• Priority issues to be addressed are those relating to free movement of people under the ACFTA framework
• Need to cover non – tariff barriers affecting free movement
• COMESA has launched the 50 Million African Women Speak Platform in Mauritius.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) have disclosed plans to review their current Memorandum of Understanding to incorporate emerging issues on movement of people.
IOM Regional Director for Southern Africa, Charles Kwenin and COMESA Assistant Secretary General Kipyego Cheluget said the development comes following the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and COVID-19 pandemic.
“Priority issues to be addressed are those relating to free movement of people under the ACFTA framework now that majority of the African Union member States have endorsed the free movement of goods and services,” a statement obtained by Money FM News read.
The Two organizations have since pointing out the need to cover non – tariff barriers affecting free movement which have notably increased during the pandemic.
Meanwhile COMESA has launched the 50 Million African Women Speak Platform in Mauritius which is yet to be launched in Zambia.
Speaking during the Launch COMESA secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe said the platform is a gift that Women Entrepreneurs can cherish for years to come and look ahead of 2021 with renewed vigor and Confidence.
Ms. Kapwepwe further cited economic devastation caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic on businesses.
“The 50 Million Africa Women Speak platform we are unveiling today is the kind of springboard women entrepreneurs needed to reset after a difficult 2020 and to look ahead to 2021 with renewed vigor and confidence,” she said.