Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU and COMESA strengthened their partnership through a Strategic Dialogue, focusing on regional integration, and sustainability, and launching a €40 million circular economy initiative in Africa.
How will the EU and COMESA enhance regional integration?
European Union (EU) and COMESA carried out a Strategic Dialogue to examine and align key strategic priorities, and interaction on institutional developments, as well as on continuing and new cooperation and partnership schemes. The Dialogue was co-headed by COMESA Secretary General, H.E. Chileshe Kapwepwe and by the Ambassador of the European Union, H.E. Karolina Stasiak. Ambassadors and delegates of EU Member States were also present.
What are the key outcomes of the EU-COMESA Strategic Dialogue?
The long-standing collaboration and partnership between the EU and COMESA constructs a shared vision of regional integration and connectivity, dismantling obstacles to regional trade, improving policy coherence, and stimulating sustainable economic development and development.
What strategic priorities are being aligned between the EU and COMESA?
The EU affirmed that its political priorities for 2025-2029 will persist in championing partnerships promoting sustainability, green, circular and digital conversion, as reflected in the Global Gateway Strategy, the European Green Deal, the Digital Strategy, and the Africa-EU Partnership, which frames relation as most immediate neighbours. Because of geopolitical uncertainties, but also of geopolitical challenges and opportunities, the EU will invest in economic resilience with its closest strategic allies.
EU Ambassador Stasiak stressed that “Our joint regional programmes have been instrumental in addressing key issues, such as trade facilitation along key transport corridors, the development of regional value chains, facilitating market access, infrastructure development, and capacity building. These regional initiatives have not only strengthened our partnership but have also contributed to upgrading the lives and increasing prosperity in our regions.”
The Ambassador also complimented COMESA on the recent entry into force of the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement (TFTA) with SADC and EAC a significant milestone towards the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). COMESA Secretary General Kapwepwe stressed that COMESA is committed to operating closely with our EU counterparts to heighten this partnership and ensure its continued success. ‘”
How does SWITCH-2-CE promote circular economy in Africa?
In the margins of the Strategic Dialogue, the EU and COMESA inscribed the Financing Agreement for the EUR 40 million “SWITCH to Circular Economy in East and Southern Africa (SWITCH-2-CE in ESA) agenda. The initiative concentrates on the inclusive transition from a linear to a circular economy while advancing sustainable business models, influencing investments and creating jobs for the future.
SWITCH-2-CE in ESA will assist in reversing environmental degradation and healing natural capital, enhancing resource efficiency and decreasing waste and pollution. More specifically, the SWITCH-2-CE in the ESA agenda will target Packaging & Plastic Waste, as well as the Electronics & E-Waste value chain development within the COMESA region. As such, it shows also a close link to the sustainable sourcing of critical basic materials in East and Southern Africa.
