African Development

What is COMESA?

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is an African regional economic community (REC) made up of 21 member countries with a combined population of over 600 million people. In addition, the organization’s mission is to promote regional integration through trade, investment, and cooperation in a variety of sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and industry.

As a matter of fact, the organization began as the Preferential Trade Area for Eastern and Southern Africa (PTA) in 1981 and evolved into its current form in 1994. The headquarters of the organization are in Lusaka, Zambia.

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Why was COMESA created?

Its history began in December 1994, when it was formed to replace the former Preferential Trade Area (PTA) that had existed since 1981.

What is the purpose of COMESA?

It was established ‘as an organization of free independent sovereign states which have agreed to co-operate in developing their natural and human resources for the good of all their people’ and as such it has a wide-ranging series of objectives which necessarily include in its priorities the promotion of peace and security in the region.

Where is the headquarter of COMESA?

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa’s headquarters are in Lusaka, Zambia. Similarly, the organization’s Secretariat is located in Lusaka at the COMESA Center on Haile Selassie Avenue. Since its inception in 1994, the organization has had its headquarters in Lusaka.

What countries are in COMESA?

There are 21 African Member States with over 600 Million People. Consequently, it is said to be the largest market for trade & investment. Republic of Burundi, Union of the Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Djibouti, Arab Republic of Egypt, Kingdom of Eswatini, State of Eritrea, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Republic of Kenya, Libya, Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Mauritius, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Seychelles, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of The Sudan, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Uganda, Republic of Zambia, and Republic of Zimbabwe.

What are COMESA Priority Areas?

Additionally, COMESA has identified three primary priority areas, which are:

  1. A Free Trade Area,
  2. Customs Union, and
  3. Trade Promotion.
What is COMESA? Image of cargo trucks at port

What are the core values of COMESA?

Furthermore, according to the organization’s official website, here are their core values.

  1. We believe in satisfying our customers
  2. We take pride in our reputation for delivering services with professionalism, integrity and innovation.
  3. We believe in quality leadership, teamwork and respect for each other in an enabling environment.
  4. Our people care for our environment and uphold its social responsibility

What is the COMESA official website?

The official website for the organization is www.comesa.int

Conclusion

Finally, COMESA has emerged as a light of hope and prosperity for the region of Eastern and Southern Africa. The groups persistent commitment to regional integration has fueled economic growth, deepened trade relations, and improved the lives of millions of people across the continent. Furthermore, the organization will undoubtedly be the key to unlocking the region’s vast potential and creating a brighter future for all.