Author: Mwangi Gakunga

Regional Apex Bank’s Staff Trained to Address Data Delays in Forecasting GDP

Most Member States do not compile high-frequency measures of gross domestic product (GDP). If they do, the estimates come with a considerable lag, yet policy decisions need to be made often, particularly when major shocks such as COVID-19 pandemic or climate related shocks have occurred. This has inspired the COMESA Monetary Institute to come up…
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First Compendium of Environment Statistics for Kenya Launched

COMESA and the Government of Kenya launched the first-ever Compendium of Environment Statistics for Kenya, on 20 March 2025, a vital resource that consolidates key data on environmental conditions, natural resource use, waste management, disasters, human settlements, and environmental policies. Developed by COMESA through its EU-funded Eleventh European Development Fund (EDF-11) Institutional Capacity Building Program…
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COMESA-EU Partnership Shaping a Digital Future

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has taken a significant stride toward digital transformation with the successful conclusion of a three-day technical scoping workshop for the Safe Digital Boost for Africa (SDBA) Programme. The workshop, held from 4 – 6March 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, brought together key stakeholders to chart a course…
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Regional Enterprise Competitiveness and Access to Markets Programme Ends

The Regional Enterprise Competitiveness and Access to Markets Programme (RECAMP) has successfully concluded after a four-year implementation period. Funded by the 11th European Development Fund, the €8 million programme aimed to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agro-processing, horticulture, and leather value chains across the COMESA region. RECAMP’s impact has…
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CMI Trains Banks’ Staff on Financial Crisis Management

The complexities of managing a financial crisis are often heightened by external shocks, such as commodity price fluctuations, particularly in countries heavily reliant on these resources. These challenges underscore the importance of implementing best practices to prevent financial crises and enhancing crisis management tools to mitigate their negative impacts. This is especially relevant for low-income…
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‘Support RECs to strengthen regional integration,’ COMESA urges G20

COMESA was among the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) that   participated in the Group of Twenty (G20)’s first meeting to be chaired by an African nation held on 20 – 21 February 2025. Under South Africa’s leadership, the inaugural G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting took place in Johannesburg, attended by ministers from the member countries, representatives…
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COMESA Court Delivers Landmark Decision on the Use of Safeguard Measures

The COMESA Court of Justice Delivers a Landmark Decision on Safeguard Measures

COMESA@30 Golf Tournament: Celebrating Milestones and Future Aspirations

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) hosted a spectacular Golf Tournament at Lusaka Golf Club on October 11, 2024. The event drew 128 participants, creating an exciting atmosphere filled with camaraderie and competition, as players came together to honor COMESA’s remarkable journey in advancing regional integration.…
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Countdown to the 23rd COMESA Summit and 30th Anniversary Celebrations

As preparations intensify for the 23rd COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government in Bujumbura, Burundi, scheduled for October 31, 2024, Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives from COMESA member states based in Lusaka have been updated on the event’s progress. On September 27, 2024, COMESA Secretary General, Chileshe Kapwepwe, briefed the diplomats on key highlights…
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COMESA Research Forum: Push for Greater Value Addition, Green Investments, and Tourism

The 11th COMESA Annual Research Forum began today, bringing together policymakers, academics, think tanks, and the private sector from COMESA Member States and beyond to discuss emerging issues in regional integration. The virtual forum, themed “Fostering Economic Integration and Inclusivity in COMESA through Value Addition, Green Investments, and Tourism,” is part of ongoing capacity-building initiatives…
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