CBC Praises ZimTrade, ZNCC for Successful COMESA Business Forum

The COMESA Business Council (CBC) has praised Zimbabwe for hosting the 19th COMESA Business Forum, describing the event as one of the most successful editions held so far.

The forum took place in Harare on October 19 and 20, alongside the 25th COMESA Summit, bringing together regional business leaders, government representatives and other stakeholders to discuss trade, industrial development and regional economic cooperation.

In its adoption of the COMESA Business Declaration 2026, the regional business body congratulated President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Government and people of Zimbabwe for hosting the forum, the COMESA Green Industry Connect and the COMESA Multi-Sectoral Trade Exhibition.

The CBC also recognised ZimTrade and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), which co-organised the event alongside the COMESA Secretariat and other partners.

The council said the forum provided a platform for high-level discussions, the development of regional and international partnerships, and the promotion of businesses across the region.

It also acknowledged the contributions of partner institutions and sponsors in ensuring the successful delivery of the event.

The accompanying multi-sectoral trade exhibition attracted more than 150 exhibitors from over eight countries, highlighting products and services from various sectors and providing businesses with opportunities to establish new commercial links.

The declaration noted that the strong participation reflected the importance of private sector involvement in advancing regional integration and expanding trade among COMESA member states.

The successful event has further positioned Zimbabwe as a platform for regional business engagement, trade promotion and industrial cooperation.

The outcomes of the forum are expected to support efforts to strengthen business partnerships, improve market access and promote economic growth across the COMESA region.