COMESA Week in Ethiopia: Strengthening Regional Integration Through Value Chains
Key Stakeholders Gather to Accelerate Economic Growth
Chief Executive Officers and representatives from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) have convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the 2nd Awareness Forum. This two-day event aims to enhance visibility of COMESA’s operations among local stakeholders and partners.
The forum has drawn participants from government agencies, private sector organizations, Export Promotion Agencies, multilateral development partners, women entrepreneurs, youth groups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), higher learning institutions, and media representatives.
Focus on Climate-Resilient Value Chains
Under the theme ‘Accelerating Regional Integration through the Development of Regional Value Chains in Climate Resilient Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism’, the event addresses the urgent need for sustainable industrial development in a rapidly changing global environment.
H.E. Kassahun Gofe Balami (PhD), Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, officially opened COMESA Week, emphasizing how the forum aligns with Ethiopia’s economic diversification efforts. He highlighted key national programs including:
- The Green Legacy Initiative (planting 40+ billion trees)
- National wheat initiatives
- YeLemat Trufat development program
“Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and emerging eco-tourism opportunities position it as a premier destination for both the COMESA region and global visitors,” Minister Balami stated.
Building on Previous Successes
COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe noted the event builds on the success of the inaugural forum held in Mauritius (April 2024), which improved institutional visibility and private sector engagement with COMESA instruments.
“The second Forum seeks to deepen engagement and advance the strategic pillars of the COMESA Mid-Term Strategic Plan, particularly in integration, industrial development, trade expansion, and resilience,” Kapwepwe explained.
Women’s Economic Empowerment Takes Center Stage
A highlight of COMESA Week is the 6th Trade Fair organized by the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB), featuring:
- 300+ women entrepreneurs from 21 African countries
- Business-to-business networking sessions
- Projected $2 million in intra-African trade deals
Ms. Maureen Sumbwe of COMFWB called for greater support to address challenges facing women entrepreneurs across member states.
Shaping the Future of Regional Integration
The forum demonstrates COMESA’s integrated approach to regional development, focusing on:
- Trade facilitation and investment promotion
- Infrastructure modernization
- Digital financial inclusion
- Value addition in key sectors
- Youth and women’s economic empowerment
Secretary General Kapwepwe cited Ethiopia’s growing leather industry as a model of successful transformation through policy support and SME development.