Zambia Hands Over COMESA Chairmanship to Burundi at the 23rd COMESA Summit
The 23rd Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government Summit marked a significant milestone as Zambia officially handed over the Chairmanship of COMESA to Burundi.
The summit, held in Bujumbura, was attended by leaders and dignitaries from across the region, with the theme: “Accelerating Regional Integration through the Development of Regional Value Chains in Climate Resilient Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism.”
In his speech, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the need to boost economic integration within the COMESA region, with particular focus on increasing intra-regional trade. Currently, intra-COMESA trade is approximately 12%, a figure that Hichilema underscored as needing significant improvement.
“There is urgent need for COMESA member states to increase their volumes of trade among and between each other,” President Hichilema stated, emphasizing the potential of regional cooperation in achieving broader economic goals.
During Zambia’s tenure as COMESA Chair, the region witnessed remarkable growth, with COMESA’s total exports to the global market surging by 210%. Exports grew from USD 100 billion in 2020 to an impressive USD 219 billion in 2023, an accomplishment that underscores the economic potential of regional integration.
The outgoing Chair also highlighted the importance of climate resilience in agriculture, advocating for increased investment in agricultural research to boost productivity for COMESA farmers. He urged member states to build resilience and secure food systems amid changing global climates.
Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has now assumed the role of COMESA Chair, with Kenya serving as Deputy Chair. Zambia remains a member of the COMESA Bureau, pledging continued support for the region’s strategic initiatives.
President Hichilema extended his congratulations to President Ndayishimiye, affirming Zambia’s commitment to furthering the mission of COMESA.
“Africa, and indeed COMESA, will only prosper by leveraging on the comparative strengths of each of its member States,” Hichilema concluded, expressing optimism for a prosperous future rooted in collaboration and mutual growth.
