/
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For Inquiries Contact: sphiri@comesabusinesscouncil.org