Comesa businesses seek finance reforms and trade barrier removal
The Comesa Business Council adopted a declaration calling for better access to funding for SMEs, women, and youth.
Regional businesses are pushing for improved access to finance, the removal of trade barriers, and increased investment in industries to boost trade and economic integration across the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa). These proposals are detailed in the Comesa Business Declaration 2026, adopted on October 20 in Harare.
The declaration, released by the Comesa Business Council, specifically calls for coordinated industrial policies and investment in processing facilities. It also demands better access to funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), women, youth, and informal businesses to strengthen regional value chains and diversify exports.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa assumed the chairmanship of the Comesa Authority for the 2026-2027 period during the 25th Comesa Summit. He pledged to advance the value addition agenda for the region.
Why it mattersBusinesses in Zimbabwe and across Comesa will be affected by potential reforms to access finance and trade barriers.