News / National
Mnangagwa takes over COMESA Chairmanship
2 hrs ago |
56 Views
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assumed the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), pledging to prioritise industrialisation, value addition and regional value chains to drive economic growth.
Mnangagwa took over from Kenyan President William Ruto during the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit held in Harare on Thursday.
The summit is being held under the theme, "One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA".
In his acceptance speech, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe would work with member states to accelerate industrial production, strengthen regional value chains and ensure African countries derive greater economic benefits from their natural resources.
"The message to the region is that the natural endowments of Africa must industrialise our economies, create jobs and broad-based empowerment which improve the quality of lives of our peoples," he said.
Mnangagwa said member states needed to tackle persistent trade barriers, infrastructure shortages and policy inconsistencies while expanding access to finance for women, young people and small businesses.
He called for simplified border procedures and wider adoption of digital trade systems and emerging technologies to facilitate commerce and the movement of businesspeople across the region.
The President also stressed the need for increased investment in roads, railways, energy infrastructure and digital networks, saying affordable and predictable financing was essential to advancing regional integration.
"The realization of our common vision and shared aspirations depend on investment and finance for the integration agenda. Roads, rail, energy infrastructure and digital networks require affordable, predictable and long-term financing," he said.
Outgoing chairperson Ruto urged member states to translate COMESA's vision of a unified regional market into tangible benefits for citizens.
"Under his stewardship and with the support of every member state, I trust that we will turn the ambition of one market, one future into progress our people can see and feel," Ruto said.
He also called for Africa to strengthen its position in global trade, saying the continent should engage international partners as an equal participant in global economic decision-making.
"Africa does not come to sit at the edge of the table; it comes to set up the table as an equal partner," he said.
Zimbabwe's chairmanship will focus on advancing regional trade, industrialisation, investment and economic integration among COMESA's member states.
Mnangagwa took over from Kenyan President William Ruto during the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit held in Harare on Thursday.
The summit is being held under the theme, "One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA".
In his acceptance speech, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe would work with member states to accelerate industrial production, strengthen regional value chains and ensure African countries derive greater economic benefits from their natural resources.
"The message to the region is that the natural endowments of Africa must industrialise our economies, create jobs and broad-based empowerment which improve the quality of lives of our peoples," he said.
Mnangagwa said member states needed to tackle persistent trade barriers, infrastructure shortages and policy inconsistencies while expanding access to finance for women, young people and small businesses.
He called for simplified border procedures and wider adoption of digital trade systems and emerging technologies to facilitate commerce and the movement of businesspeople across the region.
The President also stressed the need for increased investment in roads, railways, energy infrastructure and digital networks, saying affordable and predictable financing was essential to advancing regional integration.
"The realization of our common vision and shared aspirations depend on investment and finance for the integration agenda. Roads, rail, energy infrastructure and digital networks require affordable, predictable and long-term financing," he said.
Outgoing chairperson Ruto urged member states to translate COMESA's vision of a unified regional market into tangible benefits for citizens.
"Under his stewardship and with the support of every member state, I trust that we will turn the ambition of one market, one future into progress our people can see and feel," Ruto said.
He also called for Africa to strengthen its position in global trade, saying the continent should engage international partners as an equal participant in global economic decision-making.
"Africa does not come to sit at the edge of the table; it comes to set up the table as an equal partner," he said.
Zimbabwe's chairmanship will focus on advancing regional trade, industrialisation, investment and economic integration among COMESA's member states.
Source - online
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
