Who We Are
CBC is the recognized Business Member Organization, established as a private sector institution of COMESA. We represent the interests of businesses sectors at a regional level. The services provided go beyond advocacy, to actively promote business participation in regional integration, investment and global trade. This is done by facilitating the growth of strong business synergies, the development of business opportunities, business alliances, legislative and strategic advocacy. We provide custom tailored services that are driven by both industry and enterprise interests.
CBC is established as one of the eight organs of COMESA. To provide a link and facilitate dialogue between the business community and other interest groups and other organs of the Common Market.
CBC BIZNET MARKET HUB
An online easy to use, self registration data base that gives you information on over 3,000 companies- distributers, suppliers and buyers from across the COMESA region. Visit: http://biznet.comesabusinesscouncil.org/
MADE in COMESA
A business intelligence platform that helps you helps you make the right decision about where to trade, set up shop and invest. We analyse, inform and advise you on trade and product trends in the region! Visit: http://madeincomesa.opendataforafrica.org/
COMESA TOURISM HERITAGE HANDBOOK
An online and hardcopy tool that supports international and regional tourists to know the sites and sounds of the COMESA countries. You can put together regional tourism packages using the handbook.
The CBC Regional Mandate
Responsible for ensuring that the interests of the business community and other interest groups in the Common Market are taken into consideration by the organs of the Common Market.
Responsible for monitoring the implementation of the provisions of chapter 23 (Development of Private Sector) and 24 of the Treaty (Women in Development and Business) and make recommendations to the Intergovernmental Committee.
Consult and receive reports from other interest groups.
Take part in the meetings of the Technical Committees and may make recommendations to the Intergovernmental Committee (COMESA Treaty Article 7 and 18).
Membership Benefits
1. Advocacy excellence in the region – influence decisions at the highest levels of policy decision makers in COMESA.
2. Regional brand recognition as a business through CBC
3. Market intelligence and analysis to inform trade, investment and joint venture decisions.
4. Increased partnerships in regional and global markets.
5. Business facilitation in regional and global markets through trade promotion, linkages and advisory services.
6. Technical capacity development and Industry collaboration of CBC memberships for efficiency and sustainability of enterprises and associations.
Private Sector Development
The development of the private sector undertakings by COMESA Members States that CBC is responsible for monitoring are:
Creation of an Enabling Environment for the Private Sector
CBC Creates of an Enabling Environment for the Private Sector. The Member States agree to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to take full advantage of the Common Market.
Strengthening the Private Sector
The Member States shall endeavor to adopt programs to strengthen and promote the role of the private sector as an effective force for the development, progress and reconstruction of their respective economies.
Co-operation among Chambers of Commerce and Other Business Organizations
The Member States undertake to co-operate in promoting common measures to ensure the strengthening of linkages among chambers of commerce (COMESA Treaty Chapter 23, Article 151-153).
Membership Structure and Fees
Principal Members- these include private sector national business associations representing various sectors of national economies of member states and other corporate companies. The annual subscription fee for principal members is USD 2000.
Honorary / Corporate Members – these include corporate companies and other interest groups upon admission by the General Assembly after application. The annual subscription fees for this category is USD 5000.
Associate Members – these are recognized national business associations, investment and Export promotion agencies and trade support institutions, other associations directly or indirectly related to private sector issues. This category also includes regional private sector associations. The annual membership fee for Associate Members is USD 2500
Emerging Businesses – these are business startups or Small or Medium Enterprise. The annual membership for this category is USD 1000.
All registered members of CBC form the General Assembly that holds once a year. All members receive a CBC Membership of Recognition.
Our Business Working Groups
1. Agro-Industry
2. Manufacturers Workgroup
3. Tourism Services
4. Micro Small and Medium Enterprises
5. Digital Financial Services
6. Tobacco Growers
7. Transporters and Logistics Services Industries
8. Digital Services
9. Coalition of Services Industries
10. Trade Facilitation and NTBs
Our Services
Business Policy Advocacy- Influencing policy is at the heart of what we do
BUSINESS FACILITATION SERVICES – business support for private sector’s access to regional and global markets.
Membership and Communication services – Strengthen collaboration with CBC members for improved effectiveness
Our Core Values
The core values that guide our behavior and actions are:
People: Adhere to the highest professional standards
Integrity: Trust, transparency and accountability
Ownership: For the members, by the members
Collaboration: Shared vision, clarity of roles and responsibilities
Service: Representative and Inclusive
Our Vision
Building Regional, Going Global.
Our Mission
To become the leading private sector organization in Africa, that promotes competitive and interconnected industries to actively participate in regional and global markets through advocacy, business facilitation and enterprise development.