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NEWS
Vol 4 Oct - Dec 2020
Study on the Socio-
Economic Impacts of
Covid-19 Pandemic
in COMESA Released
1 COMESA Newsletter Vol. 4/20
Editorial
2
CONTENTS
Goodbye to Annus horribilis 2020 1 Opportunities Abound for Turning Around
the Low Intra-Regional Trade
T 3
he expression ‘Annus horribilis’ is derived from Latin Yellow Card Scheme has Settled Over
language meaning ‘horrible year’. Many people $1m Insurance Claims
have used this phrase to describe the year bygone, 7 Export Similarities Contributes to Low
which visited the worst calamities on them. Renown Intra-COMESA Trade
personalities that have used this phrase include the
former Secretary General of the United Nations, Dr
8 Region Targets $5B Worth of Seed Trade
by 2025
Kofi Annan, in December 2004 and Queen Elizabeth II’s
in 1992. Both used the phrase in reference to happenings within their 11 Notable Rise in Trade Barriers as
Countries Respond to Covid-19
families that embarrassed them. Kofi Annan said: There’s no doubt that
this has been a particularly difficult year, and I am relieved that this annus 12 50 Million African Women Speak
horribilis is coming to an end. The Queen said: 1992 is not a year I shall Platform Launched in Nine Countries
look back on with undiluted pleasure. In the words of one of my more 14 Border Efficiency Tops Agenda for DR
sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an ‘annus horribilis”. Congo and Zambia
However, it is the year 2020 that rightfully claims the ignoble tag of ‘Annus
horribilis’ given what it has brought forth; the Coronavirus pandemic. The 16 Impacts of COVID-19 in Focus at the
2020 COMESA Policy Organs’ Meetings
pandemic has left the world fighting for its life and livelihoods like never
before. Energy and resources that would otherwise have gone to spin 17 COVID-19 Food and Nutrition Security
the wheels of development were diverted to deal with the devastating Response Plan Endorsed
socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. As you read through this last
24 COMESA to Construct Border Export
quarter edition of 2020, much of the news you will find is about the efforts Zones for Small Scale Traders
and actions of COMESA and its Member States in responding to the
pandemic. Among these was conducting studies that provided detailed
27 Promoting an Integrated Digital Common
Payment Scheme for MSMEs
accounts of the impacts of the pandemic across all sectors in Member
States, while taking cognizance of the opportunities available to safeguard 28 COVID-19 Triggered Growth in Zambia’s
Leather Industry
the gains of economic integration and trade liberalization. The aim was to
generate debate and inform policy decisions on how economic integration 30 Tripartite Transport Corridor Trip
can provide a platform to build resilience in COMESA and the continent in Monitoring System Set for Piloting
the context of COVID-19 and possible shocks in the future. We also have
inspiring accounts of the initiatives in place to boost regional trade, food
and nutrition security, innovation among others. Likewise, there are stories
of setbacks including dipped economic growth, high inflation and rise in
non-tariff barriers. Notwithstanding, the region’s resilience has been tested
and hopefully the worst is behind us as we usher the dawn of 2021 and
bid goodbye to Annus horribilis.
EDITORIAL TEAM
EDITOR:
Mwangi Gakunga
CONTRIBUTORS:
Muzinge Nampito-Chibomba
Daniel Banda
ARTWORK/LAYOUT:
Philip Sipho Kambafwile
Disclaimer
PHOTOGRAPHY
The COMESA News is published by the Corporate Communications Unit of the Common Market Daniel Banda,
for Eastern and Southern Africa – COMESA. Articles and photos in this publication may be Mwangi Gakunga
freely reproduced but with acknowledgement of the source. The views expressed in this Muzinge Nampito-Chibomba
publication do not necessarily reflect the policy of COMESA.
Study on the Socio-Economic Impacts of
Covid-19 Pandemic in COMESA Released
A study on socio-economic impacts of
the COVID-19 pandemic in the region
was conducted and published in the
have been the most affected.
“Available data pointed to a double-digit
regional movement. Specifically, they
cited the movement of professionals
like medical personnel, engineers,
last quarter of 2020. The study will help reduction of 22% in the travel and tourism technicians, essential goods and services
Member States in developing policies to sector during the first quarter of 2020, across borders and the development
address the impacts of the pandemic on with arrivals in March down by 57%,” the of a regional strategy to encourage and
their economies. report stated. “This translates into a loss promote domestic and regional tourism.
of 67 million international arrivals and
According to the study conducted by the about USD80 billion in receipts. Current The study found that financial services
COMESA Secretariat, only six Member scenarios point to declines of 58% to 78% were more resilient due to digitization
States: Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, in international tourist arrivals for 2020.” including the use of the internet and
Rwanda and Uganda are projected to A brief on the study was presented to the mobile banking. It recommended
have positive growth rates post COVID-19 41st meeting of the Council of Ministers greater liberalization of financial and
pandemic. The resultant contraction in November 2020. In their decision, the telecommunication services to help
in economic growth is likely to hit hard ministers urged Member States to fast- reduce costs of services provision which
countries that are resource intensive, track implementation of the protocol on are currently high.
oil exporters, and tourism dependent. free movement of persons and easing
Non-resource intensive countries are On inflation, the study found that the
expected to be more resilient. Inflation was regional rate increased from 31.6% to
largely driven by 60.4% in the first of 2020, with some
Specifically, the fall in commodity prices drastic changes countries registering double digit month
affected COMESA oil and mineral in consumption on month inflation.
products exporters thereby leading of housing, water,
to sharp declines in export earnings electricity, gas and “Inflation was largely driven by
and balance of payment challenges, drastic changes in consumption of
other fuels (89%),
according to the study. Further, it housing, water, electricity, gas and
identified the services sector as the
health (78.3%) and other fuels (89%), health (78.3%) and
most affected due to travel restrictions
communication communication (69.6%) due to supply
and lockdowns. These include business (69.6%) due to shortages and confinement measures,”
services, air transport, road transport and supply shortages the report stated.
tourism. Comoros, Seychelles, Mauritius, and confinement
Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Madagascar, measures,” the report Many economies experienced increase
which heavily rely on services’ sectors stated. in nonperforming loans (NPLs) especially
to page 3
1 COMESA Newsletter Vol. 4/20
2
Dr Kipyego Cheluget
Opportunities Abound for Turning Around the
Low Intra-Regional Trade
I ntra-regional trade among the 21
Member countries of COMESA is
estimated at 7%. This low performance is
as business is the beneficiary of
opportunities that are created by regional
economic integration.
platforms for trade promotion and
e-commerce.
attributed to inadequate participation of “As we address issues related to the
all Member States in the COMESA Free Among the issues deliberated upon trading environment, work in other areas
Trade Area and the challenges they face during the three days meeting of trade of cooperation such as increasing supply
in implementing regional commitments. and customs experts, was a report on of goods for trade, establishment of
The situation is further aggravated by Trade in Services containing modalities regional value chains and addressing
poor physical connectivity leading to of resuming trade negotiations using other supply side constraints should
high transportation costs, prevalence of virtual platforms. Before COVID-19, trade progress at an equally urgent pace,” he
non-tariff barriers, lack of information negotiations between countries took said.
exchange about existing trading place in physical meetings.
opportunities and prevalence of He urged the Committee to establish a
restrictive regulatory requirements in The meeting also considered the roadmap for effective implementation of
various markets. development of customs training the COMESA FTA that can be managed
manuals on advance rulings, risk through a transparent monitoring and
Speaking during the opening of the management and post clearance evaluation framework.
36th Meeting of the Trade and Customs auditing, customs automation,
Committee virtual meeting on Tuesday, amendments to the administrative The recommendations of the trade and
October 27, 2020, Assistant Secretary provisions of the COMESA rules of origin customs experts meeting were tabled
General in Charge of Programmes in and priorities identified for the Customs before the Intergovernmental Committee
COMESA, Dr Kipyego Cheluget said and Trade Facilitation Work Programme and the Council of Ministers’ Meeting in
despite these challenges, there still exist 2021-2023. November 2020.
opportunities to leverage on.
To ensure that the COMESA trading
“We need full application of the rules- arrangements and innovative trade and “We need full application
based regime provided for under the transportation instruments are used of the rules-based regime
COMESA Non-Tariff Barriers regulations as benchmarks to African economic provided for under the
and collective implementation of integration, Dr Cheluget spelt out the COMESA Non-Tariff Barriers
the commitments under the World following priority issues: getting all regulations and collective
Trade Organization Trade Facilitation COMESA Member States to participate implementation of the
Agreement,” Dr Kipyego Cheluget. in the COMESA FTA; identifying and commitments under the
eliminating NTB’s; implementing trade
World Trade Organization
He added that the region needs to facilitation measures including the
Trade Facilitation Agreement,”
leverage more participation of the COMESA digital FTA; advancing services
private sector in the integration process liberalization and building effective
Dr Kipyego Cheluget
Yellow Card Scheme has Settled
Study on the
Over $1m Insurance Claims
Socio-Economic...
in the following sectors: tourism,
restaurant and hotels, transport and
communication, trade, real estate,
personal/household, building and
construction and manufacturing sectors.
In addition, there was a cut down
in remittance inflows in the region,
attributed to shut down in economic
activities in key source countries
including France, Italy, Spain, United
T he COMESA Motor Vehicle Insurance those required by the laws in force in the States, United Kingdom, Middle East and
Scheme paid out over $1.1 million in territories of the visited Member States. China. These account for a quarter of
compensation claims to road accident total remittances to Sub Saharan Africa.
victims caused by visiting and foreign Currently, the Yellow Card is being
motorists to the region for the period July issued in South Africa and Mozambique Steep declines in foreign direct
2019 to June 2020. to motorists traveling to the COMESA investment (FDI) were noted with delays
region under the B2B (Business to in approved development projects linked
According to a status report presented Business) arrangement with insurance to external financing mechanisms, and
to the COMESA Council of Ministers companies in third countries. The an increasingly high risk of financial
meeting in November 2020, 967 claims expansion of the Yellow Card Scheme sector contagion due to the decreased
were reported to the Scheme with beyond the COMESA region is expected ability of businesses and individuals to
298 paid. A total of 613 claims were to continue. meet their financial obligations.
outstanding which is a significant Expansionary policies undertaken in
decrease in claims compared to 874 The Council of Ministers appreciated combating the COVID-19 pandemic
claims reported during the previous that the Yellow Card Scheme is now worsened the fiscal deficits and external
period and 393 paid. being implemented by Mozambique and debt situations in most countries.
South Africa, which are non-COMESA Increased spending was notable in
At the same time, over 208,000 Yellow Members. It urged the Kingdom of health and support to businesses and
Cards were issued and a Gross Premium Eswatini to commence operations of the vulnerable populations.
Income of $12.3m recorded, showing Yellow Card scheme.
a decrease of 1.12% and a growth of Despite the challenges, the pandemic
10.16% respectively. This compares to Meanwhile, over 975 Regional Customs created opportunities for firms to
over 210,000 Yellow Cards issued in Transit Bonds (RCTG) amounting to $318 innovate, develop new strategy
2019 and a premium income of $11.1 million were executed for the period July and products, for example, through
million. 2019 to June 2020. During the same repurposing production lines to produce
period over 316, 000 Carnets were issued COVID-19 essential products.
The COMESA Yellow Card is a Third- for transfer of goods in the Northern and
Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Scheme Central Corridors which is an increase Following the study, the Council on
launched in 1987 and is currently compared to US$317.3m worth of Ministers directed speedy digitalization
operational in 13 countries including Carnets issued the previous year. of trade instruments which include
Tanzania, a non-COMESA country. electronic trade (e-trade), e-logistics
Over 200 insurance companies in the About 1, 037 Clearing and Forwarding and e-legislation under the COMESA
region are participating as subsidiary Agents and 50 insurance companies Digital Free Trade Area initiative. The
participants to the Scheme. participates in the operations of the Council urged Member States to enhance
RCTG Carnet recording claims of over investments in internet infrastructure
The main objective of the Scheme is $514, 000 the highest ever for a single and penetration to promote online
to facilitate the movement of vehicles, RCTG Bond claim. COVID-19 however, supply of services and reduce costs of
goods and persons by providing, at least had a negative impact on the Yellow communication – mobile, internet and
minimum guarantees of a compulsory Card and RCTG with slight reductions financial services to increase/expand the
third-party motor vehicle insurance as recorded. benefits of digital technology.
3 COMESA Newsletter Vol. 4/20
4
PHOTO MISSING IN 648 LINKS
Deputy Director, Africa CDC, Dr Ahmed Ouma (front 2nd left), Dr Kipyego Cheluget (front 2nd right) and staff of their respective institutions during the joint meeting at the COMESA
Secretariat in Lusaka
Africa CDC, COMESA to Collaborate
in Promoting Safe Trade
D iscussions between the Africa
Center for Diseases Control and
Prevention (CDC) and COMESA are on
other. We need to harness them for
effective response,” Dr Ouma noted.
As a result, he said, CDC had developed
Among the interventions proposed is
COMESA’s support to Member States in
manufacturing good quality products for
course to establish useful collaborations guiding principles on how to open health responses. These are focused on
on healthy trade during and post up borders safely for people to move internal trading to avoid overreliance on
Covid-19. The envisaged partnership will freely and conduct trade across various foreign supply chains.
include provision of technical support regions of the continent. CDC has also
on public health to trade facilitation initiated a campaign to open up Africa for CDC expressed interest to participate
initiatives. The objective is to protect lives trade with three objectives: minimizing in COMESA policy organs meetings
and livelihoods. the number of infections, opening up to advise on public health matters in
economies to continue to grow and policy making. CDC will also identify a
The initiative is in line with Africa CDC’s ensuring that learning institutions in the focal point to coordinate activities with
Mission to support Member States’ continent are opened. COMESA, including capacity building,
public health initiatives and strengthen given that the latter does not have health
the capacity of institutions to detect, The collaboration with COMESA will experts.
prevent, control and respond quickly and be on trade related issues to ensure
effectively to threats of disease, man- harmonized messaging across the Assistant Secretary General Dr Kipyego
made conflicts and natural disasters. region and capacity building on health. Cheluget, who led the COMESA team
Africa CDC Deputy Director, Dr Ahmed “As trade guidelines are developed and said the regional bloc will invite the
Ogwel Ouma, who was on a visit to implemented across the region, Africa participation of the CDC in the next
COMESA Secretariat, on 7 December CDC would like to be involved to ensure policy organs meetings. He added that
2020, said regional organizations in public health measures are incorporated a joint meeting of technical staff will be
Africa have institutions capable of to prevent likelihood of possible diseases organized to work out the modalities of
responding to the current and emerging transmission through trade,” Dr Ouma collaboration.
challenges such as those associated said.
with Covid-19 pandemic. What was Africa CDC is a public health agency of
lacking, he said, was harnessing their The meeting agreed on the need to the African Union established to support
synergy based on their comparative work in partnerships that cut across the public health initiatives of Member
strengths. Member States noting that joint States and strengthen the capacity of
initiatives are easily facilitated with their health institutions to deal with
“Our capacities are not talking to each resources than solitary approaches. disease threats.
Need to Reboot the
CADDP Commitments
for Food Security
M ajority of COMESA Member
States are not on track towards
achieving the goals and aspirations
of the Comprehensive African
Agricultural Development Programme
tO BE INSERTED, FOLDER (CAADP). This has prompted the
MISPLACED COMESA Council of Ministers to urge
Member States to further integrate
the Malabo Commitments into their
National Agriculture and Food Security
Investment Plans (NAAIPs) and
allocate more resources to support the
implementation.
Further, countries should prioritize more
initiatives to end hunger and reduce
poverty through agriculture and allocate
File/ (L-R) Zambia’s Justice Minister Hon. Given Lubinda, Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe and Judge President of the more resources to accelerate progress
COMESA Court, Lady Justice Lombe Chibesakunda at the opening of the meeting of Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General in
November 2019. towards building climate resilience of
the region’s agri-food systems.
Governments` Audit Staff to Serve Sitting in their 41st Meeting on 26
as External Auditors for COMESA November 2020, the Council noted
that the Secretariat has continued
working with a multiplicity of regional,
...as justice ministers, AGs adopt legal instruments for auditors
continental and global institutions to
T he COMESA Ministers of Justice money for the funds that COMESA guide public and private investments
and Attorneys General adopted Member States contribute to the in agriculture, natural resources, trade
the COMESA Board of External organization. and food security in the COMESA
Auditors (COBEA) instruments on 18th region. The aim is to contribute to the
November 2020. These will now govern During the meeting, they also considered realization of the goals and aspirations
its operations as external auditors for four draft subsidiary legal instruments of the CAADP Malabo Commitments
COMESA. The COBEA legal instruments to the COBEA Charter. These provide on achieving accelerated agricultural
include: the Rules of Procedure, the step by step guidelines for the conduct growth and transformation for shared
Standard Operating Procedures, the of audits to ensure transparency and prosperity and improved livelihood.
Quality Assurance Manual and the compliance with international standards
Financial Auditing manual. and also assure quality control. The Council also noted that while most
of the Member States made progress
COBEA is made up of Auditors General The Ministers also approved an between the first CAADP (2017) and the
from COMESA Member States and the amendment to Article 28 of the COMESA second (2019) biennial cycles, majority
new instruments enable them to serve Treaty to expand the jurisdiction of the of them are not on track towards
as external auditors for the COMESA COMESA Court of Justice to include achieving the commitments by 2025.
Secretariat and its agencies. handling of Investor/ State disputes.
During the same meeting, the
The Ministers and AGs adopted the This decision was informed by the cost Secretariat was directed to strengthen
instruments during their 23rd meeting involved in engaging in arbitration outside engagement with development and
conducted virtually. the African continent. This is in addition strategic partners including the
to exclusion of African Arbitrators in private sector to leverage financial
The legal instruments seek to enhance Arbitration Panels in some commercial and technical resources to fast-track
among others, internal controls for centers of the world such as New York the implementation of CAADP Malabo
the management of resources of the and London. commitments
Common Market to ensure value for
5 COMESA Newsletter Vol. 4/20
6
Countries Urged
to Adopt Climate
Change Resil-
ience Framework
M ember States of COMESA have
been urged to adopt the Regional
Climate Change Resilience Framework
and use it as a guide to develop their
own national resilience frameworks.
In addition, they need to endorse the
regional body, COMESA, as their delivery
partner to have a harmonised regional
approach.
Kenya Gets Sugar Safeguard This was one of the decisions of the
for Two More Years Council of Ministers meeting conducted
in November 2020. According to the
T he COMESA Council of Ministers
granted Kenya a two year extension
of the sugar safeguard beginning March
safeguard period; ensure the import
permit issuance process is transparent,
fast and efficient; and provide the
Ministers, Member States should also
allocate more resources to Climate
Smart Agriculture (CSA) development
2021 to February 2023. Meeting virtually projected deficit in January of each year and for management of soils and land
on 26 November 2020, the Council based on production and consumption degradation.
urged Kenya to share the modalities data from ISO.
used in calculating the projected sugar The Ministers directed the Secretariat to
deficit with other Member States by 30 Council also urged Kenya to disaggregate develop an implementation plan for CSA
November 2020. the World Customs Organization and mobilise resources for the Resilience
Harmonized System (HS Codes) for Framework and to support up-scaling
Kenya had made a presentation of refined white sugar and mill white/brown of CSA best practices in more Member
the sugar safeguard implementation sugar. The safeguard should only be States.
progress through the COMESA technical applicable to mill white/brown sugar.
committees and requested for a two The effects of climate change in the
years extension after the current one The Council also directed that any region are observed in terms of erratic
lapses in February 2021. unavoidable full or partial suspension of weather, droughts, floods, cyclones, rising
COMESA quotas or of the East African sea levels with their greatest impact is on
In its decision, the Council urged Kenya Community import tariff for sugar, or water, food and energy security; damaged
to give priority to COMESA originating interruption of preferential access estab- infrastructure, forced migration among
sugar, noting that the region produces lished under this agreement, be preceded others.
enough to meet the deficit. The by prior consultation with affected
country will be allowed flexibility on parties. This should be done through the Hence, the Council noted that the scarce
the sugar safeguard allocated quota Kenya Safeguard Sub-Committee and resources tend to be diverted to deal with
implementation during importation from include a reasonable notice period of at its consequences/disasters and less on
COMESA Member States. least three months. the adverse effects of climate change
particularly on women, children and the
Kenya informed the meeting that all its Kenya thanked the Member States poor who are more vulnerable.
factories are currently on production for the extension and re-assured that
hence it expects an increase in available it will honour all the al-located quota Most Member States have weak
sugar for domestic consumption. allocations. Principal Secretary, Ministry technical and institutional capacities that
of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Am- continue to hamper the effective climate
Other conditions given to Kenya bassador Johnson Weru led the Kenyan actions at the national and regional levels.
were: to provide a detailed roadmap delegation.
on how to enhance the sugar sector
competitiveness during the extended
Export Similarities Contributes to Low
Intra-COMESA Trade
Research depicts a region that produces more or less similar products
File: Researcher Mr. Manaseh Oiro speaking during the 3rd COMESA Annual Research Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, 2017.
E xport similarities in COMESA Member
States is a major contributor to the
low intra-COMESA trade as well as with
away from exporting raw materials and
minerals to developed countries,” Mr. Oiro
stated when he presented his paper at
trading partners as proxied by GDP, tariffs
and export diversity were important in
explaining COMESA countries’ exports to
the rest of Africa. According to findings the Forum conducted on 19 - 21 October the rest of Africa.
presented at the 7th COMESA Annual 2020.
Research Forum, the current export The Researcher recommended the
structure depicts a region that produces The study set out to establish the drivers establishment of a strong monitoring an
more or less similar products in terms of of COMESA’s trade with the rest of evaluation framework at the COMESA
their export sophistication. Africa, to provide solutions to boosting Secretariat for implementation of the
the region’s share of exports within regional industrialization strategy.
The top five exports to Africa include the continent. The five top exporting
tobacco and tobacco substitutes, ores, countries in COMESA were selected for “A holistic approach needs to be taken to
slag and ash, essential oils and resinoids, the study and a further five non-COMESA address this, right from the curriculum in
sugars and sugar confectionary. Mineral countries used to estimate the trade institutions of learning to on-job training
fuels and related products are among potential within the African continent. and the overall economic development
COMESA’s top exports to the rest of the policy,” he said.
world (TradeMap, 2020). The study found that intra-COMESA
exports were 112 per cent below its He added that there is need for
In a research paper titled “Estimating average exports to the rest of African harmonization of policies across
COMESA’s Trade Potential in Africa: countries. Based on the analysis, Member States, especially the macro-
Optimizing Export Opportunities in the COMESA’s exports to other African economic and legal and regulatory
AfCFTA”, the Researcher Mr. Manaseh countries were worth USD 146.9 million environment to ensure that economic
Oiro, observed that similar products are while average exports were worth USD growth catalyzes trade within the region.
being exported to the rest of the world in 69.3 million. The region’s efficiency in Tariff liberalization also needs to be
larger quantities because they are used exports was found to be low at 47.1 per accompanied by elimination of restrictive
as inputs for industrialized countries. cent. or discriminative non-tariff measures to
To address this, Mr. Oiro recommended have an impact.
that COMESA Member States should Trade between the following bilateral
embark on implementation of the region’s partners was used to estimate trade “This can be achieved through
industrialization strategy, which is aimed potential in this study: Kenya and Nigeria; structural transformation,
at improving trade complementarity Ethiopia and South Africa; Egypt and particularly enhancing value
among the countries. Morocco; Zambia and Namibia; and addition such that Member
Democratic Republic of Congo and States trade in value added
“This can be achieved through structural Senegal. products and move away
transformation, particularly enhancing from exporting raw materials
value addition such that Member States It was established that the exporting and minerals to developed
trade in value added products and move country’s population, market size of the countries,” Mr. Oiro
7 COMESA Newsletter Vol. 4/20
8
File: Representatives of National Seed Authorities and Seed Companies attending the COMESA Regional Seed Certificates and Labels Training in Zambia, July 2019.
Region Targets $5B Worth of Seed Trade by 2025
R egional seed trade in COMESA
countries stands at USD 2 billion
but this is set to rise to USD 5 billion by
General Chileshe Kapwepwe said the
potential of the total seed market in
the region remains high at two million
The regulations are implemented
through COMSHIP. So far, eight COMESA
2025 with the implementation of new metric tonnes of quality improved seed. countries have completely aligned their
initiatives. One of them is the rolling The region is currently producing and national seed laws to the COMESA
out of the COMESA seed labels and accessing less than 500,000 metric seed system. This means that 13 seed
certificates. tonnes of the seeds. companies with varieties on the COMESA
Variety Catalogue can now trade using
The development of the labels and “This scenario has contributed to the the regulations in Burundi, Egypt, Malawi,
certificates is part of the implementation high levels of food insecurity and hunger Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and
of the COMESA Seed Harmonisation as production is affected by farmers who Zimbabwe.
Implementation Plan (COMSHIP) aimed do not use high quality and improved
at facilitating regional seed trade. seeds in their fields,” Ms Kapwepwe said In line with COMSHIP, the COMESA
in a speech presented by the Director of seed labels and certificates will be
COMESA Agriculture Ministers endorsed Agriculture and Industry Mrs. Providence utilized by seed companies for large
the COMESA Seed Trade Harmonisation Mavubi. seed consignments crossing the border
Regulations in 2015 leading to the launch and in-country seed trade in smaller
of the COMSHIP programme to expedite Limited use of quality seeds in the region packages.
implementation both at national and is attributed to fragmented and small
regional level. regional and national seed markets with In most COMESA countries, pre-
each country operating its own seed inspection of seed consignment shall
In the last quarter of 2020, the Alliance policies and regulations different from not be necessary as long as the variety
for Commodity Trade in Eastern and other Member States. is registered on the COMESA Variety
Southern Africa (ACTESA) a COMESA Catalogue. Once registered, the variety
Specialized Agency conducted Seed companies enter each of the does not have to be tested again and can
a training for chief executives and national seed markets separately and be imported, marketed and, if necessary,
technical managers of nine private seed individually, a situation which leads to produced in any country in the COMESA
companies on ordering, activation and high costs of operations, prolonged region.
purchasing of the COMESA seed labels. delays before good quality seed can find
This was intended to trigger the use of its way to the small-scale farmers. The following seed companies
the labels and regional certificates and In view of this, the COMESA Seed participated in the training: Advanta
encourage participation in trading on Trade Harmonisation Regulations were Seeds, Pannar seeds, Corteva Seeds,
the COMESA Harmonized Seed Trading developed to enhance seed production, Solynta Seeds, mPedigree, Syngenta,
Platform. seed trade, reliability, and increasing Seedco, Kenya Seeds, SeedAssure,
competitiveness of the seed industry in Seed Science Technology and Systems
Addressing the participants, Secretary the region. Malawi, and African Seed TradeContinental and Regional Trade Regimes
Need Proper Management to Succeed
T here is need for proper management
of the interface between the
continental and the regional free trade
regimes to generate a range of win-win
outcomes for various stakeholders in
Africa’s integration agenda.
According to Dr. Stephen Karingi, the
Director, Capacity Building Development
at the United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa (UNECA), the
successful implementation of the African
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will
depend on how smoothly or otherwise,
it is interfaced with pre-existing regional
economic communities’ FTAs and related
instruments.
File/ UNECA’s Dr Stephen Karingi addressing the 5th COMESA Research Forum in Kenya, August 2018
He was speaking at the opening of the
points to the need to leverage their best
7th COMESA Annual Research Forum
practices. By safeguarding the achievements of
anchored under the theme: “Harnessing
RECs, he observed, the AfCFTA has in
Intra-COMESA Trade through the
Further, Dr Karingi noted that some the short run, allowed for some level of
Interface with African Continental Free
RECs, individually or collectively, have flexibility on the co-existence of a web
Trade Area (AfCFTA)”. The forum took
made great strides in some dimensions of connected, yet distinct, trade regimes,
place on 19 - 21 October 2020
of integration, way ahead of what is which would be consolidated at some
currently envisioned in the AfCFTA with later stage. He said this requires careful
He noted: “One of the main objectives
four African Union-recognized RECs and thoughtful management – backed
of the AfCFTA is to accelerate regional
having Free Trade regimes that have by evidence-based research which the
and continental integration through
achieved higher levels of integration than COMESA Forum provides.
the consolidation of the multiple and
the AfCFTA at the time of its entry into
overlapping trading regimes, embodied
force. In her statement, the Secretary General
in pre-existing RECs FTAs, such as the
(SG) of COMESA Chileshe Kapwepwe
COMESA.”
He therefore observed that the AfCFTA, noted that since 1950s, there has been
could lean on the progress that RECs a proliferation of regional integration
“However, as law scholars have already
such as COMESA have made in agreements (RIAs), making them the
argued, some wordings in the AfCFTA
important areas of integration including centerpiece of many questions of global
Agreement suggest that this relationship
the COMESA Investment Area, COMESA governance.
is likely to be more complex. And although
Competition Policy, COMESA’s progress
this is not what was originally imagined,
on the issue of Intellectual Property “For instance, do RIAs deliver the
it now needs to be properly analysed and
Rights, and the COMESA Digital FTA. intended benefits for members? Why do
understood.”
governments sign these agreements,
He added: “The AfCFTA can also benefit and do they work towards attainment
He cited Articles 5 and 19 of the AfCFTA
from COMESA’s experience in building of anticipated long-term consequences
which are intended to help navigate the
trade supporting institutions, such of doing so? Within the context of the
complexity of the relationship with pre-
as in the areas of trade finance, trade Africa Continental Free Trade Area, what
existing intra-African trade instruments.
insurance, regional payment systems, for instance are the optimal options for
Article 5 for example, does not only
and in the context of simplified trade allocation of duties between regional
recognize ‘RECs’ Free Trade Areas as
regimes.” economic communities, ACFTA,
building blocs for the AfCFTA, it also to page 29
9 COMESA Newsletter Vol. 4/2010 Regional Research Forum Unveiled the Interface
Between Intra-COMESA Trade and the Continental FTA
File/ Delegates attending a previous COMESA Research Forum
T he 7th COMESA Annual Research
Forum took place from 19 – 21
October 2020 with focus on how intra-
The African regional integration
roadmap considers the Regional
Economic Communities (RECs) as the
Implementation of the AfCFTA; COMESA
trade in services liberalization and the
AfCFTA; and AfCFTA and COMESA trade
COMESA Trade could be harnessed building blocks of the African Economic regimes.
through interface with the African Community as stipulated in the Abuja
Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA). Treaty of 1991 and the AUs Agenda Launched in 2014, the COMESA
2063. COMESA is among the eight RECs research forums provide a platform
The virtual event was funded by in Africa recognized by the AU. for exchange of expert ideas and
COMESA, the Organization of African, evidenced-based recommendations
Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Since the launch of the COMESA Free on policy interventions, which have
and the European Union (EU). It brought Trade Area in 2000, intra-COMESA influenced key decisions making in
together the academia, think tanks, export of goods had risen from $1.5 COMESA’s integration agenda.
government officers and the private Billion to about $10.8 Billion (2019),
sector from across the region and excluding small scale (informal) trade The forums are made possible through
Africa, to discuss emerging topical estimated by UNCTAD and Economic call for papers under a contemporary
issues in regional integration. Its theme Commission for Africa at about 40% of themes which is informed by the
was: “Harnessing Intra-COMESA Trade total trade. COMESA Council of Ministers Decisions,
through the Interface with African the Tripartite Free Trade Area or the
Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA)”. “These figures are still not impressive continental free trade area negotiations
in absolute terms, but the growth and aspirations as well the global
The theme was motivated by renewed is remarkable. What is even more economic and trade dynamics.
impetus towards consolidation of a remarkable is the potential as well as
single continental market and the role of the possibility of introducing wholly The research papers are presented for
COMESA in the realization of this goal, new products and industries through peer review at the forum by prominent
according to COMESA Director of Trade, innovation given the extensive market scholars and the selected best papers
Dr Christopher Onyango. created by the AfCFTA,” Dr Onyango said are published in the COMESA flagship
ahead of the commencement of the publication “Key Issues in Regional
COMESA is the largest economic bloc forum. Integration”. To date, seven editions have
with a membership of 21 member been published.
States, a combined GDP of US$ 769 Key topics in the 7th forum included:
billion, a combined population of over COMESA industrialization programmes
583 million and therefore a critical and the AfCFTA; AfCFTA opportunities
pillar in the realization of the African and challenges to boosting Intra-
Economic Community. COMESA Trade; COMESA Role inNotable Rise in Trade Barriers as
Countries Respond to Covid-19
T here has been a notable increase in
the number of Non-Tariff Barriers
(NTBs) during the COVID-19 pandemic
advancements.
Though largely legitimate, the behind-
The mandate of the Committee covers
trade promotion, Rules of Origin, NTBs,
period as countries increasingly take the-border measures have increasingly trade remedies, trade negotiations, and
discretionary measures to contain the become more prohibitive to free flow other contemporary trade policy issues
spread of the virus. of goods across borders. Hence the which are cardinal to the smooth flow of
Director called for effective regulations regional trade.
COMESA Director of trade Dr Chris given that open borders are vital in
Onyango told delegates attending the ensuring safe and cost-efficient supply of The three-day meeting covered key
fifth Meeting of the COMESA Trade medicines and medical supplies. issues in regional integration including
and Trade Facilitation Sub-Committee updates on economic and trade
conduced on 6 - 8 October 2020, that “Member States should simply avoid performances, developments in internal
measures put in place by Member States introducing NTBs to allow trade to thrive markets, including NTBs, implementation
to deal with COVID-19 had disrupted for in the end, no single party benefits of trade facilitation projects under the
global value chains. He said they had from restraining trade,” he stressed. “I European Development Fund (EDF-II)
radically reduced dependency on imports can attest to you delegates that even in programme and updates on negotiations
and rallied States towards the path of the imposing countries on aggregate, under the Tripartite and the ACFTA.
protectionism. competitiveness in production and
market prices are c compromised,
“Despite the significant milestones in and consumer welfare undermined “Despite the significant
dealing with NTB issues including rules, by constrained choices, tastes and milestones in dealing
regulations, working procedures and preferences.” with NTB issues
online NTB monitoring systems, they including rules,
have remained a major hindrance to The meeting brought together experts
growth and expansion of intra-COMESA from various sectors to discuss trade
regulations, working
trade,” he said. and trade-related matters which are procedures and online
termed as salient pillars of regional NTB monitoring systems,
He urged countries to continue reviewing economic integration. Delegates from they have remained
and improving existing regulations Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, a major hindrance to
and mechanisms taking into account Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eswatini, growth and expansion of
changing eco-systems, understanding Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius,
key causes, analyzing regulatory regimes, Seychelles, Somalia, Rwanda, Zambia
intra-COMESA trade,” Dr
production techniques and technological and Zimbabwe attended. Chris Onyango
11 COMESA Newsletter Vol. 4/2012 50 Million African Women Speak
Platform Launched in Nine Countries
File/ A tourism enterprise in Antananarivo, Madagascar
B y the end of 2020, nine countries
had launched the 50 Million African
Women Speak Platform, which aims
rollout the project before it folds in 2021.
The national launches were conducted
under a hybrid arrangement where a
time given the social and economic
disruptions by COVID-19.
at facilitating a dynamic and engaging limited number of local participants “I urge all women to embrace the
exchange of ideas among women gathered physically at the launch venue platform so that their businesses
entrepreneurs. These were Zambia, and were joined virtually by several survive after the pandemic,” he said.
Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Madagascar, invited guests.
Eswatini, DR Congo, Egypt, Djibouti and In the DR Congo, the platform was
Tunisia. In Madagascar, it was conducted on 9 launched on 22 October by the
October in Antananarivo, presided over country’s Deputy Prime Minister
The platform which uses in-built social by the Minister for Population, Social Hon. Elysee Munembwe who is also
media functionality connect women Protection and Advancement of Women, Minister of Planning. He described the
with one another in 36 countries in the Hon. Michelle Bavy Angelica. She platform as an initiative which would
COMESA, East African Community described the platform as an avenue contribute significantly to the economic
(EAC), and the Economic Commission through which women will speak to empowerment of women in the country.
for Western African States (ECOWAS). each other.
In Egypt, the launch was conducted on
Funded by the African Development “The platform takes on its full meaning 18 November 2020 presided over by
Bank, the platform is intended to link thanks to the interaction of millions of the Deputy Executive Director of the
women entrepreneurs in ways that will African women beyond geographical Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise
foster peer-to-peer learning, mentoring borders and language barriers, which Development Agency, Eng. Tarek Shash.
and the sharing of information and allows them to exchange and learn, to Dr Shash who represented Hon.
knowledge within communities, and build relationships, to flourish and to be Nevine Gamea, the country’s Minister
access to financial services and market inspired by the opportunities offered,” of Trade and Industry gave a ringing
opportunities between urban and rural she remarked. endorsement of the platform, describing
areas, and across borders and between it as “key” because the Egypt’s national
countries. Eswatini followed on 15 October with strategy for SMEs is focused on
the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Senator digitalisation.
Six out of the nine countries launched Themba Masuku presiding. He said 50
the platform within the last quarter Million African Women Speak platform “This is only the beginning. We need to
of the year in an accelerated move to could not have come at a better do more after the launch. The successI urge all women to embrace the platform so that their
businesses survive after the pandemic,” Hon. Senator
Themba Masuku
of the platform cannot be achieved
singlehandedly,” he added.
Djibouti launched the platform on 9
December graced by the Minister of
Trade, Hon. Hassan Houmed Ibrahim
and the Minister of Women and Family
Hon. Mrs Moumina Houmed Hassan.
They observed that the platform will
address the need of many women
in Djibouti who have long aspired
to venture into business but have
consistently been held back by the lack
of access to the right information to
get started. Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Senator Themba Masuku
“We are indeed pleased that Djibouti
has joined other progressive Member
States to launch this very important
tool which will assist our women
shake off poverty, trade more among
each other locally and beyond our
borders and become economically
empowered,” Minister Ibrahim said.
Tunisia wrapped-up the series of
launches for 2020 on 14 December
2020 in an event attended by the
Eng. Tarek Shash speaks during the launch event in Cairo
Minister of Women, Family and Seniors
Hon. Mrs Imen Zahouani Houimel and
the Minister of Trade Hon. Mohamed
Bousaied.
They commended the Secretariat for
developing the platform describing it
as “ideal in these times of COVID-19
because connections and transactions
can continue smoothly online instead
of physical interactions as has been in
the past.”
13 COMESA Newsletter Vol. 4/2014
Kasumbalesa One Stop Border Post between Zambia /D R Congo
Border Efficiency Tops Agenda for DR Congo and Zambia
O ver the years, Kasumbalesa border
point between D R Congo and
Zambia has experienced efficiency
affirmed his country’s commitment to
work with the Government of Zambia
through COMESA to address the trade
facilitation tools at the national level, as
they are the end users and beneficiaries
of such systems.
challenges related to movement of facilitation challenges at the border post.
cargo and now the two governments Among the key industry
are actively engaged to finding a lasting The other challenges discussed related recommendations submitted to the
solution under a Joint Permanent to the offloading of transit cargo at the bilateral meetings was strengthening
Commission (JPC) framework. border, transshipment of goods and other border patrol and enforcement to ensure
customs management issues, the status adherence to legal frameworks regarding
Towards this end, COMESA Secretariat is of implementation of the electronic the transshipment of goods and to curb
supporting border improvement initiative cargo tracking systems at the national customs fraud and the illegal breaking of
and in October 2020, hosted a Congolese and regional level, and the upcoming transit goods at the border.
delegation led by the Vice-President of support from COMESA, towards the
the Congo Business Federation (FEC) One Stop Border Post operations at the The meeting also recommended that
Mr. Dieudonne Kasembo, and officials Kasumbalesa border. there be amplified Customs interface
from the Congo Revenue Authority. The to enable sharing of information and
officials were in Lusaka for a bilateral On the sidelines of intergovernmental uniform processing across the region
intergovernmental meeting with Zambia meetings, the private sector came as well as strengthening the One Stop
that focused on trade facilitation issues together to prepare their advocacy Border Post at Kasumbalesa.
at the Kasumbalesa border. position report on the above business
costs and recommended industry-based
On the sidelines of this meeting, the DR solutions. The COMESA Business Council
Congo team met with COMESA officials (CBC) chaired the Private Dialogue
led by the Assistant Secretary General in between the business and logistics
Charge of Administration and Finance, associations of DRC and Zambia. The
Dr Dev Haman who assured them of dialogue identified specific border
COMESA support to further dialogue business costs and recommended
towards sustainable solutions and improvement on border relations on trade
seamless trade between the between the facilitation between the two countries.
two countries, and the rest of the region.
Mr. Kasembo highlighted the negative During the meeting, CBC Chief Executive
impact that the challenges at the border officer, Ms. Sandra Uwera expressed the
presented to business sustainability, fair need for involvement of the private sector
competition and the effective functioning in the implementation of electronic cargo
of the two countries’ markets. He tracking systems and other digital trade
Ms Sandra UweraAU Programme on Silencing the Guns Extended for 10 Years
T he implementation of the African
Union (AU) programme on ‘Silencing
the Guns in Africa’ has been extended
for ten years from 2021 to 2030, with
periodic reviews every two years.
The extension of the flagship project
provides further opportunity for COMESA
to consolidate and strengthen its
contribution in the areas of peace and
security.
Source: UN
This was decided during the 14th
Extraordinary Session on Silencing the
Guns in Africa Summit held virtually on evaluation of the implementation of the also attended by 41 Heads of State and
10 December 2020. The Summit agreed Master Roadmap. Governments from the continent. The
to extend the AU Master Roadmap of one-day Summit provided an opportunity
Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in COMESA team led by Secretary-General for the Heads of State and delegations
Africa. Member States requested that the Chileshe Kapwepwe and staff from the to take stock of the achievements and
Commission Chairperson puts in place Governance, Peace and Security (GPS) challenges in the silencing the Guns
an institutional mechanism to coordinate Unit participated in the session. . It was programme.
the effective planning, monitoring and
Key Policies for Livestock and Fisheries Developed
C OMESA Secretariat has developed
three key policies to help the growth
of the livestock and fisheries sector once
Member States adopt them. These are
COMESA Livestock Policy Framework,
Manual for the Harmonized Grading and
Classification of Cattle, Goats and Sheep
for Meat and the Ecosystem-Based
Fisheries Management.
The policies were developed with the
full involvement of the Member States,
international institutions, other regional
organisations and cooperating partners.
Subsequently, in November 2020, the
Council of Ministers urged Member
States to adopt the policies and allocate
more resources to livestock and fisheries
development and utilization of veterinary development in the regional bloc.. Frameworks.
laboratories for diagnosis of COVID 19.
In its meeting on 26 November 2020, The Secretariat has been supporting
The Council further directed the the Council appreciated the successful Member States to formulate their
Secretariat to support Member collaboration between COMESA and livestock development policy, strategy
States and mobilise resources for Member States veterinary and animal and regulations, rolling out of the Animal
implementation of the livestock production authorities, regional economic Resource Information System (ARIS) and
policy framework. This is in addition communities, African Union and global developing of harmonized grading and
to financing implementation of the organizations and the key achievements. classification of cattle, sheep and goats
Reinforcing Veterinary Services in These include the development and for meat; and mapping of enterprises in
COMESA and enhancing participation of validation of Regional Livestock and exporting and importing countries.
small-scale fisheries in the blue economy Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy
15 COMESA Newsletter Vol. 4/2016 Zambian Civil
Societies to Play
Greater Role
in Peace and
Security
O ver ten civil society and private
sector organizations in Zambia
participated in a two-day national
consultation workshop on 16-17
November to enhance their role in the
COMESA Peace and Security programme
as the country prepares to hold general
elections in 2021.
COMESA in collaboration with the
Economic, Social and Cultural Council
Zambia`s Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Christopher Yaluma (ECOSOCC) organized the workshop as
Impacts of COVID-19 in Focus at the part of efforts to strengthen collaboration
with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
2020 COMESA Policy Organs’ Meetings and the African Union. This is in addition
to establishing a Civil Society National
Chapter for ECOSOCC in Zambia.
T he COVID-19 pandemic constituted
a key discussion point in the 2020
COMESA policy organs meetings, owing
Member States could move forward
amidst the pandemic and plan for the
future, by making informed decisions that
Under this initiative, the capacity of
Zambia’s CSOs will be enhanced for
to its predominant negative impacts on respond to challenges in solidarity and better engagement in matters of peace
regional integration and more so on the harmony. and security in line with the African Union
movement of goods and services. 2020 theme of Silencing the Guns. It
On trade facilitation, the meeting noted will also improve the CSOs engagement
As he opened the 41st Meeting of the the significant progress made especially with the Zambian Bureau on the
Intergovernmental Committee, Monday on automation of customs operations implementation of the COMESA Early
23rd November, Zambia’s Minister of and digitalization of processes and Warning System (COMWARN).
Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. procedures, simplification of cross-border
Christopher Yaluma said the region trade to support women and small-scale During the same workshop, the
had witnessed a dramatic decline and traders and monitoring and addressing participants reviewed the accreditation of
destabilization in domestic, regional non-tariff barriers to trade. local CSOs to the COMESA Programme
and international trade, requiring the on Peace and Security (GPS).
employment of comprehensive economic On infrastructure, the meeting noted
The GPS programme was tasked to
recovery strategies. that COMESA was collaborating at
ensure the involvement of private sector
the tripartite level – with East African
and civil society organisations on matters
“COVID-19 has hit hard countries that Community and the Southern Africa
of peace and security on a consultative
are sources of major imports and export Development Community - to facilitate
basis. Thereafter, the Rules of Procedure
destinations for the COMESA region,” trade and transport of goods and were developed for accreditation
Hon. Yaluma noted. “This has negatively services. This is by adopting the to the COMESA Peace and Security
impacted not only on availability of harmonised tripartite guidelines on trade Programme.
supplies, but also on prices that have and transport facilitation guidelines
risen sharply in some instances.” for safe, efficient and cost-effective Head of the Unit, Ms. Elizabeth Mutunga
movement goods and services. told the participants that once CSOs are
He cited a recent study conducted accredited to the COMESA programme,
among businesses and tourism The two days virtual meeting brought the Secretariat provides numerous
enterprises in Zambia, which indicated together Permanent/Principal Secretaries opportunities to meet and share
that 71% partially closed while 14% were from the Ministries that coordinate experiences and to review the impact of
totally closed. COMESA programmes at the national the accreditation.
level.
The meeting also discussed how Over the years, the Secretariat has
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