Source: COMESA Summit preparations gather pace – herald
Herald Reporter
PREPARATIONS for the hosting of the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit are gathering pace, with technical inspections and planning by the organisation’s Secretariat and Government ministries focusing on digital connectivity, transport logistics and readiness of the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
The summit will be held on October 22, with Zimbabwe set to assume the rotational chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) from Kenya for the 2026-2027 period.
Preparations are being undertaken well ahead of the arrival of regional leaders and their delegations, with relevant Government departments working with the COMESA Secretariat to ensure that the venue and supporting infrastructure meet the requirements of the high-level gathering.
Technical work includes assessments of digital connectivity systems, transport arrangements and venue facilities, among other logistical requirements.
The summit will be held under the theme: “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”
It will be preceded by the COMESA Business Forum on October 20, bringing together investors, policymakers and business leaders, while the Council of Ministers/Foreign Affairs meeting will be held on October 21 to finalise policy matters ahead of the Heads of State and Government Summit.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing recently, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Cabinet had approved the hosting of the summit.
“Cabinet considered and approved the hosting of the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Heads of State and Government Summit on 22 October 2026 as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Prof Amon Murwira,” he said. The summit was aimed at advancing industrialisation, investment and regional economic integration.
Zimbabwe will leverage its COMESA chairmanship to advance practical measures that deepen regional economic integration and promote investment and industrial development. The new Parliament Building, which will host the summit, is therefore receiving particular attention as Government works to ensure that all facilities and technical systems are ready before the October gathering.
Transport logistics are also a key component of the preparations, with planning expected to cover the movement of Heads of State, ministers, officials and other delegates between the airport, accommodation facilities and summit venue.
Digital connectivity will be equally critical, given the scale of international media coverage and the need for seamless communication among delegations and with their respective capitals.
Zimbabwe’s assumption of the COMESA Chairmanship comes shortly after President Mnangagwa’s tenure as SADC Chairperson, further placing the country at the centre of regional economic and political engagements.
COMESA, comprising 21 member States, is focused on promoting free trade, economic cooperation and sustainable development across Eastern and Southern Africa.
The summit’s theme places particular emphasis on inclusive industrialisation, investment and regional integration, areas that are central to the bloc’s efforts to strengthen intra-regional trade and economic growth.
COMESA is also implementing initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to trade and strengthening productive sectors.
COMMENTS