The Governments of Ireland and Japan have appointed Special Representatives to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) who will serve as links between the 21 Member trade bloc and the two countries respectively.
His Excellency Aidan Fitzpatrick, Irish Ambassador to Zambia and His Excellency Akiteru Mikami, Japanese Ambassador to Zambia presented their Letters of Credence to Secretary General (SG) Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe at the COMESA Headquarters in Lusaka on 19 March 2026.
“As I welcome both of you to COMESA, I take this as a clear sign that our regional organisation is positioning for a new era of innovation, trade and sustainable development through these strategic partnerships,” SG Kapwepwe said.
She briefed the envoys about COMESA’s integration journey—from launching Africa’s pioneering Free Trade Area to shaping the continent’s largest integrated market—which has continued to gather momentum. The latest developments of accrediting special representatives underscores the bloc’s strategic outreach beyond its borders, and reaffirms its role as a linchpin in Africa’s economic transformation.
Through Irish Aid and diplomatic outreach, Ireland is investing in women’s economic empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and digital innovation across COMESA member states. This collaboration not only advances regional development but also paves the way for future joint initiatives in digital trade and gender-responsive economic growth.
The delegates were informed that COMESA’s partnership with Japan has reached new heights following the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). Japan’s support, notably through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has already delivered tangible results, such as the Chirundu One Stop Border Post—heralded as a model for trade facilitation. Ms Kapwepwe revealed that ongoing bilateral talks promise deeper cooperation in technology, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
Both the Irish and Japanese Ambassadors commended COMESA for the efforts in advancing intra-regional trade and promoting digital economic transformation.
“Ireland, along with the EU and its Member States is a proud supporter of the critical work of COMESA and we are particularly interested in the areas of digital trade and technology, agriculture development and women’s economic empowerment,” H.E. Fitzpatrick said
“I am committed to engaging more closely with and cooperate with the COMESA Secretariat and Member States which have high growth potential, with a view to promoting trade and strengthening economic ties with Japan across a wide range of fields,” H.E. Mikami said