The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the European Union (EU) have moved to deepen economic and political co-operation as global trade systems face growing uncertainty and disruption.
The Second EU–COMESA Strategic Political Dialogue, held in Lusaka, Zambia, focused on strengthening regional integration, improving trade resilience and aligning long-term development priorities.
Opening the meeting, COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe warned that recent global disruptions, including instability along the Red Sea corridor, had exposed the vulnerability of international supply chains and highlighted the need for stronger regional cooperation.
“Recent disruptions along key maritime routes have demonstrated the vulnerability of global supply chains and reinforced the strategic importance of resilient regional integration frameworks,” Kapwepwe said.
The EU reaffirmed its support for COMESA programmes, with more than 315 million Euros ($357 million) already invested in areas including trade facilitation, customs modernisation, infrastructure, maritime security and institutional development.
A key focus of the discussions was accelerating implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with leaders stressing that regional blocs such as COMESA must play a central role in driving Africa’s continental integration agenda.
Ambassador Karolina Stasiak said COMESA’s role would be critical to the success of the AfCFTA and warned against fragmented regional trade systems.
The dialogue also highlighted the importance of transport infrastructure and trade corridors such as the Lobito Corridor in boosting competitiveness and lowering business costs across the region.
Participants further emphasised the link between peace, security and economic development, noting that stable political environments are essential for trade, investment and long-term growth.
Ambassador Javier Niño Pérez said governance, peace and development remain closely interconnected.
“Governance and development are, ultimately, inseparable,” Pérez said.
–ChannelAfrica–
