COMESA Summit in Harare marks Zimbabwe's chairmanship transition

The 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit of Heads of State and Government is being held in Harare, Zimbabwe. The summit marks a leadership transition as Kenyan President William Ruto hands over the chairmanship to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the 2026–2027 term. The Kingdom of Eswatini will serve as Vice-Chairperson, while Kenya remains the Rapporteur.

Under the theme “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA,” the summit focuses on trade facilitation, industrial development, and regional connectivity. Leaders are expected to discuss accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and enhancing intra-regional trade.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is attending the summit to advocate for the removal of trade barriers and the strengthening of regional value chains. This comes amid concerns from researchers at PARI-Africa that regional infrastructure and mineral exports must be paired with local industrialization and job creation to ensure long-term economic prosperity for African communities.