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Est. 1994
COMESA
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
COMESA is Africa's largest regional economic community by membership, covering 21 countries from Libya to Zimbabwe, with a focus on creating a single market.
Members
21 Countries
Population
580 million
Combined GDP
$805 billion
Headquarters
Lusaka
Key Objectives
- Create a fully integrated economic community
- Promote joint development in all fields
- Cooperate in creating an enabling environment
- Cooperate in promotion of peace, security, and stability
- Strengthen relations between Community and the rest of the world
Key Benefits for Exporters
Zero tariffs among 16 FTA member states
Simplified Trade Regime for small-scale traders
COMESA Yellow Card (vehicle insurance)
COMESA Customs Document (CD-COM)
Regional Payment and Settlement System
Challenges to Consider
Multiple memberships of countries
Non-tariff barriers
Infrastructure deficits
Varying implementation levels
Key Initiatives
COMESA Customs Union
COMESA Virtual Trade Facilitation System
Tripartite Free Trade Area (with EAC and SADC)
50 Million African Women Speak Platform