Kigali, 23 November 2021 (TDI): Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, virtually joins other African leaders at the 21st Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Head of State and Government Summit.
The summit is being held in Egypt, where various Heads of State and Government from all across the African continent have gathered to discuss enhanced relations among African nations and the establishment of a common African market for easy mobility of goods and services.
Today, President Kagame virtually joins other leaders from across the African continent for the 21st COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit, to discuss economic integration priority issues and review the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. #COMESASummit21 pic.twitter.com/B6N8rF3YUN
— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) November 23, 2021
The major focus of the summit remained on the Economic integration and economic betterment of remote African regions.
Along with it, the attendees also shared their remarks on the status of the Covid-19 pandemic and measured taken by African nations to combat this menace.
COMESA: A brief introduction
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is the largest African market for trade and investment, having 21 members states and 583 million people. In December 1994, COMESA was formed after replacing the Preferential Trade Area.
The organization was marked on the face of this earth for free independent sovereign states who agreed to cooperate in developing natural and human resources for the good of people.
The organization aims to develop a large economic and trade unit that will help to assist in overcoming the barriers faced by individual states. The main objective of this organization is economic prosperity for regional integration.
COMESA comprises two-thirds of the African Continent with an area of 12 Million (sq km). Along with it, the organization covers a Gross Domestic Product of $805 billion and a global export/import trade in goods worth US$ 324 billion.
Rwandan President Remarks at the 21st Summit
On 23 November 2021, the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, virtually attended the 21 Head of State and Government summit of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Initiating his speech, the President of Rwanda thanked the outgoing Chairperson, President Andry Rajoelina, for his role in advancing the organization’s objective and President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for taking over as Chairperson of COMESA authority.
He applauded the COMESA for not losing its agenda and efforts for trade facilitation program even during the Covid-19 era, the approval of COMESA Online Trade Portal and marked it as the first step towards integrating digital technology in trade.
Suggestions by the President of Rwanda
First and foremost, he emphasized to promote digital literacy. Exemplifying the Rwandan policies, he explained the Rwandan mission for digital economy integration and their efforts to achieve 60% digital literacy by 2024.
The President also portrayed his support for COMESA Digital Financial Inclusion. Also, he emphasized the leaders to support youth-led enterprises. Lastly, he asked to work on African Integration Agenda by working together for Africa’s growth and development.
Concluding his speech, the President of Rwanda expanded his support to maximize the trade and prosperity of the African region.
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