Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating industrialisation, promoting value addition and strengthening regional integration through enhanced cooperation among Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Member States.

Speaking during the opening of the 5th Technical Committee Meeting on Industry and Related Sectoral Programmes in Lusaka today, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary in-charge of Commerce and Trade Mrs. Lillian S. Bwalya, Zambia is honoured to host the meeting at a critical time when the COMESA region is seeking to transform its industrial landscape by strengthening regional value chains and promoting competitive, sustainable industries.

Mrs. Bwalya said Zambia is honoured to host the meeting at a critical time when the COMESA region is seeking to transform its industrial landscape by strengthening regional value chains and promoting competitive, sustainable industries.

She added that Zambia remains committed to regional cooperation under the COMESA framework, emphasizing the need for Member States to move beyond identifying opportunities towards implementing practical programmes that create industries, decent jobs and sustainable economic growth.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Bwalya further highlighted Zambias progress in advancing its industrial and investment agenda through the launch of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Strategy. She called on COMESA Member States to mobilise domestic, regional and international investment to support industrial transformation, strengthen regional value chains and improve the business environment across the region.

Speaking at the same event , COMESA Assistant Secretary General for Programmes, Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Kadah, emphasised the need for Member States to accelerate industrial transformation by strengthening regional cooperation, promoting investment and enhancing value addition to Africa’s abundant natural resources to support job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Dr. Kadah highlighted encouraging investment trends in the COMESA region, revealing that foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows increased by 154 percent in 2024 to a record of US$65 billion, accounting for nearly two-thirds of Africa’s total FDI.

He said the increase demonstrates growing investor confidence and underscores the need for Member States to continue improving the business environment and harmonising investment policies.

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