Mnangagwa: Zimbabwe Committed to Regional Integration and Trade Liberalisation

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe's commitment to regional integration, trade liberalisation, and collective self-reliance - key pillars underpinning the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

He made the remarks while addressing delegates at the 24th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government, currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya.

"Allow me, at the outset, to extend my profound gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, as well as the Government and people of Kenya, for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation since our arrival in the beautiful city of Nairobi. We commend the excellent arrangements made for the hosting of this Summit and the able manner in which you are steering our deliberations," Mnangagwa said.

"By the same token, we congratulate His Excellency, Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, outgoing Chairperson of the COMESA Authority, for his astute leadership over the past year in driving our regional integration agenda."

Mnangagwa said the summit marks an important milestone in Zimbabwe's participation in regional affairs.

"Zimbabwe is committed to the ideals of regional integration, trade liberalisation, and collective self-reliance that underpin this organisation. COMESA continues to be a relevant and vital platform for fostering multi-faceted cooperation, the pooling of resources, harmonisation of policies and promotion of intra-regional trade and investment," he said.

He noted that Zimbabwean businesses continue to benefit from COMESA membership, accessing wider markets and simplified trade regimes that support small-scale traders, especially women and youth.

"COMESA's support has seen stronger value chains, accelerated industrialisation and improved infrastructure connectivity."

To fully unlock COMESA's potential, Mnangagwa called for the removal of non-tariff barriers, infrastructure gaps, and policy misalignments.

"There is a need to re-double our efforts as we implement more key initiatives such as the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)."

He said Zimbabwe is undergoing economic transformation and modernisation, with reforms aimed at improving the business environment, boosting productivity, and attracting investment.

"Industrialisation, digital transformation, and climate-resilient agriculture are among our top priority areas, all of which align with COMESA's Medium-Term Strategic Plan."

Mnangagwa also reaffirmed Zimbabwe's commitment to peace, security, and good governance, describing them as essential ingredients for sustainable development and regional integration.

"Zimbabwe stands ready to work with fellow Member States in promoting stability and consolidating democratic institutions, as well as addressing trans-national threats that undermine the collective peace, progress and prosperity of our people."

He concluded by urging African nations to embrace the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

"We all have a duty to harness our collective strengths and leverage the opportunities before us to propel COMESA to new heights. Together, let us deliver on the promise of a better future for our people."