Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – May 5, 2025.
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has officially launched COMESA Week 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, celebrating 30 years of regional integration and economic collaboration. The week-long event, held at the Skylight Hotel, aims to raise public awareness about COMESA’s impact and foster engagement among policymakers, businesses, youth, and media personnels.
Highlights of COMESA Week 2025
The celebrations feature two major events:
1. The 2nd COMESA Institutions Awareness Forum (May 5-6, 2025)
Focused on
boosting visibility of COMESA’s role in regional development.
Theme:
Accelerating Regional Integration through the Development of Regional Value and Integration in Member States plus Chains in Climate-Resilient, Agriculture Mining ,and Tourism.
Brings together government officials private sector leaders, women entrepreneurs ,youth and media representatives.
2. The 6th COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) Trade Fair & Business Conference May 7-9/ 2025
A platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase products network and discuss trade opportunities.
Keynote Addresses & Commitments
The forum was officially opened by
H.E. Kassahun Gofe Balami (PhD) Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration who emphasized the alignment of COMESA’s agenda with Ethiopia’s economic priorities including the Green Legacy Initiative and national wheat production programs.
COMESA Secretary General H.E. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe highlighted the importance of regional value chains in driving Africa’s sustainable development. She stressed that resilient agriculture mining, and tourism sectors are crucial for economic growth and job creation.
As COMESA marks three decades of fostering trade investment and industrialization this event serves as a critical platform for:
Strengthening public-private partnerships.
Enhancing youth and women’s participation in trade.
Promoting climate-smart economic strategies.
With high-level discussions, exhibitions and networking sessions COMESA Week 2025 is set to shape the future of regional integration in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Emebet Asefa | Correspondent
