Mnangagwa flies to Kenya

Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening political and economic integration across Africa, with President Mnangagwa expected to join fellow heads of state at the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government Summit set for tomorrow.

The summit, held under the theme "Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth," aims to accelerate the bloc's transition toward a more connected, technology-driven regional economy.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira is leading Zimbabwe's delegation at the Council of Ministers meeting taking place ahead of the summit. Kenya is expected to assume the rotating chairmanship of COMESA from Burundi, while Zimbabwe will take over as incoming chair — a development that will see Harare hosting the next summit and steering the bloc's agenda from 2026 to 2027.

President Mnangagwa's expected elevation signals Zimbabwe's growing influence in shaping Africa's regional trade and economic integration agenda, particularly in advancing industrialisation, digital connectivity, and cross-border cooperation.

"The President attaches great importance to pan-African institutions such as COMESA because they serve as vehicles for collective growth," Prof Murwira said. "Zimbabwe's foreign policy is anchored on economic integration and cooperation within Africa. We are open for business, a friend to all and an enemy to none — but above all, committed to building a prosperous and united continent."

He added that Zimbabwe's participation reflects its dedication to boosting intra-African trade, harmonising digital frameworks, and developing regional infrastructure to enable e-commerce and digital trade.

"COMESA is not just a free trade area — it's a 30-year-old economic community uniting East and Southern Africa under shared prosperity," Prof Murwira said. "By embracing reforms and reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a competitive investment destination while strengthening regional value chains."

COMESA, which comprises 21 member states including Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe, represents a market of more than 500 million people.

Prof Murwira said President Mnangagwa's assumption of the bloc's vice chairmanship highlights Zimbabwe's growing leadership role in promoting economic reform, investment, and inclusive development across Africa.

"His Excellency's assumption of the COMESA Vice Chairmanship demonstrates Zimbabwe's enduring commitment to Pan-Africanism and economic empowerment. It's about ensuring that integration translates into real benefits — jobs, investment and improved livelihoods for our people," he said.

With Harare set to host the next COMESA summit, Zimbabwe's regional influence is poised to strengthen further — continuing the trajectory set by its leadership within SADC and reaffirming the success of the Second Republic's re-engagement and open-for-business policy.