By Patience Gondo
Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been elected Vice Chairperson of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), marking a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s ongoing regional re-engagement and economic cooperation efforts.
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) confirmed the development in a statement on Friday October 31, congratulating the President on his election to the high-profile regional position.
ZERA said the appointment was a reflection of Zimbabwe’s growing influence in continental policy and trade matters.
“Your Excellency, your election to this pivotal role is a testament to your government’s re-engagement efforts and its ‘Open for Business’ policy, which continue to yield positive results on the domestic and international fronts,” ZERA said.
ZERA also said it looks forward to supporting the President’s regional vision focused on sustainable energy and economic transformation.
“ZERA looks forward to supporting your vision for a prosperous and united continent, particularly in advancing sustainable energy solutions that underpin regional economic growth and digital transformation,”
Mnangagwa’s election comes as COMESA continues to play a crucial role in promoting regional integration, trade liberalisation, and economic development among its 21 member states.
The bloc, headquartered in Lusaka, Zambia, represents a population of more than 580 million people and is one of Africa’s largest trading groups.
Zimbabwe’s assumption of the Vice Chairperson role places it at the heart of decision-making within the regional body, which focuses on improving cross-border trade, transport infrastructure, and energy cooperation.
The development signals renewed confidence in Zimbabwe’s leadership within multilateral organisations following years of international isolation. It follows the country’s active participation in African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) initiatives aimed at economic recovery and infrastructure development.
“Congratulations, Makorokoto, Amhlophe for sustainable energy,”ZERA said.