COMESA pledges to support Zim export development a...

COMESA pledges to support Zim export development agenda

Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) | Lusaka | Facebook

Zim Now Writer

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa has pledged to support Zimbabwe’s export development agenda through supporting local women entrepreneurs by capacitating them to value add their products and discover business opportunities.

COMESA Director Gender and Social Affairs, Mrs. Beatrice Hamusonde, said there is a great opportunity for Zimbabwe to increase the market base as research shows that the country has a comparative advantage in mining and agriculture that can only be achieved by processed goods.

Small to Medium Enterprises Advisory Council Member, Mrs. Teverai Chigogo, said the inclusion of women in different sectors of the economy by COMESA on exploring the regional trading bloc is expected to increase exports.

“The SMEs sector cannot just be left behind but due to the current engagement that is that hope for success, so we are committed to utilise the current opportunities in tapping the regional market,” she said.

Women in Agriculture Member Mrs Nomuhle Bangani said women have to take the lead in horticulture.

“Agriculture is on a growth path and this path is also being driven by women in farming.

"It is mainly the horticulture produce that can be a game changer in spearheading growth in exports within the COMESA region,” Mrs Nomuhle said.

In a related development, COMESA is in talks with the Zimbabwean government, the local business community and women entrepreneurs to boost trade.

COMESA ranks Zimbabwe among leading economies with a potential to further increase exports as it currently accounts for over 30 percent of exports in the region annually.