President William Ruto is among African leaders attending the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The summit, running from October 19 to 22, 2026, is focused on strengthening regional trade, investment, industrialisation and economic integration among member states.
This year’s meeting is being held under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”
A key outcome of the gathering is the leadership transition, with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa set to assume the COMESA chairmanship for the 2026–2027 period from Ruto, who has been leading the regional bloc.
The summit provides a platform for leaders to discuss ways of expanding trade among member countries, strengthening regional value chains and aligning COMESA’s integration agenda with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Deliberations are also expected to feature the launch of the COMESA Medium-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP) 2026–2030, which will guide the bloc’s priorities over the next five years, alongside the launch of its 2025 Annual Report.
Leaders are expected to consider the state of regional integration and explore opportunities to boost industrialisation, particularly in critical minerals, agriculture and manufacturing.
Reports from the Council of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Ministers and the COMESA Business Forum will also inform discussions at the summit.
Preparatory activities preceding the main meeting included the COMESA Green Industry Connect, the Business Forum and a meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers.
The summit comes as African countries seek to increase intra-African trade, attract investment and reduce reliance on imported manufactured goods by developing local industries and regional supply chains.
COMESA brings together countries across Eastern and Southern Africa to promote economic cooperation and facilitate trade through a larger integrated regional market.
The outcomes of the Harare meeting are expected to shape the bloc’s priorities on industrial development, investment and cross-border commerce as member states pursue deeper economic integration.
