HARARE, Zimbabwe — October 19, 2026 — The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) begins its 25th Heads of State and Government Summit programme today in Harare, Zimbabwe, bringing together regional leaders, government officials and business representatives to discuss industrialization, investment and economic integration.
The four-day programme, scheduled for October 19–22, is being held under the theme “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”
Activities begin today with Green Industry Connect and a regional trade exhibition, providing opportunities to examine industrial development, investment and trade across COMESA member states.
The COMESA Business Forum follows on October 20, with discussions expected to focus on private-sector participation, investment opportunities and regional economic cooperation.
On October 21, foreign ministers are scheduled to meet ahead of the Heads of State and Government Summit on October 22.
A major item on the summit agenda is the planned launch of the COMESA Medium-Term Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which identifies industrialization, infrastructure development, regional trade and digital transformation as priorities for the coming five years.
The strategic plan is intended to guide regional cooperation and support implementation of COMESA’s economic integration objectives.
The summit also provides a platform for member states to examine opportunities for expanding intra-regional trade, strengthening productive industries and improving economic connectivity.
The outcomes of the summit will become clearer following the October 22 meeting, when participating leaders are expected to consider regional priorities and implementation commitments.