Following the re-election of H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat (in picture)  as Chairperson of the African Union Commission during the recent 34th Ordinary Session of the AU Heads of State and Government Virtual Summit COMESA has sent a message of congratulations.

“Your re-election demonstrated the high level of confidence and trust that the Member States have in your leadership and it provides an ideal opportunity for the continent to implement the various developmental programmes that are meant to uplift the standards of living of the African people,” Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe stated in the message.

As the biggest Regional Economic Community (RECs) recognized by the AU, she said COMESA will continue to support the process of negotiations and implementation for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) towards its full and successful implementation.

Among the key COMESA-AU programmes are the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Trade Observatory Facility, peace and security and youth programmes among others.

At the same time, COMESA congratulated the newly appointed Deputy Chairperson of the AUC HE Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa of Rwanda.

“Your ascendance to the position of Deputy Chairperson of the African Union is well deserved and a demonstration once again that women can lead high-level organizations and inspire confidence and a shift towards achieving gender equality through provision of opportunities for both women and men,” the message read.  “She added that many women of Africa, especially girls look up to women in such leadership positions as their role model which inspires them to strive against all odds including gender related challenges to rise to positions of leadership.’

COMESA has also commended the re-election of Ambassador Albert Muchanga as Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining.

“Under your stewardship, our continent has achieved remarkable milestones, with the most epic being the launch and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA),” the Secretary General said. “Your unreserved commitment towards the eventual realization of this challenging milestone which undoubtedly brings the vision of an African economic union closer, will constitute an important chapter in your career.”