Mnangagwa assumes COMESA chairmanship, pushes value addition agenda
MT HAMPDEN - President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assumed the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Authority for the 2026-2027 period, pledging to advance industrialisation, value addition and economic transformation across the regional bloc.
Mnangagwa accepted the leadership mantle during the 25th COMESA Summit held in Harare, succeeding Kenyan President William Ruto, whom he commended for his leadership in promoting regional value chains and digital transformation.
Assuming the chairmanship, Mnangagwa said he was taking up the responsibility with humility and a commitment to advancing the bloc's development agenda.
The President anchored his remarks on the summit theme, "One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration."
He noted that intra-COMESA trade had grown significantly over the past two decades, but stressed that more work was needed to ensure the region's natural resources translate into jobs, industrial growth and shared prosperity.
Mnangagwa said Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials and instead focus on processing and beneficiating its resources locally.
"Natural endowments of Africa must industrialise our economies, create jobs and broad-based empowerment," he said.
The President cited Zimbabwe's value-addition policies as an example of efforts aimed at ensuring the continent derives greater economic benefits from its mineral wealth and other natural resources.
Under Zimbabwe's chairmanship, COMESA is expected to prioritise agro-processing, cross-border industrial parks, supply-chain harmonisation and climate-resilient agricultural systems.
Mnangagwa also pledged support for the implementation of the COMESA Medium-Term Strategic Plan 2026-2030, focusing on accountability, efficiency and measurable outcomes.
In addition, he highlighted the importance of greater private sector participation in regional economic development, acknowledging contributions made during the COMESA Green Industries Connect and Business Forum.
The President concluded by urging member states to continue building integrated economies capable of creating employment and improving livelihoods across the region.
"Brick by brick, stone upon stone, let us continue building integrated, productive and prosperous economies," he said.
Zimbabwe's assumption of the COMESA chairmanship comes at a time when African governments are increasingly seeking to strengthen regional trade, enhance industrialisation and increase value addition to local resources as part of broader economic transformation efforts.
