Zimbabwe Prepares to Host 25th COMESA Summit as Africa Pushes Regional Trade

Zimbabwe is preparing to host the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit in Harare later this year.

The summit is expected to bring together leaders from member states to discuss trade, investment, industrialisation and regional economic integration.

Zimbabwe’s government has approved plans for the summit, which is scheduled for October 22, 2026.

A COMESA Business Forum is expected to take place before the main summit, allowing businesses and investors to discuss trade and investment opportunities across the region.

Focus on African trade

The summit comes as African countries continue efforts to increase trade among themselves.

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is one of the continent’s major regional economic organisations.

African leaders have increasingly pushed for stronger intra-African trade through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.

For Zimbabwe, hosting the summit could also provide an opportunity to showcase the country’s investment and business opportunities.