The COMESA Investment Forum 2024, held in Tunisia, witnessed highly successful Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions, marking a significant milestone in fostering regional economic cooperation and investment. Organized by the COMESA RIA in collaboration with the Government of Tunisia and funded by the European Union’s 11th Development Fund (EDF11). Special focus was given to the Regional Enterprise Competitiveness and Access to Markets Programme (RECAMP). The forum brought together industry leaders, investors and entrepreneurs from across the region.
The B2B sessions were a cornerstone of the forum, facilitating over 200 meetings between potential business partners from all 21 COMESA Member States. These sessions provided a dynamic platform for direct interaction, allowing participants to explore opportunities for collaboration, discuss potential partnerships, and negotiate business deals.
The sessions attracted a diverse group of participants, including ministers, decision-makers, business executives, investors, and representatives from the private sector. Many businesses expressed optimism about the prospects of expanding their operations and entering new markets within the COMESA region. The high turnout and active engagement underscored the strong interest in regional integration and the potential for business growth within the COMESA region. Further the B2B sessions led to several promising outcomes that paved the way for future investments and collaborations within the COMESA region. Participants reported productive discussions on various sectors, including Agro processing, pharmaceuticals, among others, highlighting the region’s diverse economic potential.
The success of the B2B sessions at the COMESA Investment Forum 2024 underscores the importance of such platforms in promoting regional integration and economic development. The positive outcomes and high level of engagement set a strong precedent for future forums, encouraging continued collaboration and investment within the region.
COMESA aims to create a favourable business environment, increase investment flows, and enhance participation in global value chains. The success of these B2B sessions marked a significant step towards achieving these goals. COMESA plans to building on this momentum and continuing to support initiatives that drive economic growth and integration across the region.