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COMESA Institutions Join National Efforts in Combating COVID-19

COMESA institutions have joined the efforts towards supporting the governments in their host countries in the fight against the Coronavirus. Among those that have so far contributed to this cause are  the Federation of National Associations of Women in Business in Eastern and Southern Africa (FEMCOM), the COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) and the Trade and…
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Implementation of Joint COMESA-AU Youth Project Delayed

Youth expected to suffer the brunt of unemployment owing to COVID-19 The implementation of the Joint COMESA-African Union Project, which was meant to contribute to youth empowerment and participation in promoting accountable governance in the region and the African continent has been delayed. This is due to the spread of the Coronavirus and will mainly…
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COVID-19 in COMESA: Situational Update 12

A positive trend has been observed in the numbers of total recoveries in the COMESA region, even as the number of confirmed cases continue to rise and countries strengthen their testing capabilities. By May 5, 2020, recoveries were at 4,257.  While Comoros had not recorded any COVID-19 case for a long period of time, a…
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Restrictions on Cross Border Movement Affecting Seed Supply Chain

Restrictions on cross border movement imposed in response to the Coronavirus pandemic by countries in the region, have adversely affected the supply of seeds which may lead to food insecurity. Hence, the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) and the COMESA Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA), recommends classification of seeds as…
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Regional Business Community Push for Trade Facilitation in Amid COVID-19

The regional business community, under the umbrella of the COMESA Business Council (CBC) have urged Member States to facilitate the movement of transit essential cargo across the region through pre-clearance and/or prompter clearance and reduction of risk of infections at the border posts. This is one of the recommendations contained in a position statement issued…
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COVID-19 Response Measures put in Place by Member States

This publication comprises a listing  of  measures  that COMESA Member States have  put in place to contain the spread of the Corona virus. They cover trade facilitation and support to businesses, protection of the vulnerable from the impact of the spread of the virus and other relevant measures. It also includes the support received from…
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COVID-19 in COMESA Situational Update 11

The level of testing of COVID-19 infections in COMESA Member State is generally low, according to recent data.  This is linked to inadequate testing kits and limited health personnel. The estimated total number of COVID-19 tests carried out in the region stands at 223,613. Out of these, Egypt has the highest at 90,000, Uganda (27,432),…
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Call for Uniform Standards on COVID-19 Responses  to Minimize Disruptions

Lusaka, April 28, 2020: A collective response to the COVID-19 by regional member States with uniform standards will minimize the disruptions being experienced in the supply chain for essential goods. Thus, COMESA has called on member States to stand together in bridging the gap between policy intentions and implementation outcomes. Speaking during the first Extra-Ordinary…
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Plans Afoot to Publicize Common Investment Area Agreement

Lusaka, April, 27, 2020: The COMESA Secretariat intends to mount a public awareness campaign on the benefits of the regional common investment area agreement in an effort to encourage countries to ratify and domesticate the regional document. The COMESA Common Investment Area (CCIA) agreement is a promotional tool meant to guide Member States in harmonizing…
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Solidarity in the Time of COVID-19

As the region grapples with the Coronavirus pandemic, whose net effect is stunted growth, loss of jobs and incomes, high disease burden and increased levels of poverty, the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Task Force (TTF) has expressed its solidarity with its 28 Member/Partner States. In a statement signed by the immediate past Chair of the TTF, who…
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