LUSAKA – COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe expressed her thanks to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, his government and the people of Egypt for their support of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa during the Egyptian presidency over the past two years, noting that the COMESA was able during that period to strengthen its cooperation regarding facilitating transportation, the movement of people, and economic support.
This came in a speech delivered by the Secretary-General during the activities of the 22nd COMESA Summit in Zambia, which was held with the participation of President Sisi and witnessed the handover of the presidency from Egypt to Zambia.
Kapwebwe emphasized that the solidarity and support for the COMESA integration agenda and the commitment to its implementation is highly appreciated, adding that the conflict in Europe and the impact of climate change have affected Africa’s development agenda.
During President Sisi’s presidency, the COMESA had a medium-term strategic plan (2021-2025) that was launched to achieve the continuous growth of its institutions, she said, noting that President Sisi provided many directives for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The COMESA is one of the African economic blocs recognized by the African Union and it has a pivotal role in supporting regional integration efforts through its various institutions, she said, explaining that this was achieved through the support of various parties and continental bodies in addition to regional and international organizations.
Without continuous cooperation, it would not have been possible to achieve the free market, she said, pointing out that economic integration serves a COMESA that enjoys a lot of added value and investments and a green economy. She added that she is looking forward to work to move the AfCFTA to greater horizons to improve African work towards creating an integrated market.
She asserted that the election of Zambia to the COMESA presidency is a realization of the country’s readiness to support contribution to the principles and objectives of the COMESA and African cooperation. Hosting the summit demonstrates the commitment of the Zambian government to the economic and social development of the region and the improvement of the standard of living of its people, she noted.
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