Addis Ababa, May 6, 2025 (FMC) — Leaders and representatives from institutions of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), are gathered in Addis Ababa for the 2nd Awareness Forum.
This event is all about boosting visibility and understanding of COMESA’s operations among local stakeholders and partners.
Government officials, private sector organizations, women entrepreneurs, youth, and the media are participating at the three day forum.
The forum’s theme, “Accelerating Regional Integration through the Development of Regional Value Chains in Climate Resilient Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism,” is timely and relevant for the region.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe highlighted how the discussions align with Ethiopia’s focus on economic diversification and resilience. He mentioned initiatives like the Green Legacy Initiative and national wheat programs as examples of Ethiopia’s commitment.
In her remarks COMESA’s Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe said the event reflected the region’s collective recognition that Africa’s sustainable development hinges upon building resilient, competitive, and inclusive value chains across key sectors that are central to our economies and livelihoods.
Through integrated efforts in trade, investment, infrastructure, and empowerment, COMESA institutions are working together to build a stronger, more inclusive regional economy.
The forum is a vital step in ensuring stakeholders is aware of and actively engaged with the services and instruments offered by COMESA institutions.
Kapwepwe highlighted the bloc’s impressive statistics: 21 Member States, over 655 million people, a 1.1+ trillion USD GDP, and significant contributions to Africa’s mineral wealth and agricultural output.
COMESA is more than just numbers; it’s a strategic engine for regional transformation. Through integrated efforts in trade, investment, infrastructure, and empowerment, COMESA institutions are working together to build a stronger, more inclusive regional economy.
This forum is a testament to the power of collective action in shaping the future of African integration.