Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has issued a strong call for the immediate removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region. Speaking at the 19th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition in Harare, President Mnangagwa emphasized the critical need for enhanced public-private sector collaboration and accelerated value addition to fully unlock the vast potential of COMESA’s approximately US$1.23 trillion market, which serves 680 million people.
The President highlighted that deeper regional integration must translate into tangible benefits for businesses and citizens alike, fostering expanded trade, increased investment, job creation, improved living standards, and industrial development across the bloc. He urged business leaders to articulate their needs to governments, ensuring that the vision of ‘One Market, One Future’ delivers prosperity and inclusivity for all COMESA citizens.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa: President of Zimbabwe, advocating for regional trade barrier removal.
- COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa): Regional economic community and free trade bloc.
Event Timeline
- October 20, 2026: President Mnangagwa opened the 19th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition in Harare.
- October 21, 2026: News reports highlight President Mnangagwa’s call for trade barrier removal.
