In an interview with Zoom Africa from Zambia, Ambassador Mohamed Qadah reveals the inner workings of COMESA and Egypt's role in the equation.
Egypt's role in COMESA
In light of the growing trend towards strengthening economic integration within the African continent, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) stands out as one of the most important active regional blocs that supports continental integration efforts and expands the prospects for cooperation among member states.
In this context, Zoom Africa conducted an interview with Ambassador Mohamed Qadah, Assistant Secretary-General in charge of programs at the organization, highlighting the origins and development of COMESA, its diverse economic agenda, and reviewing the pivotal Egyptian role within the bloc, especially in the areas of trade and investment.
The dialogue also addresses the opportunities the agreement offers to businesspeople and companies, the challenges facing intra-African trade, and emphasizes the promising potential for strengthening economic cooperation in the coming period. Here is the text of the dialogue:
What is COMESA, and what is your position and role within it?
COMESA Regional grouping, One of the eight groups Accredited or directly affiliated With the African Union within the framework of the continental action agenda Continental integration and cooperation in general وIt is the largest active regional grouping on the continent.
It also One of the oldest communities on the continent as well Its origins date back to 1981 Then in 1994 It underwent restructuring and transformed into COMESA, as it had Previously, it had a different name. With different rules and framework But it changed to its current form in 1994
One of the most important features of COMESA is It is extensive, its membership Extending across several regions of the continent From the north, from Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt Down to Sudan and East Africa, And down to the southern African region, Reaching Eswatini in the far south, And of course, the island member states of COMESA include Mauritius. Madagascar and others
How many member states are in COMESA and what is its agenda?
The number of member states is 21, including A state whose membership is incomplete, وIt is specifically the Republic of Somalia, which The membership procedures have not yet been fully completed. However, we can still say that the number is 21 countries.
Her agenda, It is the same agenda as continental integration. But at the sub-regional level, it Same agenda BVarious sectors Trade and regional integration, andIn the topics and field of trade and Areas of investment and economic integration Also, topics of political coordination and integration.
They also share similar themes, And coordinating efforts at the level of joint African action in general, The primary reference in the COMESA work agenda Like regional blocs Although of course there are differences between themIn terms of areas of active and practical engagement and impact on the ground,The primary reference for all of this is the Abuja Agreement. Regarding the establishment of the Common African Economic Community, وThis is the primary reference for all these gatherings and the African Union as well.
Focusing on Egypt's role in COMESA... How can businessmen and companies Will you benefit from the agreement?
Egypt is one of the countries that joined COMESA After the restructuring in 1994, specifically in 1998 Egypt is the largest country in the region. In terms of economic size and influence, and also It is one of the largest countries Contributing to the COMESA balance Contributing to and participating in COMESA activities and programs in general
Egypt has an active and continuous presence in COMESA.In all sectors and all meetings Starting with the secondary summits organized by COMESA And reaching the technical levels specific to various fields of technical and sectoral cooperation Egypt's benefit from trade, which is the most obvious area of expertise, but it is not the only one. In the areas of the Commune's activities.
But if we start with trade, Egypt is the biggest beneficiary of the COMESA free trade agreement. I can say that the volume of Egyptian exports and imports under the umbrella of the COMESA free trade area is almost a third of the total trade exchange in COMESA.
But the total intra-COMESA trade is only $14 billion, and this is a very small number because it represents a small percentage of the total trade of COMESA member states. This is an issue with dimensions and reasons that I do not want to delve into, but I also want to point them out quickly, because the volume of intra-African trade as a whole at the continental level is around 15%, not exceeding 17% or 18% at best.
The reasons for this are due to the fact that there are no effective and efficient communication channels and means, and often there is no funding, which is one of the challenges that hinders trade.
Besides the fact that most African countries, by virtue of their economic structures, are exporters of raw materials, as manufactured goods, investment space, and economic activity in manufacturing and value-added addition are limited, with all these reasons and dimensions there is a very large horizon, greater benefit from the COMESA free trade area, certainly from the side of Egypt, as it is the largest economic country in terms of economic size, and the largest beneficiary of the free trade area, and also with regard to the price of the largest countries.
What are the areas of COMESA?
COMESA is not just about trade; there is also investment in agriculture, industry, health, energy, information and communication technology, and transportation. It is an African economic community, not a minority.
African economic blocs are not limited to trade; they are regional economic groups that operate and are active in all areas of economic and international cooperation.
We expect a visit from COMESA Secretary General Ms. Chilichin Bondo Kapwapwe to Cairo in the near future. During this visit, she will have the opportunity to meet with officials in the Egyptian government and the Egyptian business community. This visit will be an opportunity for further introduction and cooperation with COMESA.
