Zim Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Integration and Pan-African Cooperation

The Zimbabwean government has reaffirmed its commitment to regional integration and Pan-African cooperation through its active participation at the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit, currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya.

This was revealed via a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

"Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to regional integration and Pan-African cooperation through its participation at the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit, currently taking place in Nairobi, Kenya. COMESA, a regional free trade area comprising 21 member states and a population exceeding half a billion people, serves as a cornerstone of Africa's economic integration agenda," read the post.

The Summit provides a platform for member countries to promote trade, investment, and sustainable development across the continent.

Speaking on Zimbabwe's engagement, Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. Amon Murwira - who is also the incoming Chair of the COMESA Council of Ministers - said the country's participation aligns with its foreign policy, which is anchored on economic diplomacy and Pan-African solidarity.

"Zimbabwe's foreign policy is built on the principle of integration, not only political but also economic," said Prof. Murwira.

"Our key message is that Zimbabwe is open for business, a friend to all and an enemy to none. COMESA provides a vital platform to advance this vision, foster trade, and improve the lives of people across our continent."

At this year's Summit, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa assumed the position of incoming Chair of COMESA, joining the Bureau alongside Burundi (outgoing Chair) and Kenya (current Chair). Zimbabwe is set to host the 25th COMESA Summit and will chair the organization from 2026 to 2027.

This follows Mnangagwa's recent tenure as Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), reinforcing Zimbabwe's commitment to Pan-African institutions and regional development.

Zimbabwe's participation in COMESA complements ongoing domestic reforms aimed at enhancing productivity, improving the ease of doing business, and reducing trade barriers. Key initiatives include reviewing taxes and licensing frameworks, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, and championing regional development funds to finance productive sectors and infrastructure.

"President is promoting regional economic cooperation and supporting initiatives that fund industrial growth," Murwira noted.

During its tenure, Zimbabwe's leadership within COMESA will demonstrate its commitment to building an integrated and prosperous African economy. The country views COMESA as a strategic avenue for expanding trade opportunities, strengthening investment flows, and contributing to Africa's collective prosperity.

"By taking responsibility for leadership in COMESA, Zimbabwe is making itself available to contribute to Africa's progress," Murwira added.

"Our engagement is about practical steps, integrating markets, building productive capacity, and improving the livelihoods of our people."

Established over 30 years ago, COMESA is a regional economic community dedicated to promoting free trade, economic cooperation, and sustainable development among its 21 member states.