The spread of the Coronavirus in the COMESA region which has forced some countries to take measures such as closing borders to contain it has continued to negatively affect the operations of Small-Scale Cross Border Traders whose livelihoods depend on frequently crossing borders buying and selling goods. The restrictions which includes bans on inter-country movement…
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Seychelles and Eritrea have not recorded a new case of the Coronavirus for more than three weeks and this has been attributed to several factors which includes strong health institutions, early response, proper coordination, tracing, testing and treatment. Mauritius was also in this group but recently recorded two new imported cases. According to an analytical…
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COMESA Countries should consider forming Public Private Partnerships to reduce the burden of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the limited government resources. These partnerships will also help the governments to assist the people most affected such as women in the micro and small-scale trading sector. According to Gender Expert at COMESA Secretariat, Ms.…
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This paper seeks to analyses the possible impact of COVID-19 on the health sector in the COMESA region. The brief utilizes the four WHO pillars of health delivery which include, service delivery, health workforce, access to essential equipment and medication and adequate resources. The WHO framework seeks to build the resilience of health systems in…
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This article provides an exposition of potential trade effects and mitigation measures of the COVID-19 in COMESA. The COMESA Free Trade Area (FTA), which was launched in 2000 has experienced a tremendous growth as evidenced by the growth of intra-COMESA trade from US$ 1.5 billion to 10.3 billion dollars in 2018. Today, these efforts and…
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The COMESA region represents 29.19% (34,606) of the total cases reported in Africa (118,535). While some of the Member States reported a surge in the number of new cases in the earlier stages, these numbers have reduced and in some cases such as Eritrea, Mauritius and Seychelles have reported zero active cases for a while.…
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Lusaka, May 26, 2020: COMESA has received 5, 000 surgical masks worth $4,500 from the International Center on Small Hydro Power (ICSHP). The masks will support small scale cross border traders at selected border posts for COVID-19 prevention. Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe received the masks in Lusaka, Tuesday 26 May from Mr. Jerro Zhou of…
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Chairperson, Distinguished Honourable Ministers, Chief Executives of COMESA Institutions Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my pleasure to have this opportunity to make a few remarks at the opening of this Meeting, which for the first time is being held online due to the new ways of working brought about by the effects of the Coronavirus…
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Chairperson, Distinguished Permanent/Principal Secretaries, Distinguished Delegates, My Colleagues Chief Executives of COMESA Institutions My Colleagues Assistant Secretaries General Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning. It is my singular honor and privilege to have this opportunity to say a few words at the opening of this meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee. Allow me at the very outset…
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May 24, 2020: Since the first case of Covid-19 was reported in the Great Lakes region in mid-March 2020, small scale traders have been unable to cross borders as they have traditionally done either to buy or sell goods. The regional supply of primary agricultural commodities, most of which are traded under the Simplified Trade Regime…
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