Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday assumed the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, pledging Zimbabwe’s readiness to consolidate regional gains and build on achievements towards creating an integrated, competitive and prosperous bloc.
In his acceptance speech after being handed the reins by outgoing chairman and Kenyan President William Ruto at the 25th Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government, President Mnangagwa said during its tenure, Zimbabwe will work with all 21 Member States to fast-track value addition and beneficiation, promote inclusive industrialisation and enhance participation in regional value chains.
“On behalf of the people and Government of Zimbabwe, I take over the mantle of chairperson of the COMESA authority, with deep humility and a profound sense of duty.
“I thank you, your Excellencies, for the confidence reposed on my country to nurture the vision of this regional bloc, for the period 2026-2027.
“Our collective wisdom will be invaluable in the implementation of the COMESA Medium-Term Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2030, set for launch during the Summit,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said this year’s theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA”, brought to the fore the importance of interconnectedness with regard to the productive capacity of the region’s economies, markets and shared destiny.
“It is a call to harness the region’s resources and investment potential to accelerate modernisation and industrialisation, towards a higher quality of life for our citizens.
“To this end, our common market must enable enterprises to produce at scale, facilitate cross-border movement of factors of production and reach new customers.
“The future we envision requires every Member State to contribute to, and benefit from our collective progress.
“Let us match the aspirations of this theme, and the founding principles of our organisation, with concrete actions, programmes and projects,” he said.
Since the establishment of the Free Trade Area in 2000, intra-COMESA exports have grown from around US$2 billion to over US$14 billion in 2025.
The COMESA Chairman said the growth demonstrated the value of cooperation and must give impetus to converting member states’ vast resources into development dividends that uplift more citizens out of poverty.
To this end, President Mnangagwa said the bloc remained a vital platform for pooling resources, harmonising policies and promoting trade.
“The success of our region depends on all of us, Member States, individually and collectively playing our part.
“I exhort us, therefore, to accelerate ongoing programmes to increase industrial production and productivity, enhance quality and standards, address transportation bottlenecks and rationalise pricing.
“The financing challenges faced by women, youth entrepreneurs, along with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, require robust models that secure inclusivity, productivity and market access by this sector,” he said.
Persistent non-tariff barriers, infrastructure gaps and policy misalignments, said the President, required bold decisions.
In the same vein, he said simplified border procedures, the wider use of digital trade systems and emerging technologies should improve commerce and the movement of businesspersons across countries.
“As we implement the Medium-Term Strategic Plan, no one and no country should be left behind. Integration succeeds when its benefits impact the small traders crossing our borders; persons with disabilities and rural communities; the women processing food and the young graduate starting a digital business,” said the President.
Comesa chairman President Mnangagwa, his predecessor, Kenyan President Dr William Ruto (third from right, front row), Vice Chairman and Zambian President Dr Hakainde Hichilema (second from right), the regional bloc’s secretary-general Ms Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe (centre; front row) and other leaders pose for a group photograph at the summit yesterday. — Picture: Believe Nyakudjara.
“The challenge has been thrust upon us and we have a duty to continue the work on simplified trade regimes, free movement of persons such as those championed by my predecessor.
“Relevant human capital development, skills training and innovation must anchor our education systems.
“It is essential that curriculum be based on the unique realities in our jurisdictions and the need to produce goods and services that positively impact economies as well as day to day livelihoods.”
President Mnangagwa stressed that Africa’s natural resources were important in spurring development and realising sustainable prosperity.
In the case of Zimbabwe, he said lessons from the country’s policy decision that demanded all resources to be locally processed had seen a manifold increase in the value of its minerals.
“The message to the region is that the natural endowments of Africa must industrialise our economies, create jobs and broad-based empowerment which improve the quality of lives of our peoples.
“Zimbabwe will continue to champion flagship initiatives focused on agro-processing, cross-border agro and industrial parks, the harmonisation of supply chain and climate proofing of the agriculture sector.
“Climate change mitigation and the green agenda are vital aspects to guarantee national and regional food security, and sovereignty.
“We will depend on the membership of COMESA to advance this people-centered economic development thrust,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the realisation of COMESA’s common vision and shared aspirations depended on investment and finance for the integration agenda.
“Roads, rail, energy infrastructure and digital networks require affordable, predictable and longterm financing.
Comesa chairman President Mnangagwa shares a lighter moment with his Zambian counterpart President Hakainde Hichilema before his departure after the regional bloc’s 25th Heads of State and Government Summit. On the left is Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira at New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden yesterday. — Picture: Memory Mangombe.
“It is now critically important to think outside the box on development financing models that will help bypass high borrowing costs and heavy debt obligations.
“Trade, insurance and financial institutions, together with development partners are called upon to increase funding in support of priority infrastructure and productive investments within COMESA,” said the President.
He said peace and security were indispensable for sustainable development and regional integration.
On its part, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe stood ready to work with fellow member states to strengthen preventive diplomacy and address trans-national threats that undermine collective prosperity.
“Zimbabwe is a “friend to all and an enemy of none”, we are committed to multilateralism, dialogue, and mutually beneficial cooperation which recognises sovereign equality and our inalienable rights to chat our own destiny.
“On institutional matters, we will support the Secretariat in rolling out the new Medium-Term Strategic Plan with clear results, regular reporting and a lean, accountable organisation,” he said.
The President apprised the summit that the COMESA Green Industries Connect and 19th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition had successfully convened policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.
“The exchange of ideas, showcase of goods and services explored the numerous prospects for increased cooperation synergies and cooperation.
Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga (right) and Dr Kembo Mohadi follow proceedings at the summit.
dishonesty.“Our private sector is commended for proffering succinct recommendations in the respective declarations which should guide our implementation road-map and ensure alignment with market needs,” he said.
The President highlighted that in Zimbabwe, the Second Republic says “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo” meaning, a country is built, ruled and prayed for by its own people.
Likewise, 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; let us continue building integrated, productive inclusive and prosperous economies, which we all want and indeed deserve,” he said.
The COMESA chairman thanked his predecessor President William Ruto for the dedication and visionary leadership he exhibited during his tenure as chairman.
“We commend the Republic of Kenya for steering COMESA with purpose and clarity, particularly in advancing digitisation and regional value chains,” he said.
