Zimbabwe has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, a significant development placing the nation at the forefront of regional integration efforts. The handover occurred during the 25th COMESA Summit, currently underway in Harare, Zimbabwe.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to receive the chairmanship from Kenyan President William Ruto today, Thursday, October 22, 2026. This pivotal role positions Zimbabwe to guide regional initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and security, deepening economic integration, and accelerating poverty eradication across COMESA’s 21 member states.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has urged African countries to prioritize peace, economic development, and home-grown solutions to the continent’s challenges. President Mnangagwa, in his address, emphasized the urgent need to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers, foster stronger public-private sector collaboration, and accelerate value addition to unlock the vast opportunities within the COMESA market, which is valued at approximately US$1.23 trillion and serves 680 million people.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe): Assumed COMESA chairmanship, advocated for removing trade barriers to boost regional economic integration.
- Professor Amon Murwira (Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade): Called on African nations to focus on peace, economic development, and self-reliance.
- President William Ruto (Kenya): Handed over the COMESA chairmanship to Zimbabwe.
Event Timeline
- October 20, 2026: Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa opened the 19th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition, calling for deeper regional integration.
- October 21, 2026: President William Ruto arrived in Harare for the 25th COMESA Summit.
- October 22, 2026: Zimbabwe officially assumed the chairmanship of the COMESA Foreign Affairs Council during the 25th COMESA Summit.
