New COMESA SG pledges to represent the African woman

Chileshe Kapwepwe

The 20th COMESA summit has closed with the regional body admitting two more new members in Tunisia and Somalia who become the 20^th and 21^st member states respectively.

This makes COMESA the largest regional body in Africa.

The just ended summit which opened on 9^th July has also seen the appointment of the new COMESA Secretary General, Chileshe Kapwepwe.

In her maiden speech during the summit, Ms. Kapwepwe pledged to do her best in representing the African woman in her new position.

Ms. Kapwepwe says she will also do the same for the youth and vulnerable groups as COMESA fosters inclusive development that does not leave anyone behind.

She has further committed to working closely with COMESA organs and institutions, all member states and the private sector in building on the successes the regional body has so far scored.

Meanwhile, outgoing Secretary General, Sindiso Ngwenya has in the final communiqué of the summit disclosed that the annual gathering has amended Article 20 of the COMESA Treaty.

Mr. Sindiso says the amendment means that the jurisdiction of the COMESA Court of Justice has been extended to also handle investment state disputes.

He also disclosed that the just ended COMESA summit has also welcomed Zambia’s offer to provide a sovereignty guarantee for the construction of a new COMESA Secretariat.

And in his closing address, COMESA chairperson and Madagascan President Hery Rajaonarimampianina, observed the need for COMESA to do away with donor support.

He said that just like other regional bodies are self sustaining, COMESA can generate its own resources through donations from member states.

President Edgar Lungu who yesterday opened the Heads of State and Government COMESA summit was also in attendance during the closing ceremony.