COMESA: Manufacturing is the cornerstone of economic transformation in Africa

6 days ago

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Written by: Ayman Ragab

Manufacturing remains the cornerstone of economic transformation in Africa, and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) continues to contribute to shaping this future.

Senior government officials from the 21 COMESA member states met in Lusaka, Zambia, to participate in the fifth meeting of the Technical Committee on Industry, which is a strategic platform for discussing policies to enhance industrial competitiveness, deepen regional integration, and accelerate sustainable economic growth.

Promoting investment and developing regional cooperation

At the opening of the meeting, COMESA Assistant Secretary-General for Programmes, Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Qadah, stressed the importance of promoting investment, developing regional cooperation, and advancing the industrial transformation process in order to consolidate the COMESA region’s position as a competitive destination for manufacturing and investment.

On behalf of the Government of Zambia, Permanent Secretary Ms. Lillian Bwalya called for coordinated efforts to translate policies into tangible results by providing an attractive investment environment, enhancing productive capacities, and creating quality employment opportunities throughout the region.

Over the next two days, participants will discuss a number of strategic priorities, including enhancing industrial competitiveness, developing regional value chains, supporting the pharmaceutical industry, encouraging investment, and implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. The meeting's outcomes are expected to contribute to strengthening regional production systems, increasing added value, and enhancing the resilience of African economies to challenges.

By promoting consistent regional policies and building strategic partnerships, COMESA continues to drive industrialization as a key driver of inclusive growth, regional prosperity, and the achievement of the goals of Agenda 2063.