The 17th COMESA Business Forum is scheduled to take place on 28th October 2024 in Bujumbura, Burundi. Organised by the COMESA Business Council, COMESA Secretariat, and the Government of Burundi in collaboration with the Burundi Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event is supported by the European Union‘s 11^th European Development Fund (EDF) through the COMESA Regional Enterprise Competitiveness and Access to Markets Programme (RECAMP). The Forum will precede the 23^rd COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit which will be held on 31^st October 2024.

Under the theme, “Accelerating Regional Integration through the Development of Regional Value Chains in Climate Resilient Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism,” the Business Forum will engage both public and private stakeholders to discuss solutions that will drive COMESA Member States toward becoming competitive and sustainable economies on the regional and global stage.

A Platform for High-Level Dialogue and Strategic Partnerships

A key feature of the Forum will be the High-Level Round Table, where government ministers and private sector stakeholders will discuss creating a competitive business environment in the COMESA region. The Forum will provide a unique platform for industry leaders to collaborate on strategies to propel economic growth and attract investors, with a specific focus on the regional value chains in Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism.

Objectives of the 17th COMESA Business Forum:

1. Facilitate Dialogue: Encourage dialogue among public and private sector stakeholders to promote sustainable and competitive sectors within the COMESA region.
2. Share Best Practices: Develop and exchange strategies for building competitive industries across the region.
3. Raise Awareness: Highlight the challenges and opportunities present in the COMESA region.
4. Propose Policies: Offer strategies and policy recommendations to ensure industrial competitiveness and sustainable supply chains.
5. Foster Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Create a platform for candid discussions between public and private sector leaders.
6. Knowledge Sharing: Promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices within the COMESA region.

The insights and recommendations from the Forum will be compiled into the COMESA Business Declaration, which will be presented to the 23rd COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit.

Save the Date

With the registration platform set to launch soon, stakeholders are encouraged to mark their calendars for this significant event. The 17th COMESA Business Forum promises to be a pivotal gathering, fostering regional integration and collaboration across sectors.

Stay tuned for further updates and be part of this transformative event in Bujumbura, Burundi!