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 aimed at strengthening economic and trade policy research and analysis to bolster integration and trade within the COMESA region and across Africa.
The forum serves as a platform to bridge the gap between academia, the private sector, and policymakers in the formulation of economic integration and regional trade policies. In her opening address, COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe hailed the event as a key milestone, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of COMESA.
“The use of scientific research and evidence has become crucial for sound policy formulation, significantly reducing the rate of policy failures,” Kapwepwe stated. “This forum helps us stay connected with current policy challenges while drawing upon new knowledge and insights from scholars, researchers, academics, and policymakers.”
Keynote speaker Ms. Dorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, emphasized the need for accurate and timely data for exporters, policymakers, and small businesses.
“The greatest hurdle standing in the way of greater integration, through value addition, green investment and tourism – and the benefit this can bring to COMESA small business – is the lack of timely, comprehensive data on trade and market trends, analysis and export requires,” she noted.
Mr. Georges Chikoti, Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), highlighted the significance of research and development in value addition. He pointed out that 70% of the organization’s member states rely on commodities for 60% of their revenues.
Over the course of the three-day forum, eight full research papers will be presented, addressing topics such as green investment, climate finance, value chain development, tourism, and the inclusion of women and youth in regional economic integration.
Over 100 delegates attended the first day of the forum.
In addition to COMESA Member States, universities, and COMESA institutions, this year’s forum also features participation from key partners, including the OACPS, African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), Afreximbank, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), African Development Bank Group, AfCFTA Secretariat, World Bank Group, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), NEPAD Planning and Coordination Agency (NPCA), the European Commission Delegation to Zambia, and the International Trade Centre.
Speech by Secretary General COMESA