HARARE, ZIMBABWE
Malawi has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace, political stability and economic cooperation following its participation in the 21st Meeting of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Ministers of Foreign Affairs, which concluded today at the New Parliament Building in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr George Chaponda, led Malawi’s delegation to the high-level ministerial meeting, which brought together representatives of COMESA member states to deliberate on key issues affecting regional security, political stability and the advancement of economic integration across Eastern and Southern Africa.
The meeting underscored the importance of peace and security as fundamental pillars for sustainable development, emphasising that lasting stability is essential to unlocking the region’s economic potential, strengthening cross-border trade, attracting investment and promoting shared prosperity among member states.
Ministers also highlighted the need for stronger cooperation and coordinated regional approaches to addressing security challenges and safeguarding the stability necessary for economic growth and development.
Malawi’s participation reflects the country’s continued commitment to regional solidarity and collective action in advancing the COMESA agenda. Through active engagement in regional platforms, Malawi seeks to contribute to initiatives that promote peaceful relations among member states, expand economic opportunities and strengthen partnerships for sustainable development.
The meeting comes ahead of the 25th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled to take place on Thursday, 22 October 2026, in Harare. The summit is expected to bring together regional leaders to provide strategic direction on the bloc’s integration agenda, with particular emphasis on industrialisation, investment and economic cooperation.
Held under the theme “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA,” the summit is expected to reinforce efforts to build a more competitive, connected and inclusive regional economy.
The theme highlights the importance of transforming regional integration commitments into practical economic opportunities by strengthening markets, encouraging investment, promoting industrial growth and expanding participation in regional value chains.
For Malawi and other COMESA member states, the pursuit of deeper integration presents opportunities to improve market access for local businesses, stimulate trade, attract investment and support job creation. However, achieving these ambitions will depend on sustained political commitment, effective cooperation and the maintenance of peace and stability across the region.
As regional leaders prepare for the summit, Malawi’s engagement in the ministerial meeting signals its support for a COMESA region where peace underpins development, cooperation drives economic progress and regional integration delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
The central message emerging from Harare is clear: lasting peace, stronger partnerships and inclusive economic integration remain essential to building a prosperous and resilient COMESA region.
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