Story by Oleen Ndori
ZIMBABWE says it is on course to host the 25th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government in October, with preparations now in their final stages.
The update followed a meeting in Harare on Tuesday between the Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, and a delegation from the COMESA Secretariat to assess progress on the country’s preparations.
Ambassador Chimbindi said an Inter-Ministerial Committee, supported by technical sub-committees, is coordinating the preparations, with significant progress recorded across key operational areas.
The summit will be held under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”
Ambassador Chimbindi reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to delivering a successful summit.
“We reaffirm Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of the President of the Republic and Vice-Chair of COMESA, His Excellency Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, to hosting a very successful, well-organised and impactful 25th COMESA Summit that will advance the objectives of regional integration and economic transformation.”
The regional meeting will be preceded by the COMESA Business Forum on October 20, organised by ZimTrade in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and the COMESA Business Council. The COMESA Council of Ministers will meet on October 21.
The COMESA Secretariat commended Zimbabwe for stepping forward to host the summit after the regional bloc had been searching for a host country.
It also praised Zimbabwe’s leadership within COMESA and expressed confidence in the country’s ability to stage another successful regional meeting, citing its track record in hosting major events.
Officials awarded Zimbabwe an “A-plus” rating for the progress made so far.
Assistant Secretary General of COMESA, Dr Dev Haman, praised Zimbabwe’s contribution to the regional bloc.
“You have hosted so many COMESA meetings, and we know how you lead the discussions to make sure that we get the correct decisions, not only for Zimbabwe but for the region.”
Dr Haman said Zimbabwe has played a critical role in advancing the vision of a single regional market, which is key to promoting economic growth, job creation and improved access to essential services.
The delegation also confirmed that preparations for the signing of the Host Agreement are underway, with the COMESA Secretary General expected to visit Zimbabwe ahead of the summit to officially launch the countdown to the event.
The 25th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government will be held at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden on October 22, following the COMESA Business Forum and the Council of Ministers meetings on October 20 and 21.
