By Melisa Munzvandi
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has called on COMESA member states to remove trade barriers to accelerate regional integration and economic growth.
According to his address at the COMESA gathering, Professor Murwira said national borders should facilitate cooperation, not restrict trade.
“National borders should serve administrative purposes rather than restrict trade,” he said.
He said integration should go beyond expanding markets to improving livelihoods, especially for young people.
Professor Murwira warned that armed conflicts continue to undermine Africa’s economic development and threaten efforts to build a prosperous regional market.
He called for greater investment in early warning systems, preventive diplomacy and mediation to address the root causes of conflict.
The Minister also challenged member states to interrogate the source of weapons fuelling conflicts on the continent.
Professor Murwira, who is the incoming Chairperson of the COMESA Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers, said lasting peace and security are prerequisites for meaningful integration.