COMESA leaders call for removal of trade barriers

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa summit ended in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Thursday, with Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa taking over as chairman from Kenyan President William Ruto, with the two leaders calling for the removal of trade barriers.

In his address before the heads of state and government as the outgoing chairman of the grouping of 21 African countries, Ruto challenged governments to have strong confidence in their institutions, finance Africa's trade opportunities and not rely on foreign funding.

He also called for the removal of trade barriers, strengthening regional connectivity and deepening economic cooperation as the bloc seeks to expand trade and investment across its member countries.

Ruto said governments should have the commitment to grow the value of intra-COMESA trade every year.

Ruto said he was confident that Mnangagwa, as the new COMESA chairman, would be able to bring stronger economic growth to the region.

"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," he said.

Ruto also launched the COMESA 2026-2030 Medium-Term Strategic Plan.

He said the plan outlines the need to accelerate intra-African trade, eliminate non-tariff barriers, improve connectivity and ensure the benefits of integration reach every segment of society.

Mnangagwa called the summit to advance practical and sustainable solutions that strengthen resilience, reposition the region to navigate global shocks and promote regional prosperity.

"With unity of purpose, let us deliver on the promise of shared prosperity, a better life and a better future for the people of Africa," he said.

Speaking at the same event, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also challenged African nations to unlock the continent's resources for the benefit of the citizens and the African market.

"We are all saying the right things. We must now take the extra steps to realize this vision. And nobody will do it other than ourselves," he said.