The summit, scheduled for October 22, 2026, is expected to focus on strategies to strengthen economic cooperation among member states, attract investment and promote industrial development.
It is being held under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”
Heads of State and Government attending the summit are expected to discuss ways to deepen economic integration among COMESA member states, promote investment and strengthen the industrial sector.
Discussions will also focus on developing value chains in key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and critical minerals, which are important to economic development.
The summit is also expected to feature the launch of COMESA’s five-year Medium-Term Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.
Leaders will further review progress towards economic integration among member states, assessing achievements to date and identifying areas that require additional efforts.
COMESA was established on December 8, 1994, replacing the Preferential Trade Area (PTA), which had been created in 1981 to facilitate trade among countries in Eastern and Southern Africa.
The organisation aims to promote economic cooperation, facilitate trade among member states, remove barriers to commerce and encourage investment. It currently comprises 21 member states, with its headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia.
Rwanda was among the countries that joined COMESA at its establishment in 1994. It subsequently officially joined the COMESA Free Trade Area on January 1, 2004, alongside Burundi.
The move helped Rwanda expand its trade opportunities with other member states through the reduction or elimination of customs duties on eligible goods and the facilitation of regional commerce.
