Regional Integration Boost

... COMESA Accredits New Ambassadors from France, Turkey, and Egypt as New Diplomatic Representatives

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia – (10-02-2025) - COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe has officially received letters of credence from the newly accredited ambassadors of France, Turkey, and Egypt, formally recognizing them as special representatives to the regional economic bloc.

During the accreditation ceremony at the COMESA Secretariat in Lusaka, Kapwepwe praised the three nations for their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation within the region.

She highlighted their critical roles in advancing trade, investment, and regional integration under COMESA’s framework.

"COMESA values its partnerships with France, Turkey, and Egypt, as they contribute immensely to regional economic growth and stability," Kapwepwe stated.

"We look forward to deepening our collaboration in areas such as trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and investment promotion."

She acknowledged France’s longstanding support for COMESA, particularly through the European Union’s development programs.

She also noted France’s contribution to French language training for COMESA staff, which she said enhances communication within the bloc.

Egypt’s increasing influence in regional commerce was also emphasized, with Kapwepwe noting that Egypt’s share of total COMESA trade rose from 22.2% in 2021 to 24.1% in 2022.

She commended Egypt’s leadership in trade facilitation, governance, and peace and security, stating, "Egypt’s efforts in these areas continue to be crucial to the stability and growth of the region."

On Turkey’s engagement, Kapwepwe highlighted its growing presence in Africa, particularly through the Turkey-Africa Partnership framework.

She stressed Turkey’s potential contributions to agriculture, healthcare, and investment, adding, "We are excited about the potential for increased trade facilitation and investment in these sectors."

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Newly accredited Turkish Ambassador to Zambia, Huseyin Barbaros Dicle, reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with COMESA.

Presenting his letters of accreditation, he relayed greetings from Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and emphasized key areas of collaboration, including women's economic participation, environmental sustainability, and institutional capacity building.

"Turkey closely follows the development and integration efforts of COMESA, which are crucial for the continent’s economic growth," Ambassador Dicle stated.

He revealed Turkey’s plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote businesswomen’s representation, extend the "Zero Waste" initiative led by First Lady Emina Erdoğan, and facilitate expert exchanges to strengthen COMESA’s institutional framework.

Dicle also invited Secretary-General Kapwepwe to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, recalling her productive visit to the country in 2023.

Egyptian Ambassador Mayada Essam Abdel Rahman reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to regional economic integration, emphasizing that trade liberalization remains central to Africa’s economic growth.

"Trade liberalization is essential for driving growth, and we will coordinate efforts with COMESA to maximize the benefits of the Tripartite Free Trade Area," she stated.

She underscored Egypt’s role in advancing COMESA’s Medium-Term Strategy (2021–2025) and its leadership in promoting intra-regional trade.

Egypt, a COMESA member since 1998, has also been a vocal advocate for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), encouraging non-member states to join and benefit from trade liberalization.

France’s Commitment to Regional Integration

French Ambassador to Zambia, Thomas Rossignol, reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting regional initiatives through COMESA.

"France will always be there for you, ready to support your aspirations and efforts," he stated.

He emphasized that COMESA presents a vital opportunity for Eastern and Southern Africa to advance through shared economic progress and integration.

Drawing from Europe’s experience, he noted that regional cooperation was instrumental in securing lasting peace and development.

"Only through engaging with each other, working together, and trading freely did we achieve peace. This lesson is just as relevant for Africa," he stressed.

Rossignol acknowledged COMESA’s progress in driving economic development and cross-border trade but emphasized the need for sustained efforts to address political and economic challenges.

"There is no peace without development, and no development without peace," he concluded.

Deepening Regional and Global Partnerships

Kapwepwe welcomed the ambassadors' commitments, expressing optimism about strengthening partnerships in trade, infrastructure, and capacity-building programs.

She officially accepted their credentials, marking a new phase of diplomatic and economic collaboration between COMESA and the three nations.

The accreditation of the French, Turkish, and Egyptian ambassadors signals renewed momentum for COMESA’s regional integration efforts, reinforcing the bloc’s mission to drive economic growth and stability through international partnerships.