COMESA held its 12th Annual Research Forum from 16 – 18 September 2026 under the theme “Accelerating Regional Integration Through Value Chain Development in Agriculture, Mining, Tourism and Climate Change Adaptation.”
The three-day meeting brought together policymakers, researchers, private sector leaders, and development partners to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and propose evidence-based solutions that will drive sustainable growth and deepen regional integration.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Christopher Onyango, COMESA Director of Trade and Customs, commended the experts present for their dedication and urged them to use the Forum as a space for “collective problem-solving on the crucial issues affecting the region.”
Representing the Secretariat, Director of Industry and Agriculture Mrs. Providence Mavubi emphasized resilience in development planning and the inclusion of women, youth, and indigenous communities. “As climate change poses risks to our long-term viability, it is critical that our strategy embraces resilience at every level,’’ She added “Effective solutions demand the inclusion of women, youth and indigenous communities in planning and decision-making processes,”.
She further highlighted that agriculture remains the backbone of the region’s economy but is increasingly threatened by climate change, making it essential to strengthen value chains and adopt climate-smart practices for food security, employment, and competitiveness. The meeting also noted that COMESA’s vast reserves of strategic minerals such as copper, cobalt, and lithium present opportunities for value addition but it is necessary that legal frameworks should be harmonized, sustainable practices are prioritized and public-private partnerships fostered.
Keynote speaker Mr. Daniel Njiwa who is Director for Inclusive Markets, Trade and Finance at the alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) underscored agriculture’s central role in Africa’s transformation, noting that the sector’s transformation is about much more than seeds and fertilizers. It requires functioning markets, resilient food systems, and the active participation of women and youth in shaping the sector’s future.
The Forum, held virtually, gave participants a platform to engage in a spirited dialogue and present research papers and their findings.
Papers presented included:
• Promoting Trade, Production and Value Chain Development of Climate Resilient Orphaned Crops through Intra-COMESA Trade.
• Leveraging Regional Integration for Sustainable Tourism Development in COMESA
• Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Framework in COMESA Region Through Gender and Social Integration, A Paradigm Shift Approach. A case of Zimbabwe
• Leveraging Indigenous Knowledge Systems to Improve Climate Change Adaptation in Matebeleland South Province Rural Communties, Zimbabwe.