Over 400 representatives from the private sector, small scale traders, women entrepreneurs, policy makers and civil society organisations from across the COMESA region gathered in Bujumbura, Burundi for the 17th COMESA Business Forum. The annual forum has been organised by the COMESA Business Council (CBC) in collaboration with the Government of Burundi and support from the European Union 11th Development Fund.
The theme of the two-day forum is “Accelerating Regional Integration through the Development of Regional Value Chains in Climate Resilient Agriculture, Mining and Tourism”.
Burundi Prime Minister, H.E. Gervais Ndirakobuca opened the Forum and called for concerted efforts to enhance intra-regional trade and boost economic development. He underscored Burundi’s commitment towards full economic integration through encouraging Member States to implement the various COMESA programmes.
Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe urged the region to focus on addressing trade barriers and enhancing regional cooperation. COMESA, she emphasized, has substantial room to increase intra-regional trade, potentially matching or exceeding the performance of other Regional Economic Communities.
CBC President Mr. James Chimwaza urged the delegates to recommend specific measures to address challenges faced by Member States. Particular emphasis, he said should be on enhancing climate-resilient agriculture, advancing mining value chains, and expanding tourism.
“By fostering collaboration and innovation, we aim to strengthen our regional integration efforts and build a more resilient and prosperous COMESA,” he said.
The Forum precedes the 23rd COMESA Heads of State and Governments Summit which will be held on Thursday 31st October in Bujumbura, where the Business Forum Declaration will be presented.
Speech by COMESA Secretary General: click here to download
Speech by CBC President: Click here to download