To strengthen engagement and information sharing with stakeholders across the region, the COMESA Secretariat participated in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo from 21 – 26 April 2025, whose theme was “Industrialisation and Economic Integration: Strengthening Africa’s Resilience.”
The COMESA information booth was a bustling hub of activity, attracting visitors from the business community, academia, government and ordinary citizens. Attendees were eager to learn about COMESA programmes and gain insights into Zimbabwe’s progress in regional integration initiatives.
Key topics of interest included how to access the COMESA market, deepen intra-COMESA trade, and promote the sustainability of the regional integration programmes.
The fair had different side events which included the Connect Africa Symposium – where COMESA participated on a panel discussion on Strengthening Regional Frameworks for Sustainable Development and Economic Integration.
Trade Officer at COMESA Secretariat Ms Bonakele Ndzinisa represented the organisation on the panel and discussed in detail the different regional integration programmes while highlighting the Secretariat’s role in coordinating policies for sustainable economic integration.
“For the COMESA region, trade is a vital driver of economic growth, income enhancement, and empowerment. We are committed to fostering these connections and facilitating continuous development within our member states,” Ms Ndzinisa added.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has received assistance aimed at facilitating trade, which includes signing of the European Union funded sub-delegation agreement with the COMESA Secretariat for the upgrade of the Chirundu Border Post valued at €4,099,682. As a result of this collaboration, the Chirundu Border Post now boasts modernized ICT infrastructure, completed road carriageway markings, refurbished cold storage facilities, partitioned office spaces, and information screens.
COMESA has also aided Zimbabwe in acquiring essential equipment to bolster both domestic and international trade. This includes metrology tools, such as rapid testing kits and other measurement equipment, valued at approximately €227,526, provided through the COMESA Trade Facilitation Programme. With these tools, Zimbabwe aims to improve cargo tracking, minimize revenue loss from transit fraud, enhance border security with CCTV systems, and reduce errors by border agencies and clearing agents, ultimately leading to faster clearance times.
Added to this is the support through the Small-Scale Cross Border Trade Initiative and in the elimination of non-tariff barriers.
Other staff servicing the ZITF 2025 included Mr Benjamin Masila Head of the Information Resources Unit Mr. Benjamin Masila and Muzinge Nampito from the Corporate Communications Unit.