Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
PREPARATIONS for the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for Harare next week, are progressing well, with Government pledging to sustain funding, training programmes and the capital’s beautification initiatives beyond the event.
The summit, running under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA,” is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s regional economic and diplomatic engagement while creating opportunities to boost trade, tourism and investment.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Cabinet had received an update on preparations presented by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe on behalf of Vice-President Kembo Mohadi, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments.
Dr Soda said the summit would be preceded by the COMESA Green Industries Connect and Business Forum on October 19 and 20, followed by a meeting of COMESA Ministers of Foreign Affairs on October 21.
Zimbabwe is expected to assume the one-year COMESA chairmanship from Kenya during the summit, marking a significant milestone in the country’s regional leadership and economic diplomacy.
Several reports will be presented for consideration, while Dr Justice Ahmed Tharwat Ibrahim of Egypt is expected to be sworn in as a judge of the COMESA Court of Justice.
Government said the necessary funding and training protocols were in place, alongside initiatives to improve Harare’s appearance ahead of the high-level gathering.
The commitment to maintain these initiatives beyond the summit is intended to ensure that hosting the regional event delivers lasting benefits, particularly in urban development, tourism promotion and the country’s international image.
Zimbabwe is also expected to showcase its diverse cultural heritage to visiting Heads of State and Government, delegates and business representatives from across the region.
