Lusaka, Zambia – Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) met in Lusaka on 14 November for their 28th meeting, following the 30th meeting of the COMESA Committee on Legal Affairs. The high-level discussions focused on reviewing key legal frameworks essential to regional integration and economic cooperation.
Prior to the ministers’ session, the Committee on Legal Affairs examined draft revisions to the Rules and Regulations of the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission (CCCC) and the Rules of the COMESA Court of Justice. These drafts aim to strengthen regulatory oversight and judicial processes within the region.
In his opening speech, COMESA Acting Secretary General Dr. Dev Haman urged Member States to accelerate the implementation of previously agreed legal instruments and decisions. He highlighted the importance of regularly reviewing and updating legal frameworks to support the bloc’s integration agenda.
“It is imperative that we develop new legal instruments and enhance our institutional capacity to ensure the effective functioning of COMESA’s regional initiatives,” he stated.
Dr. Haman emphasized that the proposed revisions to the CCCC’s rules are designed to promote a fair and equitable trading environment across Member States, with particular attention to protecting consumers and fostering inclusivity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These measures are seen as vital steps toward creating a more integrated and competitive common market.
Meanwhile, Justice Lombe Chibesakunda, President of the COMESA Court of Justice, expressed her gratitude for the support received during her decade-long tenure, which is nearing its end. She underscored that the strength and integrity of the Court rely heavily on the collective commitment of member states to uphold judicial independence and the rule of law.
Her remarks highlighted the critical role of judicial cooperation in achieving the regional bloc’s broader integration goals.
The meeting urged Member States to continue working towards finalizing the legal reforms, aiming to foster a more unified, fair and prosperous COMESA region.