Business
COMESA states should fast-track trade - Minister Kasolo
At the Summit of COMESA heads of state and government, the President of Zimbabwe, Emerson Mnangagwa, is expected to take over from President William Ruto of Kenya as the new chairperson of COMESA.
Foreign affairs state minister in charge of regional affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo,. (File)
By: Gerald Tenywa, Journalist @New Vision
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HARARE - Countries of the Common Market of East and Central Africa (COMESA) should fast-track intra-state trade and foster peace and security to better the livelihood of their citizens, the foreign affairs state minister in charge of regional affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, has said.
“The concern is not only about insecurity. It is about the factors that hinder trade in COMESA. We need to widen the scope, creating bigger markets within and outside,” said Kasolo.
The minister added; "What are the failures? When conflicts take place together with tariff and non-tariff barriers, trade suffers. Africa should be one country and we should not have barriers to trade and movement of people. In Africa, we should not be foreigners. How can I be a foreigner in Africa? We have a big problem of poverty, and the solution to that is prosperity.”
He was speaking to New Vision online on October 21 ahead of the official opening of the 25th heads of state and Government under COMESA at the new parliament in Harare, Zimbabwe. Kasolo said Vice President Jessica Alupo is expected to represent President Yoweri Museveni at the COMESA Summit that starts today (October 22).
At the Summit of COMESA heads of state and government, the President of Zimbabwe, Emerson Mnangagwa, is expected to take over from President William Ruto of Kenya as the new chairperson of COMESA.
He was speaking to New Vision online on October 21 ahead of the official opening of the 25th heads of state and Government under COMESA at the new parliament in Harare, Zimbabwe. Kasolo said Vice President Jessica Alupo is expected to represent President Yoweri Museveni at the COMESA Summit that starts today (October 22).
At the Summit of COMESA heads of state and government, the President of Zimbabwe, Emerson Mnangagwa, is expected to take over from President William Ruto of Kenya as the new chairperson of COMESA.
At the closing of the Business Forum in Harare on 20 October 2026, Mnangagwa said it was important to remove barriers to regional trade and also promote movement of people in the region.
He is also the outgoing chairperson of the Southern Africa and Development Corporation (SADC). COMESA, SADC and the East African Community have a tripartite relationship.
Mnangagwa said borders should not be barriers to trade, adding that trade corridors are being formed in the region to promote faster movement of goods.
"The countries are improving infrastructure and promoting digital technologies," he said. COMESA has 21 member states with an annual trade volume of $1 trillion.
He is also the outgoing chairperson of the Southern Africa and Development Corporation (SADC). COMESA, SADC and the East African Community have a tripartite relationship.
Mnangagwa said borders should not be barriers to trade, adding that trade corridors are being formed in the region to promote faster movement of goods.
"The countries are improving infrastructure and promoting digital technologies," he said. COMESA has 21 member states with an annual trade volume of $1 trillion.