The implementation of the COMESA Industrial Strategy has officially begun following the approval of an Action Plan and Regional Guidelines on Local Content Policy. Ministers responsible for industry from the 21 Member States and their representatives adopted the two instruments today during the closure of the 3rd COMESA Ministerial Committee on Industry in Nairobi, Kenya. This paves the way for the implementation of the COMESA Industrial Strategy, which is aimed at supporting structural transformation of regional economies through sustainable and inclusive industrialization.

A statement by Comesa has addressed member states to integrate activities of the regional action plan into their national industrial development plans for implementation. The strategy also aims at increasing intra-regional manufactured exports relative to total manufactured imports to the region from the current 7% to 20% by 2026.

Spokesperson in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Mayeso Msokera, said the Comes region has potential to industrialise and increase intra-trade, if there is increased utilisation of locally sourced goods and services.