Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu-Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE will assume the Chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in October when it hosts the regional bloc’s 25th Heads of State and Government Summit aimed at promoting economic integration, industrialisation and investment.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Cabinet had approved the hosting of the summit, which will be held on October 22.
The summit will run under the theme, “One market one future: Advancing inclusive industrialisation, investment and regional integration in COMESA.”
It will be preceded by the COMESA Business Forum on October 20 and the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on October 21.
“Cabinet considered and approved the hosting of the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government Summit on 22 October 2026 as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Prof Amon Murwira,” said Minister Soda.
“The objective of the Summit is to advance the principles of industrialisation, investment and regional economic integration.”
Zimbabwe will take over the chairmanship of the regional bloc from Kenya.
The hosting of the summit and assumption of the COMESA chairmanship comes soon after President Mnangagwa’s tenure as Chairperson of SADC, reflecting Zimbabwe’s growing role in regional and continental affairs.
COMESA, which was established more than three decades ago, is a regional economic community dedicated to promoting free trade, economic cooperation and sustainable development among its 21 member States.
