Fifty staff from Central Banks in twelve COMESA countries have been trained in understanding the complex interaction between monetary policy and fintech. The comprehensive training will enable staff to provide advice for effective policy responses to the challenges and opportunities presented by fintech in the COMESA region. Organised by the COMESA Monetary Institute, the virtual…
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COMESA has launched the World Bank-funded Inclusive Digitalization for East and Southern Africa (IDEA) Programme which aims to empower 180 million people with internet access and provide digitally enabled services to 100 million people over the next eight years. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technology and Science of Zambia, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, launched the programme alongside, World…
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Preparations for the development of COMESA’s 2026–2030 Medium-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP) have commenced with a two-day retreat for management and technical staff in Lusaka, held on March 24–25, 2025. The retreat’s agenda focused on reviewing the performance of the current 2021–2025 MTSP, identifying successes, challenges, and key lessons to inform the next five-year plan. Leading…
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The COMESA Secretariat has learnt with deep sorrow about the passing on of Madam Monique Andreas Esoavelomandraso, a member of the COMESA Committee of Elders from Madagascar. She died on Monday 17th March 2025 in Madagascar. Head of the Governance, Peace and Security Unit Dr Oita Etyang revealed that upon being appointed to the Committee…
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Egypt, Turkey, and France Ambassadors to Zambia have been accredited as representatives of their respective countries to COMESA. In a brief ceremony at the COMESA Secretariat in Lusaka Monday, February 10, 2025, the three presented their letters of credence to Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, marking a new chapter in international cooperation. H.E. Ms. Mayada…
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COMESA Secretariat in collaboration with the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility on Friday 14 February held a Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on promoting women’s economic empowerment and fostering gender-responsive trade policies at Zambia-Zimbabwe Chirundu Border Post. In addition to Chirundu, the Secretariat and the ICR Facility will also conduct a series of the PPD at the…
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The Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA) and the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing agriculture productivity and sustainability across the continent. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in strengthening agriculture research, policies, and regulations to ensure small farmer-holder access to quality…
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The Coca-Cola system in Africa paid a courtesy visit to the COMESA Secretariat to share the contributions of the system in Africa and discuss strengthening partnerships aimed at driving economic growth and enhancing investments in regional value chains. The meeting which took place on 21st January 2025 underscored the Coca-Cola system’s investments in local initiatives…
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In a significant move to enhance regional cooperation, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) signed a partnership agreement in 2024 aimed at strengthening French language skills among twelve COMESA officers. This partnership agreement aligns with the OIF’s strategic vision to bolster French language skills…
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Malawi and Zambia have launched the implementation of the COMESA Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO) Programme meant to enhance trade efficiency by simplifying the process for exporters and reducing the time and costs associated with obtaining traditional certificates. Since its introduction in 2000, the COMESA Certificate of Origin has been issued and processed manually, a…
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