Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa’s forthcoming assumption of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa chairmanship is not only a diplomatic milestone but also a strategic economic opportunity for Zimbabwe, economists have said.
The Head of State and Government will assume the chairmanship of the 21-member trade bloc, which is home to over 560 million people and has a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of about US$1,2 trillion.
Zimbabwe is set to host the 25th COMESA Summit in Mt Hampden on October 22, 2026 and assume the bloc’s chairmanship for 2026–2027.
Analysts believe that the country’s COMESA leadership can bring significant positive benefits, provided the country effectively leverages its leadership role to address practical trade hurdles.
Economist Mr George Nhepera said chairing the regional body gives Zimbabwe the platform to shape the regional economic agenda in line with its Vision 2030 aspirations of becoming an upper-middle-income society.
“The assumption of COMESA chairmanship by His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa is more than a diplomatic milestone, but a strategic economic opportunity for Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Chairing a 21-member bloc of over 560 million in terms of population with a combined GDP of about US$1,2 trillion gives us the platform to set the regional economic agenda to benefit our Vision 2030 of an upper middle-income society.”
He said Zimbabwe can now champion issues critical to its stability and growth, including the elimination of tariff barriers, improved market access for value-added mineral and agricultural products, and renewed investment promotion.
“As a country, through the President as chairman, we can now champion what is critical for our own stability and economic growth, largely around matters of elimination of tariff barriers, improved market access to our mineral and agricultural value-added products as well as renewed investment promotion and confidence in the COMESA region,” said Mr Nhepera.
He expressed optimism that by the time Zimbabwe hands over the chairmanship, the country would have made tangible economic gains.
“Ultimately, by the time we hand over the chairmanship, we expect to have made great economic strides on macroeconomic stability, increased exports and positioning of Zimbabwe as a strong hub for industrialisation and intra-Africa trade which is vital for our economic prosperity and national sovereignty,” he said.
Experts have said leadership of the bloc can give Zimbabwean industries several potential benefits, including a direct platform to push local goods into broader regional markets.
Zimbabwe will therefore make history next month when it officially assumes the chairmanship of COMESA, which will see President Mnangagwa take over the reins of one of Africa’s largest and most influential economic blocs.
President Mnangagwa will succeed his Kenyan counterpart, President William Ruto, at a time when regional integration and economic self-sufficiency have become pressing priorities for the continent.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) chief economist Dr Cornelius Dube said being COMESA chairman means that issues to do with COMESA and trade facilitation with COMESA countries will be prioritised.
He said Zimbabwe is already fully compliant, while duty-free trade with COMESA countries is already happening.
“COMESA issues will become a priority, such that if there are any barriers which industry is facing, they would be quickly addressed,” said Dr Dube.
