As an agenda-setter for public discourse, the media significantly influences what the public considers important by how topics are communicated, framed, and emphasized. Therefore, to gain public traction on any topic, media engagement is essential.

This understanding led to the decision to invite the local media in Madagascar to a one-day sensitization forum about COMESA. The aim was to educate them on what COMESA is, the benefits and opportunities of being a member, and to encourage them to inform the public through their various platforms.

Journalists from various media organizations, along with communication officers from the public sector, participated in the interactive forum hosted by COMESA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Madagascar, with support from the European Union. This event was part of the COMESA Week activities in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and aimed to raise awareness of COMESA’s 30-year impact.

Technical experts from the COMESA Secretariat and the Coordinating Ministry guided the journalists through various programs covering trade, industry, agriculture, gender, and support from development partners, among others.

The role of the COMESA Court of Justice was a key topic that generated significant interest from both journalists and government officials in attendance, highlighting the need for more engagement with key stakeholders.

The COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) also participated in the forum, helping to raise awareness about its mandate and role in regional integration.

Presenters included Ms. Nyambura Mbatia, Registrar of the Court; Mr. Chikakula Miti, Chief Executive Officer of COMFWB; Mrs. Beatrice Hamusonde, Director of Gender; Ms. Esther Mwimba, Senior Private Sector Development Officer; and Ms. Jane Kibiru, Research Fellow.