Legal Reforms Key for COMESA Growth

Dr. Haman says strengthening legal frameworks will boost trade, investment, and regional integration

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (November 14, 2025) -- The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has urged member states to fast-track legal reforms and implement regional policies to boost trade and investment.

The call was made during the 28th Meeting of COMESA Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General, part of ongoing efforts to deepen economic integration across Eastern and Southern Africa.

Dr. Dev Haman, COMESA Deputy Secretary-General, emphasized the importance of implementing decisions made by Heads of State at the Nairobi Summit on 9 October 2025.

 “The Heads of State reaffirmed the importance of liberalizing trade, facilitating the free movement of people and businesses, and strengthening legal frameworks to support regional integration,” Dr. Haman said.

Despite progress, intra-COMESA trade remains at just seven percent, far below the target set by member states.

“Other regional economic communities have achieved between 40 and 50 percent trade integration, while some global regions reach over 60 percent. We must do more to reach our goals,” he said.

Dr. Haman stressed that investment is critical for economic growth.

 “Africa received approximately US$94 billion in investment in 2024, mostly concentrated in countries with strong regulatory systems. COMESA must strengthen similar frameworks across the region to attract more investment and facilitate trade,” he said.

Highlighting COMESA initiatives, he added:

“The COMESA Secretariat has introduced the Simplified Trade Regime at key borders, including the Zambia–Democratic Republic of Congo crossing. We have also constructed cross-border markets in Zambia-Malawi, Zambia-Tanzania, and Zambia-Zimbabwe to support small-scale trade. Empowering informal traders, especially women in business, is central to our regional integration agenda.”

Delegates also reviewed reports from the COMESA Committee on Legal Affairs, the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission, and the draft revised Rules of Procedure of the COMESA Court of Justice, aimed at promoting fair competition, protecting consumers, and strengthening dispute resolution.

Dr. Haman urged member states to sign, ratify, and domesticate COMESA legal instruments at the national level.

“One of the biggest challenges to regional integration is ensuring that legal instruments adopted at the regional level are implemented nationally. Your support is crucial,” he said.

He also praised the COMESA Secretary-General, judges, and Secretariat staff for their contributions over the past decade.

 “The success of the COMESA Court and other institutions depends on your continued commitment. Together, we can improve living standards, expand trade, and attract more investment for our people,” Dr. Haman said.

Lady Justice Lombe Chibesakunda, outgoing Judge President of the COMESA Court of Justice, called on member states to continue supporting the Court.

“The Court’s effectiveness depends on Member States’ commitment to judicial independence and the rule of law,” she said.

She highlighted key agenda items: the Court’s Progress Report, Draft Rules of Procedure (2025), Draft Strategic Plan (2026–2030), the proposed new Court logo, and recruitment of the next Registrar. 

She also noted an update on Reference No. 1 of 2025 — Tewodros Getachew Tulu vs. The COMESA Secretary General, The COMESA Secretariat and Two Others, concerning the election of Judges.

“Together, we have built a Court that stands as a pillar of regional integration, justice, and the rule of law,” Justice Chibesakunda said.

Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs of Zimbabwe, Hon. N.T. Mazungunye, praised delegates and partners for their contributions.

“The participation of our distinguished guests has enriched our discussions and reaffirmed the spirit of multilateral cooperation and shared purpose that anchors our pursuit of justice,” he said.

Hon. Mazungunye thanked international partners, regional allies, and all support staff for ensuring the smooth execution of the event.

“Your meticulous planning and professionalism have upheld the dignity of this gathering and exemplified the spirit of service that defines our institutions,” he said.

He urged participants to maintain momentum and unity, emphasizing the need for commitment to a just, prosperous, and inclusive future.

The meeting brought together justice ministers and attorneys general from member states to discuss regional cooperation, legal harmonization, and strengthening justice systems across Eastern and Southern Africa.