Staff Writer
The President of the National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe (NCDPZ) and Senator representing women with disabilities in the Senate, Annah Shiri(pictured).
has congratulated President Mnangagwa on his appointment as chairperson of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Shiri said President Mnangagwa’s appointment presented an opportunity to strengthen regional trade, accelerate economic growth and attract investment across the region.
President Mnangagwa assumed the COMESA chairmanship on October 22, 2026, taking over from Kenyan President William Ruto during the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit held in Harare. His tenure will run for one year, covering the 2026–2027 period.
COMESA is a regional economic bloc comprising 21 member states that seeks to promote trade, investment and economic integration among its members. The summit was held under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA”.
In his acceptance remarks, President Mnangagwa pledged to work with member states to advance value addition, beneficiation, inclusive industrialisation and stronger regional value chains. His priorities also include expanding intra-regional trade, improving trade facilitation and strengthening cooperation in agriculture and infrastructure development.
In her congratulatory message, Shiri expressed optimism that President Mnangagwa’s new regional responsibility would contribute to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy.
She said the appointment could help create opportunities for development across various economic sectors and support efforts to improve people’s livelihoods.
“As persons with disabilities, we remain resolute in supporting all initiatives that promote and empower local development, as well as uplifting the livelihoods of youths, women, vulnerable groups and the economic emancipation of all communities,” Shiri said.
She emphasised the importance of inclusive development, highlighting the need for initiatives that benefit women, young people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Shiri said she hoped President Mnangagwa would use his new position to advance regional integration and promote economic prosperity.
“Once again, a big congratulations, Your Excellency, on this regional responsibility bestowed upon you. We wish you success in advancing regional integration and a prosperous Great Zimbabwe,” she said.
President Mnangagwa’s chairmanship comes at a time when regional economies are seeking to expand cross-border trade, attract investment and strengthen industrial capacity. His leadership will involve working with fellow member states to advance COMESA’s shared economic development objectives.