Image Credit: MinInfoZw

By Edward Makuzva

Nairobi, Kenya- President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to regional integration, trade liberalisation, and collective self-reliance during the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Addressing fellow leaders, President Mnangagwa expressed profound gratitude to the host, His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, the Government, and the people of Kenya for their warm hospitality and excellent organisation of the summit.

He also extended appreciation to His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, the outgoing Chairperson of the COMESA Authority, for his “astute leadership in driving the regional integration agenda over the past year.”

Zimbabwe’s Active Role in Regional Integration

President Mnangagwa described the 24th COMESA Summit as an important milestone in Zimbabwe’s ongoing participation in regional and continental affairs.

He reaffirmed that Zimbabwe remains deeply committed to the ideals that underpin COMESA, including economic cooperation, policy harmonisation, and the creation of a robust intra-African trade ecosystem.

“COMESA continues to be a relevant and vital platform for fostering multi-faceted cooperation, pooling resources, harmonising policies, and promoting intra-regional trade and investment,” said the President.

He highlighted that Zimbabwe continues to benefit immensely from its membership in COMESA.

The President noted that the regional bloc provides local businesses with access to a larger market while empowering thousands of small-scale traders, particularly women and youth, through simplified trade regimes that facilitate cross-border commerce.

“COMESA’s support has strengthened value chains, accelerated industrialisation, and improved infrastructure connectivity across the region,” President Mnangagwa added.

Addressing Challenges to Unlock COMESA’s Full PotentialDespite the progress made, President Mnangagwa acknowledged that more work needs to be done to fully harness the region’s economic potential.

He called for concerted efforts to eliminate non-tariff barriers, close infrastructure gaps, and align national policies for greater synergy across member states.

President Mnangagwa urged member countries to redouble their efforts in implementing key integration frameworks such as the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — both crucial in driving Africa’s collective economic transformation.

Zimbabwe’s Economic Transformation Agenda

Turning to domestic matters, President Mnangagwa briefed the summit on Zimbabwe’s ongoing journey toward economic modernisation and transformation.

He said his government continues to implement wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving the business environment, enhancing productivity, empowering citizens, and attracting investment.

“Our top priorities include industrialisation, digital transformation, and climate-resilient agriculture — all of which align closely with COMESA’s Medium-Term Strategic Plan,” he stated.

President Mnangagwa added that Zimbabwe’s commitment to peace, security, and good governance, noting that these pillars are indispensable for sustainable development and regional integration.

“Zimbabwe stands ready to work with fellow member states in promoting stability, consolidating democratic institutions, and tackling transnational threats that undermine our collective peace, progress, and prosperity,” he said.

Shared Vision for Africa’s FutureIn his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa reflected on the broader aspirations of the African continent under Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want.”

He described the current era as “a historic and defining crossroads” for Africa, where leaders must harness collective strengths and seize available opportunities to advance the continent’s development goals.

“The aspirations of Agenda 2063 are achievable,” he emphasized.

“Together, let us deliver on the promise of a better future for our people and propel COMESA to new heights.”

The 24th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit brought together leaders from across the region to deliberate on key issues relating to trade, infrastructure development, climate resilience, peace, and digital innovation — all under the theme of “Deepening Regional Integration for Resilient and Inclusive Growth.”

As Zimbabwe continues its engagement with COMESA and other regional blocs, President Mnangagwa’s message in Nairobi reinforced the nation’s vision of contributing to a united, prosperous, and industrialised Africa driven by cooperation and shared prosperity.