Zim's President Mnangagwa Assumes COMESA chairmanship

HARARE-Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has assumed  COMESA Chairmanship taking over the from Kenya’s President William Ruto at the 25th Heads of State and Government Summit

held in Harare today

In his acceptance speech,President Mnangagwa  , called for accelerated modernisation and industrialisation to drive economic growth and raise living standards across the region.

“The COMESA region must be modernised and industrialised through individual and collective efforts of its citizens.

“Brick by brick, stone upon stone, step by step,"he said.

He also vowed to push towards attainment of COMESA goals during his tenure as Chair.

"I take over this mantle with deep humility and a profound sense of duty. Our collective wisdom will be invaluable in advancing the implementation of COMESA’s goals,” said  President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa challenged the call for intergration to be inclusive.

"Economic integration succeeds only when its benefits reach the small traders crossing our borders; persons with disabilities and rural communities; the women processing food and the young graduate starting a digital business".

President Mnangagwa's COMESA chairmanship coincides with the launch of the bloc's  Medium-Term Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2030

Meanwhile,outgoing Chair Kenyan President William Ruto hailed the regional trade bloc for holding fort despite the economic challenges that plagued the World.

"Global uncertainty disrupted trade and broken supply lines, yet COMESA did not retreat.

"We held steady, we stayed together, and we moved forward," Ruto said.

“When we trade with one another, we grow together.The greatest market for Africa’s goods is Africa,"he added.

COMESA comprises 21 member states, offering businesses access to a wider regional market.