Regional integration has been a pressing matter in Africa as nations aspire to meet the demands of the burgeoning population. Separately and collectively, African countries have been devising many development plans to expedite integration. It proves more effective resource-wise and more effective in terms of unity if African nations are economically and politically integrated.
As the continent continues to chart a course toward greater economic integration and sustainable development, initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are worthwhile. Achieving these initiatives will oil the skids toward greater unity and an economic boom. But there must be a nexus between the continental agreement and other regional initiatives.
For the continent to tackle its economic problems and meet the ever-growing needs of development, nations need to unlock all available opportunities across the continent. Zooming on existing initiatives and capitalizing on new ones should be a priority. There is also a great urge to utilize regional blocs like the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). COMESA has long been a champion of regional economic integration in Eastern and Southern Africa, the AfCFTA promises to take these efforts to a continental scale, offering a robust framework for trade liberalization and economic cooperation across Africa.
The utilization of the regional bloc creates a seamless market that facilitates the free movement of goods, services, and people in the continent of 1.4 billion populations.
The continent has a youthful population and a big number of job-seeking population and unlocking the full potential of regional capacities is essential. One of the critical aspects of this regional integration is the recognition that women and youth can play an essential role in the economic development of the region. Women entrepreneurs, particularly, have been at the forefront of driving economic innovation, creating jobs, and building resilient communities.
It is in this light that the upcoming 6th COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) Trade Fair and Business Conference, COMESA Trade Fair and Business Conference, scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa from May 5-9, 2025, is expected to serve as a key milestone in this ongoing effort to unlock economic opportunities for women in the region.
This initiative will significantly contribute to the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and the facilitation of cross-border trade and business opportunities.
The theme of this year’s event, “A Thriving COMESA through Gender-Responsive Regional Integration: Unlocking Opportunities in Green Investments, Value Chains, Tourism, and Mining,” underlines the importance of sustainable and inclusive growth within the COMESA region. This theme not only highlights the critical role of women in the regional economy but also emphasizes the need for green and sustainable development that considers the unique needs and contributions of women entrepreneurs.
Through its focus on green investments, value chains, and women-led businesses, COMESA can not only advance economic integration but also ensure that the benefits of this integration are shared equitably across the region.
It is true that the future of regional integration and trade exchange in Africa depends on the continued cooperation between African nations. Tapping into regional capacities and allaying them with continental projects will create a single market that fosters sustainable economic growth, and the benefits of regional integration will become increasingly evident. Africa will not only deepen its trade relations but also build a more inclusive, resilient, and self-sufficient economy capable of competing on the global stage.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 7 MARCH 2025
