The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is a prominent regional economic bloc that was established in 1994. It encompasses 21 African member states with the core mission of promoting regional integration through trade, economic collaboration, and the development of natural and human resources. By facilitating cooperation among these nations, COMESA aims to create a more robust and unified economic region, benefiting the diverse populations of its member states.
COMESA Objectives
COMESA has laid out several key objectives aimed at fostering economic integration and development across its member states. These include:
- Free Trade Area: One of the primary goals of COMESA is to establish and maintain a free trade area, enabling the unrestricted movement of goods and services within the bloc. This involves eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers to boost trade.
- Customs Union: The bloc aims to create a customs union under which goods and services imported from non-COMESA countries will attract a single agreed tariff (known as the Common External Tariff) in all member states.
- Free Movement of Capital and Investment: COMESA seeks to facilitate the free movement of capital and encourage investment by establishing a common investment area, aimed at creating a more favorable investment climate for the region.
- Payment and Monetary Union: Over time, COMESA plans to establish a regional payment union based on the COMESA Clearing House, with the ultimate goal of creating a common monetary union featuring a unified currency.
- Relaxation of Visa Requirements: Another key objective is the gradual relaxation and eventual elimination of visa requirements within the COMESA region, facilitating easier movement of people across member states.
List of All COMESA Countries
As of 2024, COMESA comprises 21 member states, each benefiting from the trade and economic policies promoted by the organization. Here is the complete list of COMESA countries:
- Burundi
- Comoros
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
COMESA Headquarters and Contacts
The COMESA Secretariat is located in Lusaka, Zambia, where it coordinates the activities of the member states and supports their economic objectives.
- Location: COMESA Center, Ben Bella Road, Lusaka, Zambia
- Phone: +260 211 229725
- Email: info@comesa.int or pr@comesa.int
By promoting a free trade area and economic cooperation among its member states, COMESA is playing a crucial role in advancing regional development. Through its continued efforts, the bloc is working toward its vision of a fully integrated, competitive, and prosperous economic community in Eastern and Southern Africa.
