Distr.
LIMITED
CS/CM/XXXII/2
February 2014
Original: ENGLISH
COMMON MARKET FOR EASTERN AND
SOUTHERN AFRICA
Thirty Second Meeting of the Council of Ministers
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
22 – 24 February 2014
REPORT OF THE THIRTY SECOND MEETING
OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
(AM/MK/FM/AD/SS/MK/AKM)smz/lm
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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ACRONYMS
ACTESA
ACBF
AfDB
AFOLU
AFSTA
AGOA
APF
ASHTRIP
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ASYCUDA
ATI
AU
CAADP
CAF
CBT
CCA
CET
CEMES
CO
CSA
CU
CVTFS
DDA
DEvCO
DfID
EAC
EAPP
e-COs
EDF
EPA
ESA
EEAS
EU-ACP
FAO
FDI
FEMCOM
FRL
FTA
GDP
GIS
HCPI
HIV/AIDS
ICGLR
ICT
IMF
IMTS
IOM
LLPI
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Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa
African Capacity Building Facility
African Development Bank
Agriculture, Forestry and Sustainable Land Use
African Seed Trade Association
African Growth and Opportunity Act
Africa Partnership Forum
ACTESA Seed Harmonization and Trade Regulations Implementation
Programme
Automated System of Customs Data and Management
African Trade Insurance Agency
African Union
Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme
COMESA Adjustment Facility
Cross Border Trade
Corporate Council on Africa
Common External tariff
COMESA Electronic Market Exchange System
Certificate of Origin
Climate Smart Agriculture
Customs Union
COMESA Virtual Trade Facilitation System
Doha Development Agenda
European Development Cooperation
Department for International Development (UK)
East African Community
Eastern Africa Power Pool
Electronic Certificates of Origin
European Development Fund
Economic Partnership Agreements
Eastern and Southern Africa
European External Action Services
European Union-African Caribbean and Pacific grouping
Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
Foreign Direct Investment
Federation of Women in Business in Eastern and Southern Africa
Fiscal Responsibility Law
Free Trade Area
Gross Domestic Product
Geographic Information System
Harmonized Consumer Price Indices
Human Immune Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
International Conference of the Great Lakes Region
Information and Communication Technology
International Monetary Fund
International Merchandise Trade Statistics
International Organisation of Migration
Leather and Leather Products Institute
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MFIs
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MDGs
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MSMEs
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NEPAD/APRM:
NIMCC
OECD
OSBP
PEFA
PFM
PTA Bank
PCMS
RAERESA
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RCTG
REPSS
RFBS
RIA
RISM
SADC
SPS
STR
TFTA
TIFA
TMSA
TWG
UN
UNAIDS
UNCTAD
UNECA
UNFCCC
UNICEF
WHO
WTO
ZEP-Re
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Micro Financing Institutions
Millennium Development Goals
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
New Partnership for Africa’s Development - African Peer Review
Mechanism
National Inter-ministerial Coordinating Committee
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
One Stop Border Post
Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability
Public Financial Management
Trade and Development Bank for Eastern and Southern Africa
Passenger Cargo Manifest System
Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern
Africa
Regional Customs Transit Guarantee
Regional Exchange Payments and Settlement System
Regional Food Balance Sheet
Regional Investment Agency
Regional Integration Support Mechanism
Southern Africa Development Community
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards
Simplified Trade Regime
Tripartite Free Trade Area
Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
Trade Mark Southern Africa
Technical Working Group
United Nations
United Nations Joint Programme on HIV&AIDS
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
United Nations Children’s Fund
World Health Organization
World Trade Organization
COMESA Re-Insurance Company
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Table of Contents
ACRONYMS ……………………………………………………………………………………………..1
INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………………………………..5
OPENING OF THE MEETING …………………………………………………………………………5
ELECTION OF THE BUREAU ………………………………………………………………………..7
ADOPTION OF AGENDA AND ORGANISATION OF WORK …………………………………….8
CONSIDERATION OF THE CONSOLIDATED REPORT ON THE STATUS OF
IMPLEMENTATION COMESA PROGRAMMES AND COMESA INSTITUTIONS ……………..8
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF TRANSPOSITION BY MEMBER STATES ………………….8
TRADE AND CUSTOMS …………………………………………………………………………….15
THE COMESA MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSME) STRATEGY ……….31
AGRICULTURE ……………………………………………………………………………………….40
INFRASTRUCTURE …………………………………………………………………………………..44
LEGAL AFFAIRS …………………………………………………………………………………….60
CLIMATE CHANGE …………………………………………………………………………………..61
STATISTICAL DEVELOPMENT …………………………………………………………………….64
COMESA MONETARY COOPERATION PROGRAMME ………………………………………..67
GENDER AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS ………………………………………………………………….70
COMESA INNOVATIONS AWARDS ………………………………………………………………..71
PARTNERSHIP WITH COOPERATING PARTNERS ……………………………………………..76
REPORTS OF COMESA INSTITUTIONS ON THEIR OPERATIONS …………………………..82
THE COMESA FUND …………………………………………………………………………………82
THE COMESA INFRASTRUCTURE FUND (CIF) INTERIM BOARD REPORT (II)) ………….82
THE COMEA ADJUSTMENT FACILITY (CAF) AND THE REGIONAL INTEGRATION
SUPPORT MECHANISM (RISM) ……………………………………………………………………83
THE COMESA BUREAU ON THE THIRD PARTY MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE SCHEME
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THE COMESA COURT OF JUSTICE ……………………………………………………………….90
COMESA LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCT INSTITUTE …………………………………92
PTA RE-INSURANCE COMPANY (ZEP-RE) ………………………………………………………92
PTA BANK ……………………………………………………………………………………………..94
COMESA CLEARING HOUSE ………………………………………………………………………98
COMESA REGIONAL INVESTMENT AGENCY .…………………………………………………102
AFRICA TRADE INSURANCE AGENCY…………………………………………………………..107
COMESA BUSINESS COUNCIL …………………………………………………………………..110
FEDERATION OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS IN EASTERN
AND SOUTHERN AFRICA …………………………………………………………………………113
COMESA COMPETITION COMMISSION …………………………………………………………114
THE ALLIANCE FOR COMMODITY TRADE IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA…....120
COMESA MONETARY INSTITUTE ……………………………………………………………….123
CLOSED SESSION OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE AND
BUDGETARY MATTERS ……………………………………………………………………………125
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INTRODUCTION
1.
The Thirty Second Meeting of the Council of Ministers was held on 22 and 23 February,
2014 at the Grand Hotel, Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The main purpose of
the meeting was to consider the progress of implementation of the integration agenda towards
achievement of the vision of COMESA of being a fully integrated regional economic community,
that is internationally competitive and prosperous with high living standards particularly for the
ordinary people, and that is fully part of the continental integration process.
2.
3.
The meeting was attended by:
a.
The following Member States: Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo,
Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius,
Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe;
b.
The following COMESA institutions: Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and
Southern Africa, African Trade Insurance Agency, COMESA Brussels Liaison
Office, COMESA Business Council, COMESA Clearing House, COMESA
Competition Commission, Court of Justice, COMESA Federation of National
Association of Women in Business, Leather and Leather Products Institute,
COMESA Monetary Institute, COMESA Regional Investment Agency and PTA
Re-Insurance Company; and
c.
The following International Organisations: African Capacity Building Foundation,
African Union Commission, European Union, International Conference on the
Great Lakes Region, International Organisation for Migration, United Nations
Economic Commission for Africa, United Nations Economic Commission for
Africa; and
d.
The following observers: Japan, Nigeria, Sweden, and United Kingdom.
The list of participants is attached as Annex 1 to this Report.
OPENING OF THE MEETING (Agenda Item 1)
4.
The opening ceremony of the Thirty-Second Meeting was presided over by the
Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Honourable, Amelia Kyambadde, the Minister of Trade,
Industry and Co-operatives, Uganda. She welcomed the Hon. Ministers and all the delegates to
the meeting and highlighted the achievements and the focus areas of the Bureau as outlined by
the Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government.
5.
Honourable Kyambadde gave the background as to why the Heads of State and
Government at the Summit in their wisdom decided to prioritize mobilisation of resources for
regional infrastructure development; development of a framework for micro, small and medium
enterprises support; and strengthening gender mainstreaming in regional integration.
6.
On Infrastructure development, Honourable Kyambadde stated that they organized a
High Level Infrastructure Conference in Uganda in September 2013 to showcase projects at the
Member State and regional level that were ready for financing in order to attract potential
funding for these projects. The Bureau and COMESA Secretariat also participated in the Brazil,
Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit in Durban, South Africa in March 2013;
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organized the COMESA-Dubai Business Forum held in Dubai in May 2013; and participated in
the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) V which agreed to
accelerate infrastructure development.
7.
On the Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), COMESA developed a draft
Regional Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs Development Policy which was to be
submitted to Council for adoption.
8.
Under the third priority of Strengthening Gender mainstreaming in Regional Integration,
COMESA was in the process of reviewing the COMESA Gender Mainstreaming Strategy and
Action Plan to align it with the African Union ‘Gender is My Agenda Campaign,’ and international
best practices.
9.
On the administrative front, she informed Council that the Bureau worked closely
towards the rehabilitation of the COMESA Centre that was gutted by fire. The Bureau had also
developed an appraisal mechanism for the executive arm of the Secretariat as directed by the
Summit.
10.
Honourable, Kyambadde concluded her remarks by thanking the Government of the
Democratic Republic of Congo for accepting to host the 2014 Policy Organs’ Meetings and for
the excellent preparations. She thanked Honourable Sosten Ngwengwe, the Malawi Trade
Minister; and Honourable Raymond Tshibanda, the DRC Foreign Affairs Minister with whom she
had worked as Vice-Chair and Rapportuer of the Bureau respectively. She also expressed her
sincere appreciation to the Secretary General and the COMESA Secretariat for the support,
guidance and leadership given to COMESA.
Statement of the Guest of Honour
11.
The Guest of Honour, Honourable Raymond Tshibanda N’Tungamulongo, the Minister
of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie, of the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC) welcomed all delegates to Kinshasa in particular, and to the Democratic Republic
of Congo in general.
12.
He said that the 32nd Meeting of the Council of Ministers was an important one in the
history of the integration of the region because COMESA Member States shared a common
vision for development and regional integration, as established by the COMESA Treaty.
13.
“We have all continued to cooperate in the building of our Common Market, as we labour
through the establishment of the COMESA Free Trade. There is cooperation in COMESA trade
facilitation programmes, regional infrastructure programmes, common trade in service
negotiations, among others,” he said.
14.
Honourable Tshibanda said that the regional integration path had its fair share of
challenges. In particular he highlighted the fact that the region is yet to meet the timeframe of
achieving the Customs Union, a goal that was set to be achieved by June 2012. He reminded
the meeting that although the transition period was extended by two more years to June 2014,
this new timeline was not far.
15.
In view of the common aspirations, Honourable Tshibanda said that it was time for the
Council of Ministers to seriously consider the core reasons that had prevented the institution
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from making progress in certain areas of regional integration. In order to move into a fully
operational Common Market by 2015, COMESA had to find lasting solutions to unlock the
constraints to the establishment of the Customs Union.
16.
Honourable Tshibanda said that he had every confidence that together the Member
States would overcome the challenges that they faced. He added that COMESA as a large
regional economic community that is well respected all over Africa and the world, and was a trail
blazer in initiating and operating pioneer integration programmes and institutions. COMESA had
over the years successfully established programmes in Non-Tariff Barrier elimination, the Yellow
Card insurance scheme, Harmonized Road Transit Charges, the COMESA Carrier License
scheme, air transport liberalization, harmonized standards and many more. It is, therefore, no
surprise that others had emulated COMESA.
17.
COMESA had signed and ratified several protocols and other legal instruments. As
result, the free movement of goods was already a reality. The investment regimes were largely
open, and what was needed was to harmonize them by committing to a common area for
investment.
18.
Honourable Tshibanda said that going by the zeal and faithfulness that many of our
Member States had exhibited in meeting their contributions in COMESA and in our sister
organisations, he believed the institution could be greatly improved if the Member States
thought and acted creatively. COMESA Member States’ over-dependence on external aid could
not continue indefinitely, and Member States had to take concrete steps to operationalize and
implement innovative financing mechanisms, such as the Common Market Levy. He called upon
the Honourable Ministers to join hands and forge ahead in addressing the fundamental issue of
establishing sustainable funding for the integration programmes. The region could build on the
strengths of the free movement of goods and services, and the commitment of the leaders to
enhancing trade and investment, agriculture and industrial development, among others.
19.
On the theme for this year’s Summit of: Consolidating intra-COMESA trade through
Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Development, the Honourable Minister said that the
Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo paid its respect to the Government of
Uganda, the outgoing Chair of COMESA, for selecting the theme of: “Enhancing intra-COMESA
trade through MSME Development”, for 2012. He added that COMESA’s programmes should
benefit MSMEs, which comprise more than 90% of the private sector in the region. He
concluded that COMESA was in position to establish dedicated financing mechanisms for
MSMEs, and to provide a framework for a wide group of partners that indicate their willingness
to work with COMESA in this area.
20.
The Honourable Minister wished the delegates fruitful deliberations, and declared the
meeting open.
ELECTION OF THE BUREAU (Agenda Item 2)
21.
The meeting elected the following Bureau:
Chair:
Democratic Republic of Congo
Vice Chair: Ethiopia
Rapporteur: Uganda
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ADOPTION OF AGENDA AND ORGANISATION OF WORK (Agenda Item 3)
22.
The meeting adopted the following agenda:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Opening of the Meeting
Election of the Bureau
Adoption of Agenda and Organisation of Work
Open Session of Council - Report of the Intergovernmental Committee on:
(a)
(b)
(c)
5.
6.
7.
The Status of Implementation of COMESA Programmes
Reports of COMESA Institutions
Statements by Co-operating Partners
Closed Session of Council on Administrative and Budgetary Matters
Any Other Business
Adoption of Report and Closing of Meeting
CONSIDERATION OF THE REPORT OF THE TWENTY SECOND MEETING OF THE
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF
COMESA PROGRAMMES AND COMESA INSTITUTIONS (Agenda Item 4)
23.
The Rapportuer, Honourable Amelia Kyambadde, the Minister of Trade, Industry and
Co-operatives (Uganda) presented the Report of the Thirty Second Meeting of the
Intergovernmental Committee (IC) that was held from 18 – 21 February 2014 in Kinshasa,
Democratic Republic of Congo. The report (document reference: CS/IC/XXXII/5) was prepared
in compliance with the provisions of the Treaty to facilitate deliberations and decision making by
the Council and Authority. The reports of sectoral ministerial committee meetings were
submitted to Council for consideration and endorsement.
24.
The Council also included the reports of COMESA semi-autonomous and autonomous
Institutions. Pursuant to the provisions of Article 10 of the Treaty the IC Report groups the
various recommendations under Regulations, Directives, Decisions, Recommendations and
Opinions. The section of the report on transposition explains how these legislative requirements
are given the force of law at the COMESA level and in Member States.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF TRANSPOSITION BY MEMBER STATES (Agenda Item 4(a))
25.
Council was informed that the COMESA Treaty, “Having regard to the principles of
international law governing relations between sovereign states, and the principles of liberty,
fundamental freedoms and the rule of law”, holds the Members of the Common Market bound
by it. The Treaty, therefore, established the legislative mandate for the COMESA region. It is
underpinned by international law.
26.
In international relations, treaties, as a source of international law provide a solid
foundation for the development of peaceful cooperation among nations globally hence are
regarded as the supreme law that binds countries and states that are a signatory to them. Under
international law, a State gives its expressed consent to be bound by a Treaty through signing,
exchanging instruments constituting a Treaty, ratification, acceptance, approval or accession or
through any other means agreed between the contracting parties (Article 11, 1969 Vienna
Convention on the Law of Treaties). Further, a contracting party to a Treaty is under a Treaty
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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obligation to perform its obligations in good faith (Article 26, Vienna Convention) and is stopped
from invoking provisions of its internal law to resile from performing its Treaty obligations (Article
27, Vienna Convention). These provisions are respected and fully upheld by the COMESA
Treaty.
27.
Council was further informed that when the Common Market was established, the
contracting Member States that signed its Treaty expressed their intention to be bound by the
Treaty. The COMESA Treaty, therefore, places important obligations upon the 19 States that
currently make up the Regional Economic Community’s Membership. The Member States are
bound to its provisions and obligations, which are to be upheld as provided for under Article 5,
which says:
“The Member States shall make every effort to plan and direct their development policies
with a view to creating conditions favourable for the achievement of the aims of the
Common Market and the implementation of the provisions of the Treaty and shall
abstain from any measures likely to jeopardize the achievement of the aims of the
Common Market or the implementation of the provisions of this Treaty.
Each Member State shall take steps to secure the enactment of and the continuation of
such legislation to give effect to this Treaty.”
28.
Council was reminded that the legislative and policy functions of COMESA are exercised
by the COMESA Council of Ministers as provided for under Article 9(2)(d) of the Treaty which
provides that:
“It shall be the responsibility of Council to: make regulations, issue directives, take
decisions, make recommendations and give opinions in accordance with the provisions
of this Treaty.”
29.
Since its formative years, the COMESA Council of Ministers has discharged its Article
9(2)(d) mandate resulting in a number of instruments being issued. The Thirty First Meeting of
the Council of Ministers of COMESA, which was held in Kampala, Uganda from 19 - 20
November 2012 received the 2012 Report on the Status of Transposition of Decisions by
Member States (document reference: CS/IC/XXXII/11). In consideration thereof, it was a
decision of that meeting which mandated the COMESA Secretariat to update the findings on
how far Member States have gone with implementing Regulations, Directives and Decisions of
the COMESA Council and present the updated finding in a Report on Transposition.
30.
Council was reminded that a decision issued by the COMESA Council of Ministers is
binding upon those to whom it is addressed. This is provided for under Article 10(4) of the
Treaty. Such Decision may be addressed to the Secretariat, or a Member State or a third
party/individual. Article 9(3) on Decisions provides that:
“Subject to the provisions of this Treaty, the…..decisions of the Council taken or given in
pursuance of the provisions of this Treaty shall be binding on the Member States, on all
subordinate organs of the Common Market other than the Court in the exercise of its
jurisdiction and on those to whom they may under this Treaty, be addressed.”
31.
Bearing in mind the above, the Common Market Gazette contains all the decisions taken
by the Council in accordance with the provisions of Article 10(1) of the COMESA Treaty. Over
the period 2009-2012, Council took a total of 217 decisions (Table 1), as reflected in the
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Gazette. Out of this, 114 decisions (53%) were for implementation by Member States and 44
decisions (20%) were addressed to the COMESA Secretariat; a further 29 (13%) decisions were
not addressed to any party. In cursory analysis of the quality of decisions taken by Council and
reflected in the Gazette reveals that 45 decisions (21%) across the categories listed in Table 1
were in effect not decisions. One hand, 29 of the decisions had no party to whom they were
addressed and could therefore not be taken as decision per se. The rest were all
recommendations, opinions, suggestions, requests, commendations, et cetera, which,
according to Article 10(5) of the Treaty: “…shall have no binding force” and thus could not be
treated as decisions.
Table 1: Decisions in the Common Market Gazette, 2009-2012
Party to
addressed
which
Decisions
were Decisions
Gazette
in
the (%)
Member States
114
53%
COMESA Secretariat
44
20%
3rd Parties
5
2%
Joint Sec-MS
19
9%
Joint MS-3rd Party
1
0%
Joint Sec-3rd party
2
1%
Joint Sec-MS-3rd party
3
1%
Not addressed to any party
29
13%
Total Decisions
217
100%
Sec = Secretariat; MS = Member States
32.
Council was informed of the following critical issues that emerged from the above
statistical observations, which require systematic and diligent attention in order for the COMESA
region to enhance its decision making and improve its record of implementation:
(a) Number of decisions addressed to Member States: the large number of decisions
addressed to Member States over the years has created a back-log in
implementation. This back-log has to be cleared. The starting point should be to
establish, as a matter of fact, which decisions out of the 114 that were addressed to
Member States have been implemented and which ones are still outstanding. The
work programme for establishing the status of implementation should be guided by
Article17 (8)(j),(k)1 and Article 17(9)2 of the Treaty, starting in 2014 and should,
1The
Secretary General shall: (j) on his own initiative or as may be assigned to him by the Authority or the Council,
undertake such work and studies and form such services as relate to the aims of the Common Market and to the
implementation of the provisions of this Treaty; and (k) for the performance of the functions conferred upon him by
this Article, collect information and verity matters of fact relating to the functioning of the Common Market and for that
purpose may request a Member State to provide information relating thereto.
2 The Member States agree to co-operate with and assist the Secretary-General in the performance of his functions
set out in paragraph 8 of this Article and agree in particular to provide any information which may be requested under
sub-paragraph (k) of paragraph 8 of this Article.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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among other things, seek to use the approach and the presented draft template as
the means to establish the status of implementation.
(b) Quality of decisions: the large number of decisions as well as the observations that
as many as 13% of them were not addressed to any party and 21% were not proper
decisions raises fundamental questions about the quality of decisions that end up
being made by the Council and thus published in the Common Market Gazette.
Therefore another important exercise in parallel with clearing the back-log of
decisions should be to improve the quality of future decisions through a process of
distilling the decisions and determining which ones are indeed decisions in
accordance with the Treaty and are actionable at the policy level of the Council. This
should be another component of the work programme in 2014.
33.
Council was further informed that Article 10(2) of the Treaty provides that a Regulation
issued by the COMESA Council of Ministers is binding on all Member States in its entirety. This
essentially means that the question of domestication of Regulations that have been passed by
Council is a non-issue as Council Regulations are ipso juris facto binding upon passing. Further,
a Treaty obligation is placed upon Member States by Article 5(2)(b) to give Council Regulations
the force of law in their territories as it provides that:
“Each Member State shall take steps to secure the enactment of and the continuation of
such legislation to give effect to this Treaty and in particular: to confer upon the
regulations of the Council the force of law and the necessary legal effect within its
territory.”
34.
Article 9(3) of the Treaty provides as follows:
“Subject to the provisions of this Treaty, the regulations……of the Council taken or given
in pursuance of the provisions of this Treaty shall be binding on the Member States, on
all subordinate organs of the Common Market other than the Court in the exercise of its
jurisdiction and on those to whom they may under this Treaty, be addressed.”
35.
Council noted the examples of Regulations that had been passed by Council over the
period 2009-2012.
36.
Council was informed that establishing the status of domestication of the regulations,
which Council adopted and which are binding on all the Member States in their entirety requires
both compliance with Article 5(2)(b), which gives the regulations the force of law in the territories
of the Member States; and also that Member States, in compliance with Article17(8)(j),(k) and
Article 17(9) of the Treaty, deposit their national legislative instruments, which confer upon the
regulations the force of law and the necessary legal effects within the territories of the Member
States. The latter provides the evidence that Member States are in compliance with the relevant
provisions of the Treaty.
37.
With regards to the published rules and regulations of 2009-2012, it was noted that none
of the Member States had deposited their national legal instruments as evidence of enforcing
the regulations in their territories. Going forward, the work programme on transposition should
focus on ensuring that Member States routinely deposit their legal instruments. All future reports
on the status of transposition will reflect the status on rule and regulations based on the
deposited evidence from the Member States.
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38.
On the Directives of the COMESA Council of Ministers, Council was informed that Article
10(3) of the Treaty provides that a Directive issued by the COMESA Council of Ministers is
binding upon each Member State to which it is addressed as to the result to be achieved but not
as to the means of achieving it. Further, Article 9(3) of the Treaty provides as follows:
“Subject to the provisions of this Treaty, the….directives…of the Council taken or given
in pursuance of the provisions of this Treaty shall be binding on the Member States, on
all subordinate organs of the Common Market other than the Court in the exercise of its
jurisdiction and those to whom they may under this Treaty, be addressed.”
39.
In the current format of the Common Market Gazette (2009-2012), a clear separation
between decisions and directives has not been done in so far as the presentation is concerned.
However, the content of the Gazette allows for a cursory analysis to distinguish between
decisions and directives. For example, at the Member State level, out of the 114 decisions of
the Council, 25 (22%) were actually directives addressed to specific Member State not to all the
Member States of the region. The future work programme on transposition should endeavor to
re-orient the Common Market Gazette to a format that draws clear distinctions between
decisions and directives, in the way these are presented.
40.
As of end December 2013, the status of signing and ratification of legal instruments was
as shown in Table 2. A total of 9 legal instruments (or 75%) out of the total of 12 instruments
considered in the table had been signed by the majority (more than 50%) of Member States
while 5 instruments (42%) has been ratified. The only instruments that had received significant
amounts of consideration by more than 90% of Member States were the COMESA Treaty, the
Agreement on Privileges and Immunities, and the Charter establishing the Federation of
National Associations of Women in Business in Eastern and Southern Africa. Overall, the region
fared well above average (i.e., above 50%) in terms of signing of legal instruments and
marginally below average in terms of the ratification of legal instruments. The status saw no
marked changed between 2012 and 2013.
41.
The status on the signing and ratification of COMESA instruments is clear because the
Member States have complied with the Treaty provision that the instruments be deposited with
the COMESA Secretary General.
Table 2: Summary on status of signing and ratification of legal instruments
Numbers
Percentages
Legal Instrument
Signed Ratified
Signed
Ratified
1
COMESA Treaty
19
19
100%
100%
2
Customs Bond Guarantee
10
9
53%
47%
3
Charter on the Regime of Multinational 9
Industrial Enterprises (MIE)
2
47%
11%
4
Agreement on Privileges and Immunities 19
to be recognized and granted
Binding 100%
on
all
MS
Binding
on all MS
5
Protocol on the gradual relaxation and 17
eventual elimination of visas
17
89%
89%
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Legal Instrument
Numbers
Percentages
Signed Ratified
Signed
Ratified
6
Protocol on establishment of the Fund for 14
Cooperation,
Compensation
and
Development
13
74%
68%
7
Charter establishing the Federation of 18
National Associations of Women in
Business in Eastern and Southern Africa
18
95%
95%
8
PTA Bank Charter
13
13
68%
68%
9
ZEP-RE Charter
12
9
63%
47%
1
0
COMESA Common
(CCIA) agreement
0
0%
0%
1
1
Charter on the
Institute (CMI)
…
63%
…
1
2
Protocol on free movement of persons, 4
labour,
services,
the
right
of
establishment and residence
1
21%
5%
Investment
COMESA
Summary
Statistics
Instruments
on
Area 0
Monetary 12
Legal
1
3
Signed/ratified by more than 75% of 3
Member States
3
25%
25%
1
4
Signed/ratified by more than 50% of 9
Member States
5
75%
42%
1
5
Signed/ratified by less than 25% of 2
Member States
3
17%
25%
In all cases the total of 19 Member States was considered
A total of 12 legal instruments were considered
… means no data available at the time of drafting.
42.
Council was also informed that the decisions of the COMESA Court of Justice should
are instructive towards the interpretation of decisions, directives, regulations (and rules) and
COMESA instruments. The Court’s decisions have significant implications in particular for
Member States and the COMESA Secretariat. For example, the COMEA Court of Justice in the
matter of Polytol Paints & Adhesives Manufacturers Co. Ltd versus the Republic of Mauritius,
Reference 1/2012 to a large extent dealt with the issue of domestication of COMESA
instruments. Their Lordships in the matter reasoned that:
“Any Member State that acts contrary to the Treaty cannot, therefore, plead the nature of
its legal system as a defence when citizens or residents of that State are prejudiced by
its acts. This is clearly stipulated in Article 27 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of
Treaties, 1969 which provides that “[a] party may not invoke the provisions of its internal
law as justification for its failure to perform a treaty.”
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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43.
The Court’s ruling, as alluded to above, underscored the fact that once a Member State
has signed the COMESA Treaty, it is under an obligation to implement it and cannot raise
issues of internal law as a justification from rescinding from implementation. By extension, once
the COMESA Council of Ministers has issued its different instruments, Member States to whom
the type of instrument issued is addressed, with the exception of Regulations that are binding on
all Member States, are under a Treaty obligation to implement same.
Discussion:
44.
The meeting observed that:
a.
In the case of the conflict between national law and the COMESA Treaty, it is the
obligation of Member States to take the necessary steps to align the domestic law in
accordance with Article 5(2) of the COMESA Treaty;
b.
The identification of capacity constraints and capacity building needs at the national
level, as well as the building of the necessary in-country capacity for domestication
and implementation, is the responsibility of the Member States;
c.
While the Secretariat may provide the necessary technical assistance on
domestication upon a request by Member States, Member States are obliged to
domesticate and implement the decisions addressed to them;
d.
The Secretariat should ensure that decisions, directives, regulations,
recommendations and opinions are distinguished and categorized in reports;
e.
The Common Market Gazette should be updated such that all regulations and
decisions are captured in line with the COMESA Treaty provisions;
f. The recommendations, opinions, commendations and other such operatives that have
no binding force should not be included in the Gazette; and
g.
There is need to review instruments that were adopted by Council but have not
entered into force due to lack of the requisite signatures and ratifications.
Decisions:
45.
Council:
i.
Directed the Secretariat to provide a compendium of all decisions,
regulations and directives for implementation by Member States not later
than 31 March 2014;
ii.
Urged Member States to domesticate the COMESA Treaty and all Protocols
and submit the instruments to the Secretary General not later than 31
December 2014;
iii.
Urged Member States to domesticate all outstanding regulations by 31
December 2014;
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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iv.
v.
Urged Member States that are not in a position to comply with these
decisions on domestication of the COMESA Treaty, all Protocols and
instruments and all outstanding Regulations to notify the Secretary General
of their respective positions, with justifications explaining why they cannot
do so.
Directed the Secretariat to obtain from Member States:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Copies of legal instruments that have not been deposited with the
COMESA Official Depository;
Copies of legal instruments that were previously submitted but
destroyed or damaged as a result of the fire in 2011 upon request by
Secretariat;
Copies of Gazettes through which the domestication of legal
instruments of COMESA were published; and
Copies of other bilateral trade and investment agreements that
Member States have notified to COMESA.
vi.
Urged Member States that are not able to domesticate the COMESA Treaty and all
protocols including regulations to notify the Secretariat and state the reasons thereof.
TRADE AND CUSTOMS (Agenda Item 4(a) (ii))
46.
Council was informed that the COMESA Trade liberalization programme is grounded in
provisions under Chapter VI of the COMESA Treaty, which enjoins Member States to cooperate
in trade liberalization and development. The trade liberalization programmes envisaged the
progressive reduction and eventual removal of tariffs for intra-COMESA trade, the gradual
establishment of the Common External Tariff (CET) and provision for the definition of products
originating in the Member States. In addition, Article 49 calls on “Member States to remove
immediately upon entry into force of the Treaty all then existing NTBs and thereafter refrain from
imposing any further restrictions or prohibitions on regional goods”.
47.
Council received the report of the 29th Meeting of the Trade and Customs Committee
(document reference: CS/TCM/TCM/XXIX/13), which contains details of the deliberations and
recommendations made. The key elements of the report include the following:
48.
Council was informed that the FTA was attained in 2000 with nine Member States and
since then five more Member States have joined bringing the total number to fourteen. The
existence of the FTA has in part led to a rise in intra-COMESA trade from US $3.1 billion in
2000 to US $19.3 billion in 2012, reflecting a 523 percent growth rate over the period or 44
percent per annum on average.
49.
It was further noted by Council that global trade for the COMESA countries in 2012 grew
by 9 percent from US $240 billion in 2011 to US $262 billion in 2012. Total exports rose by 12
percent from levels of US $96 billion in 2011 to US $108 billion in 2012, while imports on the
other hand also registered a 7 percent growth, from US $144 billion in 2011 to US $155 billion in
2012.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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50.
At country level, some of the countries that greatly contributed to the overall 12% total
exports growth in the region were Libya (108% growth), Burundi (24% growth), Rwanda (22%
growth), Swaziland (18% growth) and Congo DR (12% growth). Notably among the countries
that registered negative growth in their total exports in the year 2012 is Sudan with a decline of
63%. On the import side, among the countries that contributed to the overall 7% growth in 2012
are Libya, Ethiopia, Zambia and Uganda with growth rates of 46%, 36%, 23% and 19%
respectively. Others were Kenya (10% growth) and Egypt (9% growth). On the other hand,
Sudan and Seychelles are among the countries that experienced drops in levels of their global
imports with declines of 35% and 38% respectively.
51.
Intra-COMESA total trade grew by 5% in 2012 over 2011 levels, from US $18.4 billion in
2011 to $19.3 billion in 2012. Among the countries contributing to this growth were Libya,
Zambia and Rwanda, all with growths in both intra-exports and intra-imports in 2012.
52.
Other notable contributors with positive growth in their intra-COMESA exports are Egypt,
Malawi, Zimbabwe and Uganda also contributed to the intra-COMESA growth with positive
growths in their intra-COMESA imports.
53.
Whereas over 98% of Libya’s intra-COMESA trade is with Egypt with imports comprising
of different products, Libya’s exports to Egypt are mainly petroleum oils and oils obtained from
bituminous minerals and these amounted to over US $92 million in 2012. Zambia’s imports from
Congo DR in 2012 amounted to over US $1.2 billion, and these were mainly copper ores and
concentrates, copper powders and flakes and cobalt oxides. Zambia’s major intra-export
product was maize corn to Zimbabwe worth over US $240 million in 2012. Rwanda’s major
intra-export products were mainly tea and coffee to Kenya and Uganda (worth over US $126
million in 2012) while her major intra-COMESA imports comprised of Portland cement, animal
and vegetable fats and palm oil all from Uganda.
54.
Malawi’s major intra-COMESA imports were petroleum gases and oils from Zambia and
these amounted to almost US $300 million in 2012 while Zimbabwe’s intra-COMESA imports for
maize and tobacco from Zambia were worth over US $374 million in 2012 (almost 60% of her
intra-imports). Over 83% of Uganda’s intra-COMESA imports are from Kenya and these are
various products topped by Portland cement and petroleum oils among others.
55.
As for the top-most traded products within the region in value terms, Copper ores and
concentrates were still ranked as number one for the third year running from 2010 as illustrated
in the table below. Ranked second after the Copper ores and concentrates was black tea,
previously ranked number one in 2009 and 2008. Portland cement and cobalt ores and
concentrates were ranked in the third and fourth positions respectively in 2012.
56.
According the UNCTAD report on Economic Development in Africa 2013, in the period
from 2007 to 2011, the share of manufacturing in trade between regional economic communities
was highest in EAC (58.3 percent), followed by SADC (51.4 percent), COMESA (44.8 percent),
IGAD (39.1 percent), AMU (35.2 percent), CEN-SAD (34.3 percent) and ECOWAS (25.7
percent). These variations in numbers are associated with the differing levels of manufacturing
development of the member countries of the regional blocs.
57.
Compared to other RECs, COMESA does not fare very well in terms of the share of
intra-regional trade to total trade as shown in the table below. However, COMESA is the only
REC which experienced a sustained increase in intra-trade from 5.1% during the period 1996-
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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2000 to 6.7% during the period 2007-2011 suggesting that the existence of the FTA has a
beneficial effect on intra-COMESA trade. For the eight RECs recognized by the African Union,
during the period 2007-2011 SADC had the highest intra-trade of 12.9%, followed by EAC at
12% , ECOWAS at 9.4% and COMESA was fourth at 6.7%.
58.
Council noted that the low intra-COMESA trade is in part due to the low trade
complementarity among COMESA countries. Trade complementarity helps to get a measure of
how a country’s (or region’s) export supply fits into the import demand of its trading partners.
The analysis of COMESA country bilateral complementarity reveals only partial complementarity
in all cases of bilateral trade. An index between 50% and 60% is achieved in nine cases out of a
total of 342 possible bilateral trade combinations This is with regard to bilateral trade mainly
between Egypt as an exporter and the following countries as importers; Ethiopia, Kenya,
Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles, Swaziland, Uganda and Zimbabwe. An index of
between 40% and 50% is achieved in eleven cases. Once again this is mainly between Egypt
as an exporter and the following countries as importers; Democratic Republic of Congo,
Djibouti, Eritrea, Libya, Rwanda, Sudan and Zambia. While the complementarity index is low, it
is important to mention that it is not a static situation. As countries move up the value chain
ladder and as industries are set up and mature, the complementarity index has the potential to
change for the better. The table below shows the complementarity Index with the coloured
entries showing a complementarity index of above 40%.
59.
The COMESA region’s export concentration index increased from 32% in the mid-1990s
to 42% in 2012. This increase in concentration is attributed to the larger role played by
commodity exports among regional member countries in their overall export profile. However at
a country level, the following countries’ indices decreased in the period under review, reflecting
exports that were less concentrated in few sectors; Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt, Rwanda, Malawi
and Zambia.
Discussion:
60.
The meeting made the following observations:
a.
The Private sector has a vital role to play in promoting value addition and intraCOMESA trade in order to improve trade complementarity in the region;
b.
The study on preference utilization, which has been done by the Secretariat, should
be circulated to Member States. In this regard, account should be taken of trade that
takes place under other FTAs;
c.
The statistics of the Member States should disaggregate the figures of Sudan and
South Sudan, starting from the year 2012 when the latter became a separate
Member State; and
d.
There is need for the region to have a common industrialization policy.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Decisions
61.
Council:
i.
Directed the Secretariat to prepare a paper on the common industrialization
policy to advance the industrialization of the COMESA region by 30 June
2014;
ii.
Directed the Secretariat in collaboration with Member states to ensure that
COMESA trade statistics reflect the actual trade done under COMESA Trade
Regime taking into consideration multiple memberships in different RECs;
and
iii.
Directed the Secretariat to work with Member States to assess the
constraints to increasing intra-COMESA and global trade and recommend
appropriate solutions not later than 30 September 2014.
Participation in the FTA
62.
The meeting received an update on the Member States participation in the FTA.
63.
DR Congo had made the decision to join the COMESA FTA following the impact
assessment study recommendations. The instrument of accession that was developed for that
country was before the legislature and it was expected that DR Congo would finalise its internal
consultation processes and join the FTA as soon as possible. The meeting was informed that
the Secretary General would receive communication once Parliament resumes and finalises the
legal instruments.
64.
The State of Eritrea reduced tariffs for COMESA trade by 80 percent. A national
workshop on COMESA Programmes focusing on Rules of Origin and benefits of FTA is planned
to be held in 2014 with a view to enhancing capacity as the country prepares to participate fully
in the COMESA FTA.
65.
Ethiopia conducted an FTA impact assessment study in 2011 to address key areas
including the Macro-economic framework for competitiveness, trade and investment, industry,
agriculture, and agro-industries competitiveness and Institutions and infrastructure. A national
validation workshop was held on 16 May 2013 to validate the report. Following the comments
made at the workshop, the consultants reviewed and finalised the study report and Ethiopia is
expected to make a decision regarding participating in the FTA soon. The meeting was informed
that the study recommended two scenarios including one for a phased in approach..
66.
Uganda is at 80% tariff reduction for COMESA trade and had made significant progress
in its bid to join the COMESA FTA after the President of Uganda made the announcement to
that effect at the last Summit in November 2012. The meeting noted that internal processes
were almost complete and that Uganda would be participating in the FTA from July 2014. The
meeting was informed that the Finance Bill would be deposited with the Secretariat once it is
passed by Parliament by September 2014.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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67.
Swaziland was under derogation which Council at its 28th Meeting decided that it
(derogation) be extended beyond December 2010 and that it be linked to the establishment of
the Tripartite FTA when Swaziland would participate in the Tripartite FTA.
Decisions:
68.
Council decided that:
i.
The Republic of Uganda should deposit with the Secretariat its instruments
of accession to the FTA by December 2014.
ii.
The Democratic Republic of Congo should deposit its instruments of
accession to the FTA with the Secretariat by December 2014; and
iii.
The Federal Republic of Ethiopia should deposit its instruments of
accession to the FTA with the Secretariat by September 2014.
Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)
69.
The meeting noted that Article 49 of the COMESA Treaty provides that each Member
State undertakes to remove all existing Non-Tariff Barriers to intra-COMESA trade upon entry
into force of the Treaty. That notwithstanding, the region has witnessed the proliferation of all
forms of NTBs that stifle the free flow of intra-COMESA trade thereby impacting negatively on
volumes and values. These NTBs that are usually arbitrarily imposed could pose a challenge in
future investments in the affected products. In an effort to effectively deal with this challenge,
COMESA has developed mechanisms to identify, report and monitor the elimination of NTBs
including the on-line Reporting and Monitoring Mechanism and the SMS NTB reporting tool that
are under use by the Tripartite Member/Partner States.
70.
The above noted NTB on-line reporting and monitoring mechanism had by December
2013, 461 reported 461 NTBs out of which 378, (representing 82%) have been resolved
whereas 83 (representing 18 %) still remain unresolved. It should be noted that the Tripartite
NTB on-line reporting and monitoring mechanism as well as the SMS NTB reporting tool have
contributed positively to fast tracking the NTB resolution process and hence, the impressive
percentage of resolution of reported NTBs. It was noted that despite the measures so far in
place to address NTBs including the establishment of Institutional structures on NTBs that
included Focal Points and National Monitoring Committees (NMCs) both at regional and
national levels, the challenge of imposition of unpredictable NTBs still persists in COMESA.
71.
In order to ensure compliance with the various provisions of the Treaty, the Council of
Ministers agreed on the need to develop Non-Tariff Barriers Regulations that provide for
institutional and legal mechanisms of enforcement. In the past three years the technical
committees have by and large discussed and agreed on NTB Regulations which will be
submitted in 2014 to the committee of legal experts and Ministers of Justice/Attorneys General
for finalization.
Discussion:
72.
Council made the following observations:
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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a.
The draft NTB regulations should be adopted by the Trade and Customs Committee
before being submitted to the Legal Drafting Sub-committee.
b.
Egypt received the Kenya verification delegation and considered the matter to be
finalised. On the other hand, Kenya advised that there was need for another mission
that would cover the sugar factories and would include the Secretariat and the
private sector.
c.
Swaziland had proposed an extra-ordinary meeting where the issue of exportation of
fridges from Swaziland to Zimbabwe would be deliberated; and Zimbabwe proposed
bilateral consultations on the issue.
d.
Mauritius raised the issue of its exports of window and door frames to Burundi,
which are facing restrictions, despite a Secretariat mission to assist resolve the
matter.
73.
Burundi informed the meeting that it had issued a Statutory Instrument rescinding the
statutory instrument that had instructed duties and taxes on door and window frames and that
the documentation would be availed to the Secretariat.
Decisions:
74.
Council directed that:
i.
The draft NTB regulations should be adopted by the Trade and Customs
Committee before being submitted to the Legal Drafting Sub-committee;
ii.
The Secretariat should carry out an audit and impact assessment of
existing NTBs by 31 August 2014 and prepare a schedule for immediate
removal;
iii.
Kenya and Egypt should agree on mutually acceptable dates for another
verification mission to ascertain the originating status of white milled sugar
and LG products by 31 October 2014;
iv.
The Secretariat should facilitate a bilateral meeting between Swaziland and
Zimbabwe on the exportation of fridges by 30 April 2014;
v.
The Secretariat should lead all future NTB verification missions to the
Member States and submit the reports; and
vi.
Burundi should deposit the instruments rescinding import duties and taxes
on doors and window frames to the Secretary by 31 March 2014.
Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-COs)
75.
Council noted that the Trade and Customs Committee had also considered and
accepted a proposal to replace the manual certificates of origin with the electronic certificates of
origin in a bid to speed up the process of certification as well as facilitate trade in real time. The
e-COs assist in keeping pace with the rapid worldwide shift to e-business, and many
CS/CM/XXXII/2
Page 21
international Chambers of Commerce and Industry are now issuing COs electronically,
complete with digital rubber stamp and signatures, to provide CO in a secured documentation
environment. The benefits of the e-COs are not only to facilitate and provide secured trade, but
it also saves time and labour cost; increases transparency and efficiency; improves productivity;
reduces paperwork through online data exchange and integration; minimizes data inaccuracy
through data sharing; fights forgery; provides 24/7 convenience and the convenience of online
application tracking; and provides the convenience of having a direct link to banks for Letters of
Credit clearance and Customs for speedy Customs clearance.
76.
Council noted that the Member States that are ready to commence operationalisation of
the electronic certificate of origin should do so.
Decisions:
77.
Council:
i.
Urged Member States that are ready to accept and use the electronic
certificate of origin by 31 July 2014;
ii.
Urged Member States whose legal systems do not provide for e-COs should
to enact enabling laws as soon as possible; and
iii.
Directed the Secretariat to ensure that an additional Section for Payment
through REPSS is inserted in the COMESA e-Certificate of Origin by 30 May
2014.
Simplified Trade Regime
78.
Council noted that the Simplified Trade Regime has been put in place between
contiguous Member States in order to enable small scale cross-border traders to benefit from
the COMESA trade preferences. The passenger cargo manifest system (PCMS) had been
piloted between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The STR was being implemented in seven COMESA
countries (Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) while the PCMS
is under pilot in two Member States i.e. Zambia and Zimbabwe. An analysis of the
implementation of the STR and the PCMS in the region was undertaken.
Decisions:
79.
Council:
i.
Directed Member States to apply a processing fee of a maximum of $1 for all
STR transactions by 31 December 2014;
ii.
Directed the Secretariat to prepare an expanded list of commonly traded
products by 30 June 2014;
iii.
Urged Member States to raise the STR threshold to a minimum of US $2,000 by
31 December 2014;
iv.
Directed Member States to implement the newly introduced Passenger and
Cargo Manifest system by 30 October 2014;
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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v. Directed the Secretariat to facilitate the meeting between Kenya and Ethiopia
to conclude the STR between them; and
vi. Directed Member States to conduct awareness meetings for traders and
refresher training workshops for staff on matters relating to STR and PCMS in
order to ensure smooth operations at border stations.
The Customs Union
80.
Council noted that since the Authority launched the Customs Union in June 2009 and
agreed on a three-year transition period during which each Member State, pursuant to the
provisions of Article 10, 11 and 12 of the treaty, was to enact the following Common Market
legislation: the Common Tariff Nomenclature (CTN); the Common External Tariff (CET); and the
Common Market Customs Management Regulations (CMRs); to date not a single Member
State has domesticated the Common Market legislation for the Customs Union with the result
that the process of operationalizing the customs union has not commenced. Further, the
Authority in November 2012, noted that the Common Market legislation on the Customs Union
was still pending and extended the transition period for a further two years to June 2014 to
enable Member States to domesticate the Customs Union Legislation.
81.
Council also noted that the Fourth Meeting of the Committee on the Customs Union held
on 10-12 June 2013 reviewed the status of implementation of the Customs Union. The Meeting
finalized the draft COMESA CTN/CET transposition from HS 2007 to 2012 which is
recommended for adoption by Council through the IC. On the basis of the agreed HS2012
Member States are in the process of finalizing their lists and schedules of tariff alignment.
82.
The progress on implementation of the key instruments by Member States during the
transition period is summarized as follows: on the implementation of the CTN, six Member
States (three of them with indicative time line, 2014 - 2015) reported that they are in the process
of migrating to the COMESA CTN (DR Congo, Eritrea, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, and
Zambia). Similarly, on migration to the CET, five Member States (two of them with indicative
time line, 2015) reported that they are in the process of adopting their national tariff into the
COMESA CET (Comoros, Eritrea, Madagascar, Malawi, and Zambia). With regards to the
submission of list of sensitive products, so far ten Member States have submitted their list of
sensitive products (Burundi, Comoros, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan
and Uganda); and two Member State have submitted their final list of sensitive products (Malawi
and Swaziland)). Finally, on domestication of CMRs, two Member States reported that they
have already incorporated the CMRs in their national customs Laws (Seychelles and Sudan);
and nine Member States reported that they were in the process of domesticating the CMRs
(Comoros, DR Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia and Zimbabwe).
83.
On the challenges, Member States reported that in order to implement regional
decisions, there were adjustment costs associated with alignment to the Common Tariff
Nomenclature (CTN) and the Common External Tariff (CET) including injury caused to local
industry. It also involves financial resources used to change laws, conducting consultations with
stakeholders such as the private sector and civil society. Similarly, poor institutional coordination
on regional integration matters, for a long time matters have been handled by diverse
institutions. Some Member States reported that they experience serious challenges relating to
sensitivity of some tariff lines to trade liberalization. For instance, Malawi stated that a good
CS/CM/XXXII/2
Page 23
component (35%) of Malawi’s tax revenue comes from trade taxes (customs duties); hence,
trade liberalization has led to loss of revenue collected from such taxes. Similarly, resource
constraints in the form of financial, human resource and material are also another major
challenge in implementation and domestication of COMESA programmes.
84.
Concerns were raised by Member States that needed to be addressed before the
implementation of the Customs Union such as fear of loss of customs revenues, reviewing the
studies on the 5% and the substantial tariff lines below the CET issues (already Secretariat
reviewed the two studies) to provide concrete policy recommendations for Member States on
how they can participate in the Customs Union. For instance, some Member States have more
than 50% of their national tariff lines at 0% rate and are finding it very difficult to move them
upwards due to their impact on competitiveness as well as impact on consumer goods prices.
Other Member States also have bound several tariff lines at zero percent at WTO and as
signatory to the Information Technology Agreement. Any re-alignment to the COMESA CET
would entail re-negotiation of their tariff bindings at the level of the WTO in order to compensate
those members that would be negatively affected by the tariff change. Similarly, there is the
issue of exemption regimes that need harmonization or approximation in order to enforce the
CET efficiently and effectively.
85.
Regarding the harmonization of the instruments of the Customs Union between
COMESA and EAC, a meeting was held on 03-05 September 2013 during which the four
COMESA/EAC Member States concluded, amongst others, that: under the principle of variable
geometry and in light of the substantial convergence between the two customs unions (80% of
the two CETs already harmonized), they can already implement the elements of the COMESA
customs union that are in harmony with the EAC customs union; the EAC Customs
Management Act (CMA) is the national customs law of the four partner/ member states, and can
be used as such in implementing the COMESA CMRs where the COMESA CMRs refer to the
national laws of member states; and there is need for formally tabling the issue of joining the
customs union before the EAC relevant organs for consideration; in this regard, one of the four
member/ partner states that will do so should be supported by the others.
Discussion:
86.
Council noted the following:
a.
The need to implement the Council decision on the Customs Union particularly on
the implementation of the Customs Management Regulations and the Common
Tariff Nomenclature; as well as the need for Member States that have challenges in
implementing the CET to seek derogation.
b.
The noted the need for consultations among senior officials and ministers of the four
COMESA/EAC Member States to discuss and give guidance on the way forward on
the harmonization of the two CETs and Customs Laws.
Decisions:
87.
Council:
i.
Adopted the revised draft COMESA CTN/CET HS 2012 and the draft
regional specific and general exemptions;
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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ii.
Directed that Industrial exemptions should be discussed separately; and
iii.
Urged Member States to domesticate the COMESA Customs Management
Regulations and the Common Tariff Nomenclature (CTN) that were
approved by the COMESA Summit in June 2009.
Relations with Third Parties
88.
Council noted that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), relations with India
and multilateral trade negotiations under the WTO are of interest in COMESA’s relations with
third countries. Under AGOA, Member States with other African AGOA eligible countries
attended the 12th AGOA Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and raised the issues relating to the
extension of AGOA and inclusion of products of export interest to the eligible list. With regard to
relations with India, a preparatory meeting was held. With regard to the WTO, implementations
of the decisions of the 8th Ministerial meetings as well as issues for the 9th WTO Ministerial
meeting were discussed.
89.
Council noted that it is paramount for COMESA to focus on a common negotiating
position before the Member States can engage the third parties. An impact analysis should be
prepared and a report produced so that when COMESA is negotiating with Third Parties, the
common position is taken.
90.
Council noted that the 9th WTO Ministerial Conference held in Bali in December 2013
adopted the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the need to analyse this agreement and develop
appropriate national and regional work programmes for implementation.
Decisions:
91.
Council:
Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA):
i.
Urged Member States to devise and implement a lobbying strategy for the
seamless extension of AGOA beyond 2015 on a predictable basis targeting
USTR, and key congress men/women and in this regard the Member States
should work with the Secretariat to proactively engage the US Government;
ii.
Urged AGOA eligible countries to lobby for the expansion of the scope of
AGOA by including products of export interest to them and improving the
rules of origin;
iii.
Urged the United States of America to enhance the capacity of AGOA eligible
countries to comply with the SPS, TBT and other standards so as to be able
to access the US market; and
iv.
Urged the United States of America to consider the preference erosion to
AGOA eligible countries before extending similar preferences to LDCs in
other regions.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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COMESA –India Relations
i.
Directed the Secretariat to conduct and complete the study on the impact of
either a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) or an FTA
with India, including issues such as trade diversion, by 30 June 2014.
World Trade Organisation (WTO):
i.
Urged the LDC Members of COMESA to carry out the analytical work that
would enable them to benefit from the LDC waiver on services during the
period for which the Waiver subsists by identifying the services sectors of
export interest to them; and
ii.
Urged the LDC Members of COMESA that are in the process of acceding to
the WTO to take advantage of the streamlined procedures and benchmarks
that were agreed to by the General Council in July 2012 with regard to their
offers on goods and services schedules.
Trade in Services
92.
Council was informed that the COMESA Treaty, particularly Article 3(b), as read with
Article 4(4)(c), provides for the removal of obstacles to the free movement of services within the
Common Market. Article 164 of the Treaty, among other things, provides for the free movement
of services, and Articles 148, 151 and 152 provide a mandate for work to be done in the
liberalization of trade in services.
93.
Further, it was noted that trade in commercial services (imports plus exports) was at US
$52 billion in 2007, and rose to US $72 billion in 2012. This represented an increase of 38.5
percent. The commercial services imports which were at US $26.7 billion in 2007 rose to a peak
of US $37.7 billion in 2011 before subsiding to US $35 billion in 2012. The commercial services
imports were dominated by transportation (over 45% of total services imports) reflecting the high
transport costs as most of the COMESA Member States are land-linked. Other business
services and travel also occupied a significant share of the commercial services imports as
indicated in the table below.
94.
With regard to commercial services exports, the region exported US $27.4 billion
services in 2007, and this trended upward to US $36.9 billion in 2012. The bulk of these exports
were travel (over 45% of total services exports) showing the importance of travel and tourism in
the region. At second position was transportation (40% of total services exports) again reflecting
that due the fact that the majority of COMESA Member States are land-linked, those who import
goods from the region have to pay high transport costs.
95.
The Trade in Services programme has the objective of reducing and eventually
eliminating barriers to trade in services in order to promote regional services trade, contribute to
economic growth and employment. The main beneficiaries of liberalization are the competitive
service suppliers as well as service consumers. The Fifth Meeting of the Committee on Trade in
Services that was held on 05-07 June 2013 in Kampala, Uganda. The Committee conducted
negotiations on schedules of specific commitments in the four priority service sectors of
transport, communication, tourism and financial. Fifteen Member States submitted their
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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schedules of specific commitments fourteen of which were negotiated. The schedule for one
country was not discussed since the Member State did not attend the meeting.
96.
Council was informed that the Fifth meeting of the Committee on Trade in Services
realised that the schedules of specific commitments needed to be looked at again to take
account of the comments and requests made during the meeting and to ensure that the Central
Product Classification (CPC) codes were inserted in each sub-sector of services that was in the
schedule(s) as well as the use of the correct WTO-GATS language.
97.
Noting that the use of Economic Needs Tests (ENTs) could act as disguised restrictions
to trade in services, there was need to ensure that wherever ENTs were required, it was
essential to specify the institution administering them as well as the criteria and timeframe for
the results of the ENT to the conveyed to the applicant ENT service suppliers.
Decisions:
98.
Council decided that:
i.
Wherever ENTs are required, Member States should clearly specify the
institution that would be administering them and the criteria and timeframe
for the results of the ENT to be conveyed to the applicant service suppliers;
ii.
Member States should submit reviewed schedules to the Secretariat by 30
July 2014;
iii.
Member States should by 30 July 2014 provide CPC codes in their schedules
of specific commitments, including the Annex on Financial Services in the
banking services, and also provide the accepted GATS language where that
has not been done to consistently maintain uniformity in all Member States
schedules of specific commitments; and
iv.
Member States that have commitments in the telecommunication sector
should adopt the WTO Reference Paper as an Annex attached to the
schedules of specific commitments for all COMESA Member States.
COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite
99.
Council was informed that the Tripartite framework was borne out of a realisation that
the regional integration processes of COMESA, EAC and SADC were similar and in some
cases identical. With overlaps in the membership of these 3 RECs, it was seen prudent for the
3 RECs to co-operate and harmonise their programmes. The Tripartite is anchored on three
pillars, namely: Infrastructure Development, Market Integration and Industrial Development.
100. The Second Tripartite Summit held in Sandton, Johannesburg in June 2011 launched
the Tripartite FTA negotiations which have two phases. The first phase which deals with trade in
goods and movement of business persons spans to June 2014 while the second phase which
will deal with other trade related issues, trade in services, competition and intellectual property
will commence after completion of phase one negotiations. Egypt offered to host the Third
Tripartite Summit.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Progress on the Market Integration Pillar
101. Council was informed that only 12 Tripartite Member States are ready with their tariff
offers and the rest were urged to finalized their tariff offers as soon as possible. Seychelles had
submitted their tariff offers, which cover 5,549 tariff lines. 95.78% of the tariff lines will be
liberalised upon entry into force of the agreement, 0.51% over an eight (8) year period and the
remaining 3.71% of the tariff lines represent an exclusion list.
102. DR Congo and Angola could not present their tariff offers since they were not ready.
Given that this was the last but one TTNF session, it does not appear that the two countries will
make tariff offers by June 2014.
103.
Mozambique, Malawi and Sudan promised to submit their tariff offers in the next TTNF.
104. Zimbabwe reported to the TTNF that its offer will be ready during the second half of the
year when internal consultations and ongoing study have been concluded and the offer will be
based on the acquis in COMESA and SADC. Zimbabwe’s offer will be directed to four countries
that are not yet members of an FTA, and these are Angola, DR Congo, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
105. Council noted that six Member/Partner States did not give any status on their tariff offers
because they were absent at the 8th TTNF. These are Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia,
Libya and Madagascar. The TTNF directed the TTF to engage with the Governments of these
Member States on their participation in the tripartite. It is worth noting that these are COMESA
Member States.
106. On the Technical Working Groups (TWG), the meetings struggled to form a quorum as a
number of Member/Partner States could not arrive on time for these. Two out of three TWG
eventually formed a quorum just before the TTNF. Not much progress was achieved in the TWG
meetings, except in the SPS/TBT/NTBs where Article 26 and Annex 9 on TBT, Article 27 and
Annex 10 on SPS were adopted. The finalisation and adoption of Annex 3 on NTBs would be
dependent on the finalisation of Article 10 (2.2) (4) by the TWG on Trade Remedies and Dispute
Settlement. The TWG on SPS/TBT/NTBs is the first one to finish its work.
107. On the Rules of Origin, the TTNF could not agree on the definition of ‘their vessels’ and
‘their factory ships’. Mauritius and Seychelles will submit their proposal on the additional option
on Article 6(2) of Annex 4 to the TTF which will then be circulated and discussed at the next
meeting of the TWG to be held in March 2014. Member/Partner States are to consult on Articles
9(1) and 9(2) before the 7th TWG meeting.
108. Council was informed that the TWG on rules of origin has recommended the use of
product specific rules. In this regard, the meeting observed that 22.7% of the product specific
rules of the 3 RECs were common and 26% were similar representing 53% of the total intra as
indicated in the table below.
Baskets
A
B
C
D
Different
Common
Similar
Missing in all Baskets
Total
# of Lines
1,396
1,180
1,356
1,274
5,206
%
26.8
22.7
26.0
24.5
100.0
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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109. On the Customs Cooperation, Documentation, Procedures and Transit Instruments, in
view of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement agreed in Bali in December 2013, the TTNF
directed the TTF to undertake an analysis of Annex 5 and make recommendations for any
necessary changes to the provisions. The analysis paper will be considered by the next TWG
meeting including implications on Article 14 of the Draft TFTA Agreement.
110. Trade Remedies and Dispute Settlement, due to lack of quorum, the results of the
discussions of this TWG could not be presented to the TTNF. The TTNF directed the TTF to
convene a meeting of the REC experts to finalise Part V and Annex 2 on Trade Remedies and
Article 40 and Annex 14 on Dispute Settlement taking into account the discussions of the
informal session and these should be circulated to member/Partner States by end of February
2014. The TTF was directed to finalise the Analysis Paper on Safeguards and circulate to
Member/Partner States by 28th February 2014.
111. On the Draft TFTA Agreement, most of the operative provisions had have been adopted.
However, a number of issues in Articles 4, 5, 7, 10 and 42 (c) on the Draft TFTA Agreement
were referred to the TCSO and bracketed because there was no agreement among
Member/Partner States.
112. A number of Articles in Part VI (Trade Related Areas) were deleted from the draft TFTA
Agreement with the understanding that these will be part of the Built-in Agenda under Phase
two of the negotiations and others moved to the Infrastructure and Industrial Development
pillars. Articles 24 (Competition), 25 (Cross Border Investment), Article 28 (Intellectual property
Rights) and Article 31 (Trade in Services) were moved to Phase two, Built in Agenda, Article 29
(Infrastructure Development Pillar), Articles 32 and 33 (Productive Capacity and
Competitiveness and Sector Strategies and Rural Trade programmes respectively) moved to
the Industrial Development Pillar . Article 30 on Movement of Business Persons was to be
handled in a separate and parallel track. Article 34 on Export promotion and Schemes and
Special Economic Zones were bracketed to enable Member/Partner States to consult on the
article. Articles 26 and 27 on TBT and SPS respectively were adopted. Article 35 (Research and
Statistics) was moved to Other Areas of Cooperation in Part VII.
113. In Part VII: Articles 36 (Cooperation in Other Areas) and 37 (Coordination of Trade
Policies and Negotiations) were bracketed to enable Member/Partner States to consult on them
114. In Part VIII: Article 38 (Organs for the Implementation of the TFTA) was adopted with
amendments whilst Article 39 (Tripartite Committee on Trade and Customs) was deleted.
115. In Part IX: TTNF noted that the TWG on Trade Remedies were still considering the part
and agreed to await the outcome.
116. In Part X: TTNF agreed to delete Part X on the basis of all Member/Partner States being
members of an TFTA and issues regarding their relations with Third Parties to be dealt with
under the MFN provision
117. Council was further informed that the representative of the Namibian Government
expressed concern to the TTNF meeting over the not so impressive progress made by the Ninth
TTNF and urged Member/Partner to expedite the negotiations in the Tenth and last TTNF to be
held in April in Bujumbura, Burundi.
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118. Further, COMESA should have a unified position on the negotiations of the TFTA as the
negotiations move forward with the other RECs in the Tripartite.
119. Council was informed that during the Second Tripartite Summit meeting in
Johannesburg in June 2011, Egypt invited the Third Tripartite Summit meeting to be held in
Cairo. Egypt reiterated readiness to host the meeting and invited delegates to the meeting in
autumn of 2014, on a date to be confirmed after consultations.
120. Some Member States stated the need for flexibility to use export taxes for industrial
development, and that therefore the TFTA should not prohibit them. Accordingly, the TFTA
should be silent on the matter, leaving it to the Member States the option to use them.
121. The meeting further noted the need to finalise the two critical issues of Rules of Origin
and Tariff offers. The meeting noted the need for a fully functional TFTA which contains
ambitious tariff offers and business friendly Rules of Origin reflecting the best practices in
COMESA. For instance some countries are prepared to open up only 60% of the tariff lines
while 57% are already zero rated meaning they are only opening up 3% more, as shown in the
table below.
Summary of Tariff lines at
Zero Percent
Ref. Year
Reporter
MFN at 0%
MFN
Positive
Lines
1
2009
Angola
0
5,201
0.0
5,201
WITS
2
2009
Congo DR
0
5,794
0.0
5,794
WITS
3
2011
Comoros
750
4,629
13.9
5,379
WITS
4
2011
Djibouti
22
6,867
0.3
6,889
WITS
5
2009
Egypt, Arab Rep.
577
4,876
10.6
5,453
WITS
6
2006
Eritrea
2
5,267
0.0
5,269
WITS
7
2011
Ethiopia
245
5,224
4.5
5,469
WITS
8
2006
Libya
5,224
0
100.0
5,224
WITS
9
2011
Madagascar
326
6,027
5.1
6,353
WITS
10
2011
Malawi
1,159
4,120
22.0
5,279
WITS
11
2011
Mauritius
5,551
856
86.6
6,407
WITS
12
2010
Mozambique
182
5,016
3.5
5,198
WITS
13
2010
Seychelles
4,797
894
84.3
5,691
Customs
14
2011
Sudan
387
4,916
7.3
5,303
WITS
15
2011
Zambia
1,561
4,456
25.9
6,017
Customs
16
2010
Zimbabwe
586
5,369
9.8
5,955
Customs
17
2011
EAC
1,948
3,312
37.0
5,260
WITS
18
2012
SACU
4,076
3,164
56.3
7,240
SACU
MFN at 0%
as % of total
Total
lines
Tariff
Source
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Decisions:
122.
Council:
i.
Directed the Secretariat to prepare a paper on the economic implications of
export taxes on the FFTA, by 30 June 2014;
ii.
Decided that the TFTA should be a fully functional TFTA which contains
ambitious tariff offers and business friendly Rules of Origin reflecting the
best practices in COMESA;
iii.
Urged COMESA Member States to use the principles of acquis and
reciprocity in making offers to the other Tripartite Member/Partner States;
and
iv.
Directed the Secretariat to develop simplified mechanisms for Trade
Remedies that are WTO compliant at the same time reflective of regional
realities.
Progress on the Industrial Development Pillar
123. Council was updated on the progress on the Industrial Development pillar of the
Tripartite. The Industrial Development committee met to consider, review and finalise its work
programme and roadmap, discuss draft modalities and prepare its annual work plan. The work
plan and roadmap were adopted and main activities for the period October 2013 - October 2014
cover institutional strengthening and capacity building at national and regional levels, policy
coherence in industrial development and related areas, resource mobilisation for
implementation of the regional industrial pillar earmarked programmes and monitoring and
evaluation.
124. On resource mobilisation, the industrial development pillar will benefit largely from the
Tripartite Capacity Building Programme funded by the African Development Bank.
125. Council was further informed that the TSMC established the tripartite technical
Committee on movement of Business persons in July 2013 and the Committee had its first
meeting on 17-20 September 2013. The Committee is mapping a common methodology and
approach on what is to be negotiated. While there is a common understanding that this involves
temporary movement of business persons in the Tripartite area, categories of business persons
to be included in the scope, the definition of business persons and whether this should be a visa
or non-visa regime have not yet been agreed. Member/Partner States had up to 10 February
2014 to consult on these matters and submit their comments to the chair of the TTF. Therefore,
the negotiations of the Agreement on Movement of Business Persons should be expedited.
Discussion:
126. The meeting noted the need for making progress on the industrial development pillar as
one of the three pillars of the Tripartite Arrangement in light of the importance of industrialization
for the Tripartite region. To this end Member States should also include the Private Sector in the
delegations to the Policy Organs’ Meetings.
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Decision:
127. Council decided that the elaboration of the programme on Industrial Development,
led by the EAC under the Tripartite, should be expedited.
Infrastructure Development Pillar
128. The meeting was informed that good progress had been made under the infrastructure
development pillar. Various infrastructure development meetings had been organized in the
region and with various partners such as the BRICS countries and Japan. In this regard various
projects have been identified and submitted to various partners as joint programmes, which
include transport, energy and ICT.
129. The meeting underscored the importance of infrastructure development as one of the
pillars for the Tripartite arrangement and called for comprehensive reports at the next meetings.
Decision:
130. Council decided that infrastructure development, led by SADC under the
Tripartite, should be appropriately prioritised in the Tripartite Arrangement.
THE COMESA MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSME) STRATEGY (Agenda
Item 4a (ii))
131. Council was informed that the COMESA Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
Policy was formulated in line with Article 100(b), Chapter XII of the Treaty. The Treaty outlines
the need for Member States to formulate and implement an industrial strategy focused on
facilitating the development of MSMEs, including supply chain linkages between larger firms
and MSMEs to enhance competitiveness and leverage economies of scale.
132. Further, Council noted that in line with the above commitment, the COMESA Secretariat
has developed an MSME Policy strategy to support the development and growth of MSMEs in
the region. The strategy was adopted in Lusaka on 21 August 2013.
133.
The guiding Principles of the Strategy are:
a.
b.
c.
Inclusivity: ensuring gender equity, attention to youth, those with disabilities and
addressing geographical, historical and structural disadvantage and marginalization
Competitiveness: adopting the acceleration and expansion of value addition as the
central strategy for regional and global market penetration and wealth creation
Sustainability: embracing approaches that enhance African self-reliance and
environmental soundness of MSME-led growth.
134. The Strategy defines the role of the key stakeholders including, the COMESA
Secretariat, Member States, MSMEs, private sector and other stakeholders such as civil
society; and it also addresses the following interventions areas:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Access to markets and market information, regional and international
Productive capacity and access to technology
Access to financial services and business development services
Conducive policy, legal and regulatory environment
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135. Council was informed that the following are the matrix of the major constraints and
proposed actions/responsibility centers to overcome them:
No Major constraints
1.
Access to markets
and
Market
Information
2.
Productivity
Access
Technology
Proposed actions/solutions
Increased Access to Markets:
Illustrative actions:
(i)
Identify new/niche local,
regional and
international markets
(ii)
Identify/establish producer/market linkages
(iii)
Assist MSMEs to reach with market linkages
(iv)
Provide marketing training, feasibility studies,
and promotion options such as access to trade shows.
(v)
Provide access to quality national infrastructure
(vi)
Market identification and promotion for livestock
and natural resource products and services
Value-Added
Production
and
Service
and Enhanced
to Technologies
Illustrative actions:
(i) Expand value adding technologies
(ii) Establish Grades and Standards, quality assurance,
price differentials
(iii) Support crop/risk diversification for food security
(iv) Establish value adding and market expansion
certifications such as ISO, organic and Fair Trade
Labeling, Pest Risk Assessment and sanitary and
phyto-sanitary
(v) Support on- and off-farm value addition such as
processing
(vi) Explore value added options for existing and new
products
3.
Access to Financial Increased Access to Financial and Business Development
Services
Business Services Illustrative actions:
Development
(i) Identify and promote innovative finance options
Services
such as inventory credit/warehouse receipts, DCA
Guarantees, credit throughout grower companies,
savings and credit schemes within producer
organizations, insurance (health, life, input loans),
futures markets, forward contracts
(ii) Expand private sector BDS
(iii) Value of finance/capital accessed
(iv) Number of MSMEs accessing finance
(v) Number of MSMEs receiving BDS
4.
Policy, Legal
Regulatory
Environment
and Improved Enabling Environment for Growth
Illustrative actions:
(i) Support relevant ministries and organizations in
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identifying policy and regulatory constraints to
competitiveness.
(ii) Influence/inform
infrastructure
development
including rural electrification and ICT
(iii) Support public/private dialogue to overcome policy
and regulatory constraints to MSME growth.
(iv) Support collaborative efforts to promote workable
contract enforcement mechanisms
(v) Value of investment in value chain
(vi) Number of barriers to competitiveness identified
and addressed
Discussion:
136. Council noted that on the issue of access to markets and market information, the matters
relating to national quality infrastructure should be more pronounced in the strategy, as these
are fundamental to any effective MSME development policy.
137. On financing mechanisms, Council proposed that more emphasis, clarity and detail
should be dedicated to the discussion on alternative means of financing given that studies have
shown that one of the major constraints to MSME development is the lack of access to
alternative sources of financing.
138. On the situation analysis in the strategy, Council proposed that the section should
include a detailed discussion on the current status of the MSME sector in the region; and that
the gender dimension should be given emphasized as well.
139. Council also discussed the need to highlight the role of higher institutions of learning, for
example universities, in stimulating innovation. Further, incentives should be proposed to
encourage large scale companies to support research aimed at uplifting the small scale
companies.
140. Council further noted that since the goal of the policy is “to stimulate economic
development, accelerate job-creation, create wealth and rapidly reduce poverty in the COMESA
Region”, the policy should have a detailed discussion, policy proposals and strategies on rural
industrialization which has the potential to generate quick wins in terms of jobs as well as
reducing poverty in rural areas.
Decision:
141.
Council adopted the COMESA MSME Strategy
Summary of the Findings and Support Mechanisms for MSMEs in Nine COMESA Member
States
142. Council was informed that the Secretariat undertook a study on the funding and support
mechanisms for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in selected COMESA Member
States in 2013 for which information was available. A systematic country sampling methodology
used during the study that covered nine countries. The nine countries surveyed came from all
the three sub-regions that make up the COMESA region. Five countries in Southern Africa
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(Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe), three countries in East Africa (Kenya and
Rwanda and Uganda) and one country from North Eastern Africa (Egypt) were surveyed. For
this reason the results of the survey can be considered to a fair representation of the MSMEs in
COMESA region.
143. The study primarily focused on the funding and other support mechanisms that the
Governments of the COMESA Member Countries provide to MSMEs in their countries. The
objectives of the study are as follows:
a.
b.
c.
144.
To identify the most effective MSME support structures and strategies among the
COMESA Member Countries.
To recommend structures or system that would best address the needs of the
COMESA Member Countries in providing support to MSMEs in their respective
countries.
To access how the support mechanisms from Governments could be used to
promote the development of MSMEs.
Council was informed that the following is the summary of the study findings:
a. Universal recognition of the importance of MSMEs: All the countries surveyed
recognised the importance of MSMEs in economic development particularly in
employment creation. All countries were seeking ways of supporting MSMEs to
enable them to participate fully in the growth and development of their economies.
For this reason, each of the surveyed countries had a Government policy that
supports the growth of MSMEs in their country. The policies differed, however, in
their clarity and emphasis. For example, while the policy in the Kingdom of
Swaziland is somewhat silent when they meet of preferential treatment provided to
MSMEs, in Uganda the MSME policy addressed the preferential treatment to
MSMEs in government procurement policy and in the provision of credit and
financial assistance.
b. Responsibility for and type of support to MSMEs: Generally the responsibility for
coordinating the support to MSMEs has been placed in either the Ministry
responsible for Industry and Commerce or in the Central Bank. However, since
MSMEs operate in all economic sectors almost all government ministries have a role
to play in the promotion and development of MSMEs. The picture that emerges in
the countries that have effective and successful MSME policies (Uganda, Kenya,
Rwanda) is one of shared responsibility whereby the overall responsibility for
training and development rests with the Ministry responsible for Industry and
Commerce, while the responsibility to provide funding rests with the Central Bank or
Ministry of Finance. In some countries (Zimbabwe, Rwanda) a dedicated ministry for
MSMEs has been established, which facilitates accountability. However the
effectiveness of such a ministry depends on the collaborative efforts of the central
bank in using monetary regulatory policy to steer resources in support of MSMEs. In
the case of Zimbabwe the reserve bank of Zimbabwe is provided for it minimum
lending of 50% of each bank’s portfolio to the MSME sector.
c. Format of support Government support to the SMEs: The survey reveals that
the most sought after support is access to finance, hence the importance of the
Central Banks in the process of providing support to MSMEs. However, apart from
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access to finance, the range of support services includes access to markets (e.g.
preferential treatment in government supply contracts), skills training, training in
quality enhancement in production, questions on understanding international trade
agreements, etc. For this reason, that supporting MSMEs involves multiple
government ministries or departments. The survey confirms this multiple focus
approach: in Rwanda there are 5 government institutions supporting MSMEs, while
Uganda (5), Swaziland (12), Zambia (5), and Egypt (5). Having many government
agencies providing support to the MSMEs is a good idea but to ensure that there is
an overall coordinating Ministry or Agency.
d. The role of the Central Banks: It is the mandate of country’s respective Central
Bank to regulate its financial sector. The survey shows that there is a need to
develop the micro finance sector as a vehicle for providing access to finance to the
MSMEs as the traditional banking sector has not always provided for the needs of
the MSME sector. However, in providing for flexibility of the Microfinance sector it is
critical to retain the basic tenets and prudential guidelines of from the survey it is
evident that the central bank is to critical roles to play: i) establishing a separate
flexible but effective supervision system for the microphone in sector and or other
activities designed for financial assistance to the MSME sector; and ii) using
monetary policy and banks regulatory policy to encourage the channeling of
financial resources to MSMEs. This strategy has been effectively adopted in Zambia
and in Rwanda, where the licencing and supervisory requirements for the MFI’s,
while not being lax, are not as strict as those for the banking sector, even though
MFI’s and the banking sector both fall under the supervision of the central bank. The
main issue in the Central Bank regulatory framework is that the regulations should
not be difficult for the MFIs to operate because the main concern of MSMEs is the
ease of doing business. If the regulatory environment for MFIs is restrictive, it
restricts the emergence of new MSMEs thereby hindering development.
e. The financial capacity of the MFI’s and government support agencies: Except
in the case of Egypt and Kenya, the survey highlights that most of the COMESA
member state governments have limited financial resources to support the MSME
sectors in their countries. In the case of Zimbabwe was the central bank and said,
(dedicated financial assistance of organisation for MSMEs) note of any funds to
provide to the MSME sector owing to the economic challenges the country is facing.
The MFIs themselves (the term “MFI” is used loosely to include non-bank financial
institutions) suffer from in adequate local capital markets and in many restrictions
they are not allowed to take deposits and so have to use their own funding. This
returns the growth of the MFI and, through it, the growth of the MSMEs which is low
in the MFI’s credits. In most cases the available funding is generated below 30% of
the requirements of the markets.
f.
The size of the MSME sector: The size of the SME sector in the COMESA region
is big and growing, ranging from 15% to 50% of GDP. Zimbabwe tops the list in
respect of the number of MSMEs with 2.8 million MSMEs. This may be attributed to
high technical skills and high literacy rates. However access to credit by these
MSMEs is near impossible because of the failure of the country to attract both
multilateral funding and foreign direct investment (FDI). Zimbabwe is followed by
Uganda in terms of MSMEs density. Uganda has 1.1 million MSMEs and MSME
sector is considered as the country’s biggest employer employing about 2.1 million
people.
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g. The spread of MSME activities across economic sectors: MSME activities are
spread of one for the economic sectors but really preponderance for agriculture (this
is logical given that most African economies are agricultural), retail, and services.
Little information was available on the size and nature of MSMEs in the Kingdom of
Swaziland. In Zambia MSMEs were dominating in the agricultural sector followed by
the retail industry. MSMEs in Egypt had a strong bias in the manufacturing sector
followed by trade. This might be mainly attributed to the weather conditions in the
region which are not favourable to farming. The number of MSMEs in the country is
mainly determined by the availability of funds that SMEs get mainly through the
MFIs. Therefore when the operations of MFIs are tightly controlled by Central
Banks, there is an adverse effect on the activities and operations of MSMEs. Apart
from private doctors consulting rooms and - in the case of Zimbabwe - private
medical and nursing homes, MSMEs are rarely found in the health sector, probably
because of high level of professional training required the higher level of investment
required in the technical side of the business.
h. Gender balance in the MSME sector: Women dominate the MSME sector. Only in
one country (Egypt) out of the nine surveyed were women-owned MSMEs less than
50%. It is not surprising that most MFIs target women as their clients. The main
reasons underlying this is that women are considered as better re-payers and the
money borrowed will benefit the whole family. The other reason is of the activities
that the women engage in such as agriculture and manufacturing. Generally in all
the COMESA Member States women dominate as the clients of the MFIs with
Zambia and Egypt having 55% and 70% on average of the total clientele base of the
MFIs.
i.
Interest rate regimes: Commercial Bank interest rates in the COMESA region
averaged between 7%-8% while the microfinance lending interest rates averaged
between 30%-45%. For example Rwanda which had the highest lending interest
rate in East Africa in 2012 had 23% as its lending interest rate. Swaziland’s lending
interest rate in MFIs was between 30%-40% in 2012-2013. Egypt, on the other
hand, has 21.4% as its lending interest rates. Interest rates are not a big issue when
it comes to promoting the growth of MSMEs but government regulation and the
availability of funds often hinder the development of the MSMEs. If government
regulation is not prohibitive then MFIs will flourish.
j.
Default rates on loans: The survey was not conclusive regarding the default rates
MFI lending. However the fact that MFI is lending its more than doubled the rate at
which the banking sector is lending probably reflects, among other things, the
perception (rather than the reality) of the higher default risk they will lay available
statistical evidence (for Rwanda) suggests that the default the rate is between 9%
and 10% This has been attributed to different reasons including; financial illiteracy,
poor harvest being caused by poor weather conditions and – in the case of Lesotho
some MSMEs were treating their loans as grants or subsidies.
145. The table below shows the estimated number of MSMEs, estimated funding, contribution
to GDP and employment:
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Country
No. of
MSMEs
Estimated
Funding
GDP
Contribution
Employment
(#)
Employment
%
1 Egypt
1,100,000
$1 billion
75%
2 Kenya
1,600,000
$2.5 billion
20%
3 Malawi
987,480
$50 million
NA
4 Rwanda
42,000
$10 million
35.70%
5 Swaziland
50,000
NA
NA
NA
6 Uganda
1,100,000
NA
75%
2,500,000
7 Zambia
1,030,000
$360 million
NA
NA
NA
8 Zimbabwe
2,800,000
$120 million
NA
5,700,000
NA
8,709,480
NA = Figures not
available
$4.04 billion
75%
1,050,320
NA
63%
NA
9,250,320
Decisions:
146.
Council directed:
i.
The Secretariat to complete the survey in the remaining Member States by 30
August, 2014; and
ii.
The Secretariat to submit the Report to the Joint Committee of Ministers of
Finance and Central Bank Governors for their action and decision in 2014.
Guidelines for Operation of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Fund for COMESA
147.
Council recalled that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been at the
core of economic growth and development in many countries all over the world. The
industrialized and developed countries of today including Germany, China and Japan have all
been built from an aggressive role of the MSMEs in production and value addition activities. In
the COMESA region, MSMEs are estimated to have contributed at least 50% - 70% of the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a total of between 50% and 60% of aggregate employment.
148. The role of MSMEs in ensuring food security and improved livelihoods for the majority of
the population of the COMESA Member States can therefore never be underestimated. Despite
their cardinal role in facilitating economic growth and development, MSMEs in general and in
COMESA Member States in particular are faced with many challenges including low levels of
skills, poor access to markets, lack of technology and lack of access to finance.
149. It is, therefore, apparent that in its implementation of policies, strategies and initiatives
that address inclusive growth and improved livelihoods for its people, COMESA needs to place
emphasis and prioritise the development of MSMEs. In cognizance of the importance of MSMEs
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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in employment creation and poverty alleviation the Heads of State of COMESA Member States
at their 2012 Summit in Uganda, directed the COMESA Secretariat to among other things, put in
place a sustainable way of facilitating MSMEs to have access to finance. When MSMEs have
access to finance, they will be able to grow their businesses, create employment and increase
their contribution to GDP, thereby leading to a rise in economic growth and development.
150. Council was informed that pursuant to the Uganda 2012 Summit directive on MSMEs,
the COMESA Secretariat undertook a study on MSMEs financing which enabled it to generate a
report on guidelines for the establishment and operation of a fund that would focus on financing
MSMEs for COMESA Member States (“The COMESA MSME Fund”).
151. The COMESA Secretariat seeks to develop policies, strategies and initiatives that
address inclusive growth and improved livelihoods by establishing a COMESA MSME Fund, to
support MSME businesses within its COMESA Member States. Access to affordable and
appropriate financial services by MSMEs is key to achieving broad based development and
economic growth, poverty alleviation and improvements in the standards and quality of life of
the majority of people who currently fall under the marginalized and vulnerable groups.
152. The COMESA MSME Fund should be registered as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
that will be used to mobilise funds for onward lending to MSMEs. The COMESA MSME Fund
would have its own governance structures and Board of Directors that would report to the
COMESA Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders. Additionally, it will have its own separate
management structure from COMESA Secretariat and an independent Fund Manager,
appointed through a competitive tender process.
153. The distribution of loans to MSMEs from the COMESA MSME Fund would be effected
by selected financial institutions/participating financial institutions (PFIs) in respective COMESA
Member States, based on set guidelines and parameters. The COMESA MSME Fund would be
designed based on a financial model that includes opening of credit lines with PFIs. The PFIs
who would access funds from the COMESA MSME Fund credit lines, would be expected to
meet agreed terms and conditions meant to promote access of finance at competitive interest
rates by MSMEs.
154. The COMESA MSME Fund composition will include risk mitigation and minimization
facilities such as Capacity Building and Credit Guarantee/Insurance. In order for MSME’s to be
empowered, there is need to ensure that there is adequate capacity building, which includes
among other things, training on management skills and corporate governance issues. In
October 2013, the COMESA Secretariat signed an MOU with AMSCO to support capacity
building initiatives in COMESA Member States. This is one such facility that could be used for
capacity building for MSMEs. The credit guarantee/insurance facility on the other hand would be
used to secure the loans advanced to MSMEs, thereby reducing the risk profile of the MSMEs.
155.
The objectives of the COMESA MSME Fund include the following:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Enable MSMEs access to finance.
Facilitate poverty alleviation
Promote economic growth and development
Creation of employment
Promotion of financial inclusion (inclusive growth).
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156. Council was informed about the options of the Financing Sources for the MSME Fund,
which are the following:
157.
a.
Institutional Investors – Pension Funds and Insurance Companies: The
meeting noted that institutional investors have large deposits with commercial
banks, which are earning negative returns. Part of those funds could be
channeled in financing MSMEs where returns will be positive. A survey was
conducted in August 2013, in 5 COMESA Member States namely Kenya,
Uganda, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe to assess the willingness of Pensions
and Insurance Companies to invest in the MSME Fund. In total, the Institutional
Investors in those countries expressed willingness to invest at least US $280
million in the MSME Fund on condition that it is properly structured to address
risks associated with MSME financing. The institutional investors’ sector is very
large, with funds under management in excess of US $15 billion, in 5 COMESA
Member States mentioned above. Combining the efforts of Member States in this
venture would produce a colossal sum, which can form the primary source of
funds for the MSME Fund.
b.
Collective Investment Schemes/Associations and the Diaspora: Collective
investment schemes and associations can also contribute to the MSME Fund.
This is a growing sector and hence it cannot be ignored. Although about 90% of
the Diaspora funds finance consumption activities, even the 10% balance of that
can make a significant contribution to the MSME Fund.
c.
Developmental Financial Institutions (DFIs): This includes development banks
such as the African Development Bank (AfDB). DFIs can provide either credit
lines to the MSME Fund for onward lending to MSMEs or Credit Guarantees to
the financial institutions who lend to MSMEs on behalf of the MSME Fund. For
instance, on 01 June 2012, the AfDB announced the official launch of the African
Guarantee Fund (AGF), which is a guarantee scheme aiming at easing access to
finance for African SMEs. The AGF began operations in the second half of 2011,
based on a guarantee capital of US$50 million already approved by the three
founding shareholders namely AfDB, Denmark and Spain. The AGF’s target was
to increase the share capital from US $50 million to US $500 million within 3 to 5
years from its inception. The AGF anticipates that through levering its guarantee
capital of US $500 million, it will generate approximately US $2 billion of new
lending to MSMEs in the medium term. The MSME Fund could coordinate its
activities with those of the AGF, especially for MSMEs in COMESA Member
States.
d.
Other Developmental and Capacity Building Institutions: This includes
institutions such as AMSCO that can support the MSME Fund through initiatives
such as capacity building. In August 2013, the COMESA Secretariat signed an
MOU with AMSCO for capacity building for MSMEs. This category also includes
Insurance Companies and Credit Guarantee Schemes that can partially
guarantee the MSME Fund.
Council noted the following recommended guidelines:
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i.
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) should be established, which will constitute the
COMESA MSME Fund. The SPV will have its own independent Board of Directors
and governance structures;
ii.
The COMESA MSME Fund to be managed by an independent Fund Manager,
whose Terms of Reference would be agreed with the Board of Directors;
iii.
The COMESA MSME Fund and Fund Manager should develop a financing model
and package that will be used when undertaking road shows to raise a pool of
funds, to be loaned out to MSMEs;
iv.
The loans from the COMESA MSME Funds to be distributed to borrowing MSMEs
through PFIs in respective COMESA Member States;
v.
The Terms of Reference and qualifying guidelines for PFIs to be prepared by the
COMESA MSME Fund Manager, in consultation with the COMESA Secretariat and
in accordance with international standards and practice; and
vi.
The COMESA Secretariat to set up a Task Force to operationalize the COMESA
MSME Fund.
Decision:
158. Council directed that the proposed COMESA MSME Fund be submitted to the
Committee on Monetary and Fiscal Affairs in 2014, and thereafter to the Joint Meeting of
Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Governors to examine and finalise the structure of
the Fund.
AGRICULTURE (Agenda Item 4 (a)(iv))
159. Council was informed that the report of the Fifth Meeting of the Joint Ministers of
Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources is reflected in full in document reference:
CS/IPPSD/AGC-MAENR/V/2. The Joint Ministers meeting was held in Addis Ababa on 19 - 20
September 2013, to address the COMESA Agriculture development agenda in line with the
Articles 129 -137 of the COMESA Treaty.
160. Council was informed that the above meeting reviewed the report and recommendations
of the Fifth Joint Technical Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources
based on the progress report for the year 2013. The ministers meeting considered and adopted
the Report and the recommendations with amendments and made the following decisions for
endorsement by the Council:
161. On food security; the main focus of the meeting was how COMESA can achieve regional
food security. The available data and information sources indicate that hunger is still a threat in
most COMESA Member States. However, there are serious gaps in food security data and
information; while various countries are using different indicators and methodologies.
162. On the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), the IC
was informed that COMESA has mobilized technical, financial and organizational support to
facilitate Member States in implementing the CAADP agenda. The pre-compact support has
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quantitatively yielded the following results: 14 countries have signed their national CAADP
compacts, namely Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, Zambia,
Democratic Republic of Congo, Seychelles, Djibouti, Sudan, Madagascar and Zimbabwe.
163. In post-compact support, the following has been achieved: Nine (9) countries have
finalized the design of their National Agriculture and Food Security Investment Plans
(NAFSIPs): Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Democratic Republic
of Congo and Djibouti.
164. In conjunction with NPCA, COMESA has coordinated eight independent technical
reviews of the NAFSIPs; in the above countries, except for Djibouti. Six (6) countries; Rwanda,
Ethiopia, Malawi, Burundi, Zambia and Uganda have successfully accessed funding from the
Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme for implementation of selected investment
programmes in their NAFSIPs. Regionally, the COMESA Regional Compact and Policy
Investment Framework have been completed and validated by stakeholders.
165. Qualitatively, CAADP has: provided a common and comprehensive framework for
agricultural development in the region and continent-wide; placed agriculture at the epi-centre of
the global discourse on African development; improved agricultural policy making processes by
enhancing inclusiveness; increased financial flows to the agriculture sector from both domestic
and international partners; improved coherence of financial in-flows to the agricultural sectors of
the continent.
166. Council was further informed that the Agriculture Ministers decided to strengthen the
coordination of regional CAADP Partners Platform and harness other financial resources for
implementation of National CAADP National Agriculture and Food Security Investment Plans
(NAFSIPs).
167. On the Cassava Cluster Programme, Council was informed that the Secretariat is
working to promote value addition in the cassava sub-sector value chain, as a mechanism of
boosting job creation and intra-regional trade.
168. Further, the meeting was informed that the Agriculture Ministers decided that Member
States should fund and facilitate knowledge and technology learning and innovation in the
cassava sector.
169. On livestock development, Council was informed that the Agriculture Ministers had noted
the status of implementation of the programme on “Reinforcing Veterinary Governance in Africa
(VET-GOV)’’ being implemented by African Union Inter African Bureau of Animal Resources
(AU-IBAR) in partnership with Regional Economic Communities, United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Animal Health Organization (OIE). The
programme has undertaken the review and preliminary analysis of livestock and related policies,
animal health strategies and legislations in all COMESA Member States.
170. Council was informed that the Agriculture Ministers decided that Member States should
work with regional and international organizations on improvement of livestock policies.
171. On fisheries development in the COMESA region, Council was informed that the
Agriculture Ministers noted that COMESA has a strategy to guide mainstreaming of fisheries in
COMESA programmes, which was developed in 2009 and was adopted at the Fourth Joint
Ministerial meeting held at Mbabane, Kingdom of Swaziland in 2011. The challenges of
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implementation of the strategy due to lack of funding to implement its action plan was also
highlighted. The Ministers also noted the progress being made in mainstreaming the Strategy in
other COMESA programmes, particularly, Trade, Gender, SPS, FAMIS and Cross Border
Trade. The Ministers then decided to operationalise the strategy for implementation.
172. Council was further informed that the Agriculture Ministers noted the progress in gender
mainstreaming in agriculture and climate change, especially the integrating of gender concerns
in activities implemented in agriculture and climate change related issues.
173. The Agriculture Ministers decided that the Secretariat should facilitate capacity building
and strategic Action Plan on Mainstreaming Gender on Agriculture and Climate Change
(RESTRAP).
174. The Agriculture Ministers also noted the progress report on the implementation of the
Natural Resources, Climate Change and Environmental Programme and the progress on the
implementation of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Climate Change programme which is
designed to run from 2012 - 2016; the status of negotiations on Inclusion of Agriculture in the
UNFCCC Process; and that COMESA Secretariat has been supporting the Member States
develop submissions on agriculture to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) to ensure that Member States prepare submissions on agriculture. In order
to advance the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture, the Secretariat is supporting the
development of the Climate Investment framework.
175. The Ministers noted that in order to address the challenges and opportunities presented
by Climate Change, there is a need to mainstream Climate Change and its impacts into the
economic policies, development projects, and international aid efforts.
176. Council further noted that the Agriculture Ministers decided that the Secretariat should
continue giving support technically to African Group Negotiators on Climate Change and
participation of Member States at the Climate change talks. Ministers also decided that Member
States should appoint their national Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) focal points and should
allocate additional resources for up scaling Climate Smart Agriculture and to develop National
Climate Change Policies, Strategies and Action Plans.
177. On the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Programme (SPS) programme, Council was informed
that the Secretariat has introduced an economic analysis tool to assist countries analyze trade
flows that are sensitive to SPS measures, estimate the impact of specific SPS issues on trade
and cost the investments necessary to implement cost effective capacity building options. Other
capacity development initiatives under implementation include; aflatoxin control in the maize
and groundnuts value chains; mitigation of plant pests and diseases such as the fruit fly to
enhance trade in horticulture products and the SPS and trade facilitation initiative on key trade
routes.
178. Council was informed that the Agriculture Ministers decided that Member States should
support economic analysis for prioritization of SPS capacity building needs and integration of
the necessary investment in CAADP Investment Plan and Member States interested in the use
of Aflatoxin should adopt the “Regional Registration Guide for Bio-pesticides”.
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179. Council noted that agriculture in most of the Member States is done by the women from
clearing to harvesting, so it was important to also encourage men to take a greater role in
agricultural production in the Member States.
Decisions:
180.
Council:
i.
Directed the Secretariat to harmonize agricultural livestock and fisheries
country data collection, dissemination by 30 September 2014;
ii.
Directed the Secretariat to produce a report quantifying the impact of postharvest losses on nutrition and food security, as well as the impact of food
imports on local production;
iii.
Urged Member States to provide inputs and participate in the activities of
Regional Food Balance Sheet (RFBS) annual reports;
iv.
Directed the Secretariat to mobilise additional funds for the coordination of
regional CAADP partners’ platforms;
v.
Urged Member States to provide budgetary support to facilitate knowledge
and technology innovation in the cassava sector;
vi.
Urged Member States to work with regional and international organisations
to improve and harmonise livestock policies in their NAFSIPs;
vii.
Directed the Secretariat to submit to the next meeting of Minister of
Agriculture the Strategy for the mainstreaming of fisheries development in
the region ;
viii.
Directed the Secretariat to facilitate capacity building on mainstreaming
gender equality and women empowerment in agriculture and climate change;
ix.
Directed the Secretariat to provide technical support to the African Group of
Negotiators on Climate Change negotiations;
x.
Decided that Member States should designate national focal points for
climate smart agriculture and allocate additional resources for up scaling
climate smart agriculture and notify the Secretariat by 30 August 2014;
xi.
Decided that Member States should develop national climate change
policies, strategies, and action plans;
xii.
Adopted the ACTESA Charter; and
xiii.
Adopted the COMESA Policy on Bio-Technology and Bio-safety.
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INFRASTRUCTURE (Agenda Item 4 (a)(v))
181. Council was informed that the COMESA programmes related to infrastructure are based
on the Treaty, Chapter 11, Articles 84 to 98 on co-operation in the development of transport and
communications, Chapter 20, Article 139 on development of comprehensive information
systems and Chapter 13, Articles, 106 to 109 on co-operation on the development of energy.
They are also based on the Decisions of the different COMESA Authority of Heads of State and
Government and the COMESA Council of Ministers.
182. It was recalled that the Sixteenth Summit of the COMESA Authority of Heads of State
and Government, held in Kampala, Uganda in 2012 recognized the crucial role of transport and
communication in economic integration and trade promotion. In this regard, the Summit directed
the Secretary General of COMESA to liaise with the Chairperson of the AUC and other RECs
and other partners to ensure that resources are mobilized for hardware infrastructure projects
during the tenure of Uganda as Chairperson of COMESA.
183. The Summit commended the Republics of Zambia and Zimbabwe on the successful
implementation of the One Stop Border Post (OSBP) facility at the Chirundu-OSBP Border
posts and urged Member States to replicate the facility and also welcomed the decisions taken
by Council on different infrastructure related programmes. Moreover, the Summit endorsed
decisions to facilitate the establishment of the knowledge communities for consolidation of
peace, development and to protect the COMESA cyber space.
184. Council was informed that the Seventh meeting of the Infrastructure Ministers
Responsible for Transport, Communications, Information Technology and Energy which was
held in Kampala Uganda on 12 -13 September 2013 took a number of decisions related to
infrastructure sector.
185. On regional infrastructure development, Council was informed that transport, Information
Communications Technology (ICT), energy and trans-boundary water travel is critical in
enabling the production and the conveyance of commodities through the various means of
transport and communications. Thus, COMESA accords infrastructure its rightful role in regional
integration programming.
186. The COMESA High Level Infrastructure Investment Conference identified 66
infrastructure projects, which were presented to the Kampala Investment Conference held in
September 2013 and the table below summaries the status of these projects. The total number
of projects included in this summary is 66 and the total estimated investment required for them
is US $40 billion.
Summary of Projects Status
Sector
Sub-sector
Projects
Preparation
No
Transport Railways
Ports
Roads
Airports
7
1
6
Amount
Mill US$
2.5
0.4
2,720.0
for Projects
Read
Implementation
in No
2
7
14
5
for
Total
Amount
Amount in Mill Mill US$
US$
12,200
14,700
7,476.0
7,476.4
2,071.90
4,791.90
1,461.0
1,461.0
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Border Posts
Power
Transmission
Power
Generation
Petroleum
Gas
Optic Fibre
Links
Energy
ICT
All
Projects
4
4
4
3,609.8
3,613.8
1
9.1
9
24,208.6
24,217.7
2
2.5
3
-
6,721.0
2,600
635.0
6,721.0
2,602.5
635.0
21
2738.5
44
60,983
66,219
187. The infrastructure conference was held to mobilize funding for the implementation of
infrastructure projects in the region. However, the conference did not receive any pledges from
cooperating partners or potential donors. In this regard, it is recommended to involve the
Ministers of Finance in mobilizing the financing for the various infrastructure projects. The other
outcomes of the COMESA High Level Infrastructure Investment Conference are highlighted
below:
a.
It was agreed that COMESA had built consensus on projects that should be
implemented as regional priority projects, as elaborated in the Transport and
Communications Strategy and Priority Investment Plan (TCS PIP) and the East
Africa Power Pool Master Plan; and
b.
There is the need to create an efficient and effective regional energy market to
address accessibility, sustainability of supply, deficit, efficiency and affordability
to power that is inhibiting growth and development in the region.
i.
The following are the actions that are required to realize these agreed outcomes:
a.
COMESA Member States, supported by the Secretariat, to follow-up with
potential financiers, investors and partners, including the Africa 50 Fund, in
resource mobilization for the financing of the projects in the Priority Investment
Plan and Energy Master Plan presented during the Conference;
b.
COMESA Secretariat should continue to raise awareness on the Priority
Investment Plan and the Energy Master Plan and the portfolio of projects;
c.
COMESA Member States, with the support of partners, should facilitate capacity
building at national and regional level to ensure that projects are adequately
prepared and packaged to bankability;
d.
Member States and development partners should work together in developing
innovative financing modalities for the delivery of the priority projects in the
Priority Investment Plan and the Energy Master Plan;
e.
COMESA Secretariat and development partners should develop integrated
solutions and establish institutions to implement the identified projects;
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f.
COMESA Member States, supported by the Secretariat, to put in place
harmonized policies and concrete reforms to enable the implementation of
public-private partnerships, regional procurement legislation, and prioritize the
development of regional and national capital markets;
g.
A follow-up mechanism should be developed and incorporated into the annual
planning cycle of the COMESA Secretariat to monitor and report on progress on
the implementation of the projects contained in the Priority Investment Plan and
the Energy Master Plan; and
h.
The outcomes of the High Level Investment Conference shall be presented to the
COMESA Summit to be held in Democratic Republic of Congo in December 2013
for their information and further guidance.
188. On the issue of financing for the infrastructure projects, Council was informed that the
Infrastructure Ministers decided that:
a.
Member States should be encouraged to utilize innovative financing instruments
(such as infrastructure bonds, preference shares, guarantees), mechanisms
(such as project and structured finance techniques) and wide resource
mobilization from non-traditional partners such as private investors, equity funds,
carbon funds, etc, and leveraging and blending with grants from the traditional
donors, with emphasis on regional infrastructure development;
b.
The Secretariat should coordinate the processes among Member States,
domestic and international investors, donor agencies including the EU, and other
stakeholders for establishing infrastructure projects’ financing vehicles such as
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in order to fast-track infrastructure development
to realize the Trans African Highways; and
c.
PTA Bank and Secretariat should effectively play the assigned roles in the Africa
50 Fund.
189. On the CNS/ATM Systems Project, Council was informed that the Infrastructure
Ministers urged Member States to support the implementation of the CNS/ATM Systems Project
in full collaboration with all stakeholders, including security and military authorities at national
and regional levels.
190. On transit transport facilitation, Council was informed that Article 85 on roads and road
transport of Chapter 11 of the COMESA Treaty provides for the scope of co-operation in
transport facilitation. The intention of these programmes is to remove the barriers to transport
and trade which are due to administrative and procedural nature.
191. In July 2013, the percent of implementation, by COMESA Member States of Harmonized
Road Transit Charges (HRTTC), Axle Load Limit, Max. Length 22.0m, COMESA Carrier
Licence (CCL), COMESA Transit Plates and High Frequency X-border Land Mobile Radio
Communications System (HFX), were 62.5%, 81.3%, 31.3%, 50.0%, 43.8% and 62.5%
respectively.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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192. The table below outlines the status of implementation of road transport facilitation
programmes in July 2013.
CS/CM/XXXII/5
Page 48
Country
Angola
Burundi
Comoros
Congo D R
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Kenya
Madagascar
Libya
Malawi
Mauritius
Rwanda
Seychelles
Sudan
Swaziland
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Total
No.
Of
Countries
to
Implement
No. Of Countries
Implementing
Percent
Implementation
ABREVIATIONS
N/A
%
CCL
COMESA Transit Plates
HFX
Overload Control
HRTC
MWG
STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF ROAD TRANSPORT FACILITATION PROGRAMMES, JULY, 2013
HRTC
Axle Load Max. Length CCL
COMESA
Overload
MWG
HFX
%
Limit
22.0m
Transit
Control
Performance
Plates
Certificate
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Nil
Yes
Yes
No (18)*
No
No
No
No
Yes
37,5
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A,
No
Yes
No (18)*
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
37,5
Yes
Yes
No(18)
No
No
No
No
No
25,0
No
Yes
No(20)
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
75,0
No
Yes
No(18)*
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
62,5
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
87,5
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A,
No
Yes
NA
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
87,5
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A,
Yes
Yes
No (18)*
No
No
No
No
Yes
37,5
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A.
N/A,
Yes
Yes
No (18)*
No
No
No
Yes
No
37,5
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
62,5
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
87,5
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
87,5
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
87,5
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
10
13
5
8
6
0
11
10
62.5
81.3
31.3
50.0
43.8
0
56.3
62.5
Not applicable due to geographical location
The percentage performance shows the extent to which each country has implemented the programmes
COMESA Carrier Licence
Plaque Fitted at the front and rear of heavy goods commercial vehicles involved in COMESA transit operations
High Frequency X-border Land Mobile Radio Communications System
This is an application of fees based on pavement damage (Fourth Power Law) and the use of the COMESA procedures and certificate of overload
control
Harmonised Road Transit Charges
Multidisciplinary \Working Group
CS/CM/XXXII/2
Page 49
193. On the issue of the consumer protection policy guidelines, Council was informed that the
Infrastructure Ministers decided that the consumer protection guidelines be converted into
regulations to pave the way for implementation:
194. On the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), Council was informed that the
Infrastructure Ministers decided that the regional FOSS Guidelines be developed to assist
Member States to effectively utilizes Open Source Software for the advancement of ICT.
195. On regulatory policies, Council was informed that Article 96 on telecommunications and
Article 98 on common provisions of Chapter 11 of the COMESA Treaty provide that the policies
and regulatory regimes should be harmonised in order to create an enabling environment to
increase investment in the sector. Moreover, the provisions of Chapter 13 of the COMESA
Treaty on co-operation in the development of energy provides for the scope of co-operation.
196. Council further noted that infrastructure programmes are also based on decisions of
COMESA Council of Ministers. For instance, the ICT Policy was adopted by the Council in
March 2003 and the COMESA Model Energy Policy Framework was adopted by the Council in
November 2007. Many COMESA countries are using the adopted transport, ICT, IT and energy
policies, regulatory guidelines and model bills as guidelines to develop their national ones.
Moreover, a number of regional associations of regulatory authorities related to infrastructure
sub-sectors have been established and are now operational. The intention is harmonization in
the region, capacity building and information sharing within the spirit of integration, in order to
encourage investment in infrastructure.
197. On the implementation of the COMESA Legal Notice No.2 on Air Transport
Liberalisation, Council noted that the Infrastructure Ministers made the following decisions:
Decision
1
2
3
198.
Timeline Implementing
Agency
Implement the COMESA single air transport services 2014
COMESA
market under the Tripartite framework based on full
(Within
the
implementation of YD.
Tripartite)
Review the principles and thresholds on ownership, 2014
COMESA
effective control and the right of establishment regimes
in Africa and COMESA in the context of implementing
the YD and COMESA Legal Notice 2.
Formulate a policy document on the establishment of a 2014
COMESA
single African air transport services market to conform to
the African Civil Aviation Policy (AFCAP), in
harmonization with Tripartite, and the AU.
The status of implementation of regulatory policies in ICT is shown in the table below:
CS/CM/XXXII/2
Page 50
Status of Regulatory Policies Related to Telecommunications, Broadcasting, Postal and Energy Sectors
Telecommunications
Broadcasting
Postal
Energy
MS
Policy Law
Regulator
Policy
Law
Regulator Policy
Law
Burundi
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Comoros
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Regulator
Yes
NO
No
Djibouti
D R Congo
Egypt
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Eritrea
No
No
Yes
No
The Ministry
regulates
No
Ethiopia
No
No
The Ministry
regulates
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Ministry
regulates
Ministry
regulates
The
Ministry
regulates
Yes
Kenya
Yes
Yes
Libya
No
No
Yes
Yes
The Ministry
regulates
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Development
of
National
Energy
Policy (NEP) based
on COMESA Model
Policy
Regulator
Development
of Ministry
NEP is in progress Regulates
Development
NEP initiated
of Ministry
Regulates
Ministry
Regulates
to the Ministry
Model Regulates
Policy
Compliant
COMESA
Energy
Framework
Compliant to the
COMESA
Model
Energy
Policy
Framework
Development
of
NEP is in progress
Development
of
NEP is in progress
Yes
Ministry
Regulates
Yes
Compliant to the Yes
COMESA
Model
Energy
Policy
Framework
CS/CM/XXXII/2
Page 51
Madagascar No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Malawi
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Mauritius
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Rwanda
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Seychelles
Yes
Yes
The Ministry
regulates
Yes
Yes
Sudan
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
in
Parliame
nt
Swaziland
Under
establishment
No
No
The
Ministry
regulates
No
No
Zambia
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Under
establishm
ent
Yes
Zimbabwe
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Compliant
COMESA
Energy
Framework
Compliant to the Ministry
COMESA
Model Regulates
Energy
Policy
Framework
Development
of Yes
NEP is in progress
Ministry
Regulates
Yes
Yes
Uganda
Yes
to the Yes
Model
Policy
No
Yes
Yes
Compliant
COMESA
Energy
Framework
Compliant
COMESA
Energy
Framework
Compliant
COMESA
Energy
Framework
Compliant
COMESA
Energy
Framework
to the Yes
Model
Policy
to the Yes
Model
Policy
to the Yes
Model
Policy
to the Yes
Model
Policy
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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199. On the implementation of the COMESA Legal Notice No.2 on Air Transport
Liberalisation, Council noted that the Infrastructure Ministers made the following decisions:
Decisions:
200. Council endorsed the following decisions of the Seventh Meeting of Ministers
responsible for Infrastructure:
a. Civil Aviation
201. On the implementation of the COMESA Legal Notice No 2 on Air Transport
Liberalisation:
Decision
1
2
3
4
Timeline
Implementing
Agency
Implement the COMESA single air transport 2014
services market under the Tripartite framework
based on full implementation of YD.
COMESA
(Within
Tripartite)
Strengthen the air transport statistics Database 2014
/Observatory at the COMESA Secretariat
Review the principles and thresholds on 2014
ownership, effective control and the right of
establishment regimes in Africa and COMESA in
the context of implementing the YD and COMESA
Legal Notice 2.
Formulate
a
policy
document
on
the 2014
establishment of a single African air transport
services market to conform to the African Civil
Aviation Policy (AFCAP), in harmonisation with
Tripartite, and the AU.
COMESA
the
COMESA
COMESA
b. Physical Infrastructure
202. Council urged Member States to make effective use of the policy component of
the Transport and Communication Strategy and Priority Investment Plan ; including
updating the status of priority projects
c. The CNS/ATM Systems Project
203. Council urged Member States to support the implementation of the CNS/ATM
Systems Project in full collaboration with all stakeholders including security and military
authorities at national and regional levels.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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d. The River Nile Corridor Development
204.
Council:
i.
ii.
Decided that Egypt should make a formal proposal on the use of River Nile
inland water transport to the Secretariat;
Directed that a Steering Committee be constituted comprising
representatives from the seven riparian states to oversee the
development of the Waterway.
e. The Great Lakes Railway Project
205. Council urged the concerned Member States to continue coordinating in planning
for new railway projects so as to interface with the Great Lakes Railway and maximize on
regional railway network integration.
f.
206.
New Railway Projects
Council:
(i)
Commended Djibouti and Ethiopia for adopting innovative financing
mechanisms for implementing the modern
standard railway gauge,
including capacity building for rail network whose construction has already
commenced;
(ii)
Commended Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for their decision to develop a
modern standard gauge network, including the innovative ways of
financing and capacity building;
(iii)
Urged the other countries to share the best practices that had been
developed;
(iv)
Urged Member States that are developing interconnected networks should
ensure appropriate coordination in design, construction and operation in
order to maximize on the provision of seamless services;
(v)
Urged that there should be effective coordination among Member States as
they develop and upgrade rail networks; and
(vi)
Urged Member States to apply innovative means for resource mobilization
to fund the construction of the networks.
g. Civil Aviation
207.
Council directed the Secretariat to:
(i)
Enhance coordination in order to come up with one safety oversight
programme for the COMESA Cooperative Development of Operational
Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Programme (COSCAP) Project ; and
(ii)
Prepare a regional programme on Aviation Security by 31 October 2014.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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h. The COMESA Carrier License
208.
Council urged Member States to implement the COMESA Carrier License.
i.
209.
Axle Loads Limits and Vehicle Overload Control
Council directed that:
i.
The Secretariat should finalise the module for overload control to be
integrated in the CVTFS by 30 June 2014; and
ii.
The Secretariat should present the CVTFs which include the overload
module to a Workshop of Officials from Ministries responsible for
Infrastructure, Transporters and Regional and National Transport Operators,
Freight Forwarders and Revenue authorities by 31 October 2014.
j.
210.
Management and Maintenance of Road Infrastructure
Council directed that:
i.
The Secretariat should carry out a review of existing national road funds
and produce a report on how at the national and COMESA level the monies
collected by the Road Funds could be securitized and leveraged to enable
a significant funding for the maintenance of existing infrastructure by 30
June 2014;
ii.
The Secretariat in collaboration with the PTA Bank and other partners
should convene a joint meeting of officers from National Roads Authorities
and Ministries of Finance to consider the study findings and make
recommendations on how Road Funds could be transformed into
innovative means of infrastructure financing by 30 September 2014; and
iii.
The Secretary should submit the report of the workshop should be
submitted to appropriate COMESA Technical and Ministerial Committees
for decision by 31 October 2014.
k.
Railways Operations and Management
211. Council urged Member States to take appropriate measures to revamp the
operations of railways.
l.
212.
Corridor Development and Management
Council directed the Secretariat to:
i.
Prepare and submit Corridor briefs to Member States, Development Banks
and cooperating Partners by 30 June 2014.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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m.
Project on One-Stop Border Posts (OSBP)
213. Council urged Member States to adopt and speed up the application of One Stop
Border Posts (OSBP’s) at their border posts.
n. Regional Co-operation in Shipping
214. Council directed the Secretariat to mobilize resources to undertake the
development of the common standards and Regulations for Inland Water Transport.
o. The COMESA Strategic Meteorological Programme
Decision
215. Council Directed the Secretariat to allocate financial resources to the Secretariat
to implement the COMESA Comprehensive Meteorological Programme.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
Policy and Regulatory Harmonisation
Decision
216.
217.
Council urged Member States to:
i.
Submit their needs for enhancing the postal, telecommunications and
broadcasting sectors reform process before or by 15 December 2014; and
ii.
Allocate budget for participating in the activities.
Development of Physical Infrastructure
COMTEL
Decision
218. Council noted the progress made in the implementation of the COMTEL project
and decided that the Secretariat convene a workshop on COMTEL.
VSAT Closed User Group Communications Network
Decision
219. Council directed the Secretariat to convene a meeting for Member States to
discuss the sustainability and usefulness of the system and synchronize the network
with other similar initiatives on the continent.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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ICT Facilitation
Association of Regulators for Information and Communications in Eastern and Southern
Africa (ARICEA) 9th Annual General Meeting Report
Election of the Executive Committee
Decision
220. Council directed the Secretariat to develop a proposal to merge ARICEA and
EACO in consultation with the two institutions.
Hosting of ARICEA Secretariat
Decisions
221.
Council:
i.
Directed the Secretariat to issue an RFP for hosting of ARICEA to Member
States by 30 April 2014;
ii.
Urged Member States interested in hosting the ARICEA Secretariat to write
by 30 June 2014 to COMESA Secretary General expressing their interest;
iii.
Directed the Secretariat to set up an Evaluation Committee constituted of
Member States that have not submitted offers to conduct the evaluation
under the supervision of the ARICEA Executive Committee; and
iv.
The report of the evaluation will be submitted for the next AGM.
Consumer Protection Policy Guidelines
Decision:
222. Council directed ARICEA to convert the consumer protection guidelines be
converted into regulations to pave the way for implementation.
Standards and Type approval
Decisions
223.
Council directed:
i.
The Secretariat to mobilize funding for the cyber security programme;
ii.
Urged Member States to allocate funding for implementation of the cyber
security programme; and
iii.
Directed the Secretariat to convene a workshop under the tripartite
arrangement to agree on a common position for the African Union next
Summit in June 2014.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Information Society Measurement Programme
Decisions
224.
Council:
i. Urged Member States to produce statistical reports and submit a copy to
COMESA Secretariat;
ii. Directed COMESA Secretariat to circulate a questionnaire by 31 March 2014 for
completion by Member States.
Quality of Postal Service
Decision
225. Council urged Member States to submit projects to Universal Postal Union to
benefit from the Quality of Services Fund.
IT Master Plan
Decisions
226. Council directed the Secretariat to develop a regional five year IT Strategy which
takes in account global development in the field of ICT by June 2014.
Geographical Information Systems
Decisions
227. Council directed the Secretariat to structure the GIS System and provide access
to focal points in Member States for updating Infrastructure Project Information.
Free and Open Source Software
Decisions
228. Council directed the Secretariat to develop regional FOSS Guidelines to assist
Member States to effectively utilizes Open Source Software for the advancement of ICT
by 30 June, 2014.
e-Government Programme
Decision
229. Council directed the COMESA Secretariat to consult with the Government of the
Republic of Uganda in order to finalise the MOU as soon as possible to facilitate
implementation of the e-Governance Academy.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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e-Legislation and e-Learning
Decision
230. Council directed the Secretariat to fast track the development of the business
model which would ensure a responsive and active e-Learning programme.
ICT Trade Facilitation
The COMESA Virtual Trade Facilitation System (CVTFS)
Decision
231. Council Directed the Secretariat to roll out the CVFTS in the entire COMESA
region and produce periodic reports which should quantify the economic benefits of the
system to trade facilitation and economic competitiveness.
Decision
232. Council directed the Secretariat to fast track the building and setting up of the
new data center and a disaster recovery site by 30 June, 2014.
Physical Infrastructure
Country Energy Profiles
Decision
233. Council urged Member States that had not submitted their energy profiles to the
Secretariat to do so by 30 June 2014.
PREPARATION AND FINANCING OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Decisions
234.
Council:
i.
Urged Member States to utilize innovative financing instruments (such as
infrastructure bonds, preference shares, guarantees) mechanisms (such as
project and structured finance techniques) and wide resource mobilization
from non-traditional partners such as private investors, equity funds, carbon
funds, etc, and leveraging and blending with grants from the traditional
donors, with emphasis on regional infrastructure development;
ii.
Directed the Secretariat to coordinate the processes among Member States,
domestic and international investors, donor agencies including the EU, and
other stakeholders for establishing infrastructure projects’ financing vehicles
such as Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in order to fast-track infrastructure
development to realize the Trans African Highways;
CS/CM/XXXII/2
Page 59
iii.
Directed the Secretariat to build the capacity of the key stakeholders in
Member States, Secretariat, Inter-Regional Coordination Committee and
regional organizations with domestic and international funds and mobilize
resources so as to sustainably underpin the new approach; and
iv.
Directed the PTA Bank and Secretariat to work with the AfDB on the
operationasition of the Africa 50 Fund.
COMESA High Level Infrastructure Investment Conference Programme
Decision:
235. Council urged Member States participate in the COMESA High Level Infrastructure
Investment Conference.
PROGRESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMESA-EAC-SADC TRIPARTITE
PROGRAMMES
236. The meeting received for noting the report of the Tripartite Infrastructure Sub-committee
meeting held in Pretoria, South Africa which provided an account of the status of the Tripartite
Infrastructure programming. The meeting noted that many of the items discussed under this
report were contained in the progress report which it had already considered. The meeting
further noted that this report would be considered by the Tripartite Task Force in its forthcoming
meeting.
237. The meeting also took note of the issues that were discussed which included the
following:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(xi)
(xii)
(xiii)
(xiv)
Cooperation with PMAESA regarding port performance monitoring;
The Tripartite CNS / ATM Project;
Operationalization of the Joint Competition Authority (JCA);
Project Preparation and Implementation Unit (PPIU) Activities;
Corridors Infrastructure Development (including the Tripartite plus IGAD Corridor
Programme (TICP)) and Border Posts;
Financing Infrastructure;
The Tripartite Infrastructure Master Plan and the Tripartite Infrastructure Project
Database;
The South West Indian Ocean Maritime Corridor (SWIOMC) Scoping Study;
Railways Revitalization Initiative (RRI);
Corridor Monitoring;
The Tripartite Trade and Transport Facilitation Programme;
Harmonization of a Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Scheme;
Energy Projects related to Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya Power Transmission
Project, DRC-Zambia Power Transmission Project, Zimbabwe-ZambiaBotswana-Namibia (ZIZABONA), Ethiopia – Kenya Power Interconnection
Project; and
Convening of the meeting of the Tripartite Sectoral Ministerial Committee of
Infrastructure.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
Page 60
Decision
238. Council decided that the Tripartite Infrastructure Sub-Committee should include
ICT in the Tripartite programme.
LEGAL AFFAIRS (Agenda item 4 (a)(vi))
239. Council noted the report of the Seventeenth Meeting of COMESA Ministers of Justice
and Attorneys General was held on 06 November 2013 in Lusaka, Zambia to consider and
approve several legal documents. A full report of the Meeting is contained in document
reference: CS/LEG/MJAG/XVII.
240. The Meeting of Ministers of Justice and Attorney General considered and adopted the
following Legal Instruments:
a.
b.
c.
The Draft COMESA Social Charter
The Draft Rules of Procedure for the COMESA Committee of Elders (CCOE)
The Draft COMESA Seed Trade Harmonisation Regulations
Decisions:
241.
Council endorsed the following decisions:
i.
Article 21 of the COMESA Treaty, which provides that the tenure of office of
the President and Judges of the Court shall be five years and shall be eligible
for a further term of five years, should be adhered to strictly and any other
tenure less than the ones prescribed under Article 21 is ultra vires;
ii.
The tenure of office of the Honourable Justice Mr Kheshoe P. Matadeen
(Mauritius), the Honourable Justice Mr Duncan G. Tambala (Malawi), the
Honourable Justice Mr James M. Ogoola (Uganda) and Honourable Justice Mr
Luke Malaba (Zimbabwe) should be extended by a period of two years so that
there is conformity with Article 21(1) of the COMESA Treaty in that the Judges
save the mandatory two five year terms;
iii.
The Chairperson of the COMESA Authority should issue letters of
appointment to the four Judges regularizing their tenure in accordance with
Article 21 of the COMESA Treaty;
iv.
In order to ensure continuity of the Court, in the event that all the judges have
served the mandatory ten years and hence not eligible for re appointment, the
procedure for appointment of new Judges of the COMESA Court of Justice
should commence at least six to twelve months prior to the expiry of the term
of outgoing judges to ensure continuity; and
v.
The tenure of office of Honourable Justice Madame Hortense Rabenjarivetor
nee Rakotomenabe be regularized through the issuance of a letter extending
her tenure of office to 03 June 2015.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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242. The meeting was also informed that the Ministers considered a programme for the
enhancement of domestication of COMESA Legal Instruments that require domestication at the
national level in accordance with commitments of COMESA Member States under the Treaty,
and took the following decisions:
i.
Directed the Secretariat to develop a virtual or electronic depository of all
COMESA Legal Instruments for easy access by Member States;
ii. Directed the COMESA Secretariat to mobilise financial resources for a capacity
building programme on domestication and mangement of legal instruments;
iii. Directed the COMESA Secretariat to engage with parliamentarians on the
importance of the domestication of legal instruments; and
iv. Directed the Secretariat that capacity building programmes on domestication of
legal instruments should include parliamentarians.
243. Finally on Legal Issues, the meeting was informed that the Ministers of Justice Meeting
launched the Serialized COMESA Official Gazette aimed at enhancing the enhancement of
domestication of legal instruments and the implementation of Council Decisions.
Decisions:
244.
Council adopted the following Legal Instruments:
i.
The Draft COMESA Social Charter;
ii.
The Draft Rules of Procedure for the COMESA Committee of Elders (CCOE);
and
iii.
The Draft COMESA Seed Trade Harmonisation Regulations
CLIMATE CHANGE (Agenda Item 4 (a)(vii))
245. Council received an account of the progress made during the period January to
December 2013. It was noted that with financial support from EU, DFID and Norwegian Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and the commitment of the three Regional Economic Communities
(COMESA-EAC-SADC) to work directly with 26 Member States had allowed the Climate
Change programme to get more results and impact at the advocacy level.
246. The core objective of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Climate Change Programme is to
address the impacts of climate change in the region through successful adaptation and
mitigation actions, which also build economic and social resilience for present and future
generations.
247. Council was informed that the baseline and trend analysis data (2009-2013) has shown
that countries have mobilized more money for climate change interventions from 2010 onwards;
they have mainstreamed climate change into their national strategies, policies, and action plans;
they have put in place better negotiation frameworks to support the African Group of
Negotiators; and they have come up with policy frameworks and interventions which will pave
CS/CM/XXXII/2
Page 62
the way to the reduction of Green House Gases while enabling more than 600,000,000 people
in COMESA-EAC-SADC to become climate resilient. By getting the political leaders of these
targeted countries aware and supportive of the issues and the related responses, it will enable
the programme to address common and specific climate change related problems within these
countries in a more effective and sustainable way.
248. Partnerships have been entered into for the sustainability of interventions in the Member
States and in the region. The programme is working with national, regional and international
agencies and organizations such as NEPAD, IOC, SIDS, AMCEN, AGN, UNDP, ASERECA,
UNECA, AGN, IGAD, PACJA, FAO, EAFF, AUC, SACAU, ACT, GART, PELUM to implement
key activities jointly. The programme is supporting the Forum for Climate Change Journalists in
Eastern and Southern Africa (FCCJESA); the Forum has created more visibility and awareness
in all the 26 Member States and beyond.
249. Council noted that the Climate Change Programme has made progress in ensuring that
the African Climate Solution is accepted by the global community and Climate Change
mainstreamed in national planning; supporting Member States to access Adaptation funds and
other climate change financing sources and mechanisms through national investment
frameworks for climate adaptation in agriculture, forestry and other land uses and as at
December 2013 the following COMESA countries had either Conservation Agriculture
investment frameworks or other AFOLU investment framework in place as indicated below:
Country
Ethiopia
Kenya,
Madagascar
Conservation Agriculture
(CA) Framework
CA framework in place
CA Framework in place
CA Framework in place
Malawi
Rwanda
CA Framework in place
Uganda
CA Framework in place
Other AFOLU Framework /strategy in
place
Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy
National Policy for Climate Smart Agriculture
Agriculture Sector National Strategy and
Climate change
National Green Growth & Climate Resilience
Strategy

SLM investment framework

Zambia
Zimbabwe
CA Framework in place
National
Policy
and
regulatory
Framework on climate change
National Climate Change Response strategy
National Climate Change Response strategy
250. The following is the indication of the Global Climate Change adaptation funds accessed
by Member States: Accessibility to Adaptation Funds as at November 2013.
Worldwide
COMESA
COMESA
Amount
Amount
Dates
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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At project level
Project
approved
National
Implementing
entity
accreditedDirect access
29
15
5
1
countries
approved/
endorsed
approved for transferred
indicated
COMESA
Counties
(US $)
Djibouti
$4,658,556
$1,046,122
Jun 2012
Egypt
Eretria
Mauritius
Madagascar
Rwanda
(REMA)
$6,904,318
$6,520,850
$9,119,240
$ 5,104,925
$ 9,969,619
$1617,003
$889,329
$876,773
$1,314,206
$ 3,249,930
Jun 2012
Mar 2011
Sep 2011
Dec 2011
Nov 2013
251. Council was further informed that detailed national frameworks for resource mobilization
were developed in Uganda, Burundi, Zambia and Swaziland; twenty-two (22) Member States
participated in resource mobilization workshops in Zambia, Kenya and Madagascar; ten (10)
Member States evaluated increased their total climate finance resources from US $560m in
2011 to over US $830 million in 2013; National Climate Change Policies, Response Strategies
and Resource Mobilisation Plans were supported in Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Swaziland and
Zimbabwe; and Conservation Agriculture Investment Frameworks developed in Ethiopia, Kenya,
Malawi and Zimbabwe.
252. In efforts to enhance the adoption of Climate-Smart Conservation Agriculture in the
COMESA-EAC-SADC region, 1.2 million farmers adopted elements of conservation agriculture
by 2016, 40 percent being women farmers; seven (7) sub-grantees were engaged to promote
CSA in at least 14 countries; conservation agriculture demo plots and pilots were initiated in
Zambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe; Zambia and Zimbabwe had over 550,000 small holder farmers
practicing conservation agriculture; and national frameworks for climate smart agriculture were
prepared for the five Partner States of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
253. Council was also informed that the Programme supported Rwanda to register the prison
biogas project; conducted a feasibility study on waste management in Lusaka, Mombasa and
Bulawayo with a focus on waste to energy opportunities; and restored Carbon Funds in ten (10)
Member States.
254. Council noted the following challenges in the Implementation of the Climate Change
Programme:
a.
b.
c.
The three RECs have not yet completed hiring all the staff responsible for the
implementation;
The selection and award of potential organizations to implement most of the
activities under the RF (Result facility) has not yet been concluded; and
At Member States’ level, raising resources for the Adaptation Fund has been a
substantial challenge. Revenues from monetisation of Carbon Credits (CERs)
have been far lower than originally hoped, as a result of falling carbon prices. The
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Fund is increasingly dependent on voluntary contributions from developed
countries. Revenues from sales of CERs dropped from US $100 million in 2010
to US $18 million in 2012, and continue to plunge. Forecasts for the entire period
of 2013-2020, at current market prices of US $ 0.16 per tonne, are for roughly US
$8 million.
255.
Council noted the progress on the COMESA-EAC-SADC Climate change programme.
STATISTICAL DEVELOPMENT (Agenda Item 4 (a)(viii))
256. The COMESA Treaty and specifically Articles 139 and 140 provide the policy context for
development of statistics in the COMESA Region. Critical to the work envisaged in the Treaty
are the aspects of provision of regular, timely and harmonized statistics for the purpose of
monitoring the “efficient implementation of the objectives of the Common Market”.
257. Council was informed that statistical development in COMESA has been driven by a
gradual and sector based strategy which has implied that individual statistical clusters are
developed over a series of work programmes based on identified priorities, which are linked to
COMESA’s policies on regional integration.
258. Council noted that the 2010-2013 COMESA Multi Annual Statistical Work programme,
which focused on selected clusters of statistics, ended in 2013 and below is the progress made
so far:
a.
b.
c.
d.
3
The programme on international merchandise trade statistics involved assisting Member
states migrate to the latest United National Manual on International Merchandise Trade
Statistics. By end of 2013, nine (9) Member states were fully implementing selected
recommendations on making available selected data fields and additional nomenclature
reporting.3 Other countries are not fully implementing this recommendation;
The COMESA-UNCTAD programme on development of foreign direct investment
statistics involved a dedicated capacity building program to enable Member states
implement the recommendations of the following international frameworks; IMF Balance
of Payments Manual and the OECD Benchmark Definition of Foreign direct Investment
and Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services. Subsequently as a result of
this program,
eight (8) Member States are now consistently funding national FDI
surveys;4
The COMESA region was part of a worldwide survey known as the International
Comparison Programme (ICP) which focused on determining the purchasing power
parities of economies. Seventeen (17) Member States participated in this and results on
the real size of COMESA economies soon to be published;5
Inflation monitoring remains a key component of national macroeconomic policy. In order
to have regional comparison of this, COMESA started a process of harmonizing inflation
measurement in 2010 and this culminated in a comprehensive COMESA harmonized
These are; Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda and
Zimbabwe.
4 The following countries are consistently funding national FDI surveys; Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya,
Mauritius, Zambia, Malawi, Swaziland and Madagascar. Burundi and Zimbabwe initiated their surveys in
2013.
5 COMESA countries not included in the ICP surveys and comparison were Libya and Eritrea.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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e.
f.
consumer price index (HCPI) for fifteen (15) Member States at the end of 2013. This
index is disseminated monthly by the Secretariat;6
Development of infrastructure statistics in COMESA over the duration of the multiannual
work plan involved both capacity building though training workshops and actual survey
implementation in Member states. COMESA was part of the AfDB led Africa wide survey
called the Africa Infrastructure Knowledge Program in which seventeen (17) COMESA
Member states participated. The actual survey implementation was completed in most
countries by end of 2013 and results will be disseminated in 2014;7 and
Statistics on international trade in services have generally not been as developed as the
merchandise trade statistics. COMESA undertook a study on developing these statistics
with an initial core group of four countries. Consequent to this study a regional workshop
was held composed of statisticians and trade policy analysts and a roadmap of the
minimum recommendations of the Manual on Statistics on International Trade in
Services can be implemented in each Member State.
259. Further, dissemination is the last stage of the statistical production process. COMESA
undertook a redevelopment of the COMSTAT data portal (URL) and this portal now serves as
the premier dissemination tool for statistics on COMESA. Another related achievement in 2013
was the publication and dissemination of the following flagship publications, the 2013 COMESA
International Trade Statistics Bulletin, 2013 COMESA Infrastructure Statistics Bulletin and the
2013 COMESA Investment Report.
260. Council was informed that the Secretariat provided technical assistance to the Southern
African Customs Union (SACU) Secretariat on merchandise trade statistics for South Africa,
Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho. Technical assistance related to utilization of trade
data for Tripartite trade negotiations was provided to the EAC Secretariat. Data sharing
arrangements were implemented with Southern African Development Community (SADC),
United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the European Union Statistical Office (EUROSTAT)
and International Trade Centre (ITC).
261. COMESA collaborated with the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the
Multinational Building Capacity for MDG Monitoring and Results Measurement Program.
COMESA managed and disbursed funds to seven Member states under its supervision as well
as provide technical assistance related to the program.
262. Further collaboration was with the European Union Statistical Office (EUROSTAT), the
United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Southern African
Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) on common clusters
of statistics.
263. The table below summarizes the programme’s impact since the launch of the 2010 2013 Multiannual work programme:
6
Countries included in the HCPI publication are; Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda,
Burundi, DRC, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Mauritius, Swaziland and Madagascar.
7 COMESA countries not included in the current round of the AIKP Survey are; Libya and Eritrea.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Programme
Impact
International
From none in 2010, twelve Member states now implementing core
Merchandise
Trade recommendations of UN Manual on Merchandise Trade statistics.
Statistics(IMTS)
Secondly country capacity was enhanced in the compilation of IMTS.
Foreign
Direct From two Member states, eight are now consistently funding and
Investment Statistics
executing FDI Surveys which are a critical source of FDI data based
on international best practice and recommendations. Two countries
initiated their surveys in 2013. National capacity also enhanced on
concepts and definitions of FDI statistics. In all over 300 officials from
Central Banks, Statistical Offices, Investment Centers and related
Ministries were trained in FDI related BOP concepts during the
course of the multi annual work programme.
International
Comparison Program
Estimates of comparable PPP based GDP available for seventeen
(17) COMESA Member states. Statistical offices’ capacity to
undertake ICP surveys was enhanced and over 38 statisticians were
trained.
Harmonized
Consumer Price Index
From a situation of a non-existent comparable index COMESA now
has a harmonized CPI for fifteen (15) Member states. Statistical
offices in these countries have inculcated the computation of the
HCPI in their regular statistical work flow. Over 50 statisticians have
been trained in methodologies of the HCPI.
Infrastructure Statistics From scanty infrastructure data in 2010, more comprehensive
infrastructure data now available in seventeen (17) Member states.
Over 160 sector ministry experts and statisticians were trained on
Manual of Infrastructure Statistics.
Statistics
on As a consequence of the COMESA Study, a national roadmap of how
International Trade in to achieve the minimum core recommendations of the Manual on
Services
Statistics of International Trade in Services is now available.38 Trade
negotiators and BOP statisticians were trained on
Dissemination
COMSTAT data now available to policy makers as evidenced by an
average of 631visits per month in 2013, the initial year after
redevelopment.
Annual flagship publications now available for policy makers in soft
and hard copy.
264. Council also noted that the 5th Meeting of the Committee on Statistical Matters approved
a new statistical strategy covering the period 2014-2017. Document reference:
CS/TCM/RISP/STATS/CCSM/V/8, which contains the deliberations of the Committee at its
meeting.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Decisions:
265.
Council:
i.
Approved the work on the development of the following clusters; Foreign
Direct Investment statistics, the harmonized consumer price indices,
international merchandise trade statistics, infrastructure statistics, and the
national accounts in the new 2014-2017 annual work plans;
ii.
Adopted the COMESA Statistics Strategy;
iii.
Directed the Secretariat to work with Member States to define a roadmap
on the migration process from the 5th balance of payments (BPM5)
framework to the 6th balance of payments (BPM6) framework;
iv.
Directed Member States to immediately commence the dissemination of
Statistics of International Trade in Services (SITS) data based on a
minimum core dataset of:
v.
1.
Bilateral SITS by EBOPS with main partners and for main sectors;
2.
FDI Statistics flows, income and period end positions; and
3.
Foreign Affiliates Statistics (such as employment, turnover, output,
value added, exports and imports and number of enterprises)
broken down by activity according to ISIC Categories for Foreign
Affiliates in services (IFCA).
Directed the Secretariat to work with EAC and SADC to synchronize data
requests from Member States taking cognizance of the AfDB’s project on
data sharing as a way of addressing the problem of data remittance from
Member States.
COMESA MONETARY COOPERATION PROGRAMME (Agenda Item 4 (a) (ix))
266. Council recalled that COMESA has a programme of monetary cooperation which will
culminate into the Monetary Union. The mandate to set up a Monetary Union in COMESA is
derived from Article 4(4) of the Treaty, which states that COMESA Member States shall, “in the
field of monetary affairs and finance, co-operate in monetary and financial matters and gradually
establish convertibility of their currencies and a payments union as a basis for the eventual
establishment of a monetary union”. This mandate is further reinforced in Articles 76 up to 78,
which respectively deal with the COMESA Monetary and Fiscal Policy Harmonization (MFHP),
establishment of currency convertibility and formation of an exchange rate union.
267. Pursuant to Article 7 of the COMESA Treaty, the COMESA Committee of Governors of
Central Banks makes binding decisions regarding the implementation of the COMESA Monetary
Integration Programme in general; and the operations of the COMESA Monetary Institute, and
the COMESA Clearing House in particular.
268. Pursuant to Article 13(3) of the Treaty, the 19th Meeting of the Committee of Governors
of Central Banks was held on 27- 28 November 2013 in Lilongwe, Malawi. The decisions of this
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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meeting are contained in document reference: CS/CMI/CCBG/XIX/7. This meeting was
followed by the second Joint Meeting of COMESA Ministers of Finance and Central Bank
Governors held on 29-30 November 2013. This report presents the issues considered in the two
meetings and the decisions that are submitted to the Council of Ministers for endorsement and
subsequent gazzeting as per Article 12 of the Treaty.
269. Council was informed that the 19th Meeting of the COMESA Committee of Governors of
Central Banks considered the following issues:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Progress report on the activities of the COMESA Clearing House and the
COMESA Monetary Institute;
Progress Report of Member Countries in achieving macroeconomic convergence
in 2012;
Proposal on Appropriate Monetary Policy Regimes for COMESA Member
Countries; and
Report on the activities of Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies and Financial
System Development and Stability Sub-Committees.
270. Further, Council was informed that the Joint Meeting of COMESA Ministers of Finance
and Central Bank Governors considered the following and took appropriate decisions under
each agenda item (and their decisions are contained in document reference:
CS/CMI/JMCMFCBG/II/9):
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Guidelines and Templates for the Implementation of the COMESA Multilateral
Fiscal Surveillance Framework;
Report of the Workshop on Medium Term Macroeconomic Frameworks
COMESA’s Strategy for Achieving Inclusive Growth;
Progress on COMESA Fund
Progress on COMESA Infrastructure Fund (CIF)
Proposal for Creation of the COMESA Infrastructure Bond
Presentation on Africa 50 Infrastructure Fund
COMESA Programme on Domestication and Management of Legal Instruments
COMESA e-Initiatives and COMESA Electronic Market Exchange System
271. On the action plan for the Implementation of the COMESA Multilateral Fiscal
Surveillance Framework, Council noted that the Second Joint Meetings of Ministers of Finance
and Central Bank Governors approved the following:
a.
b.
c.
Conversion of the joint meeting of Ministers of Finance and Central Bank
Governors to the Convergence Council;
Inclusion of Ministers of Trade/Industry in the Convergence Council; and
Approved the short, medium and long term action plans for the implementation of
the COMESA Multilateral Fiscal Surveillance Framework.
272. Council also noted that the meeting considered the report of the Workshop on Medium
Term Macroeconomic Frameworks which was organized by the COMESA Monetary Institute.
Council agreed that the workshop served to achieve among others the following main
objectives:
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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a.
b.
To improve the understanding of the participants about the processes and
institutions required for successful implementation of the frameworks; and
To help COMESA Member States to harmonise their budgeting and financial
planning on a multi annual basis, which is likely to be required for a higher
degree of regional monetary integration.
273. Based on the presentations, discussions, highlights of the gaps in MTBF, MTFF, and
MTEF and the proposed solutions, the meeting recommended as follows:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
There is need to ensure strong coordination of the implementation of the Medium
Term Fiscal Frameworks, Medium Term Budget Frameworks and Medium Term
Expenditure frameworks by the COMESA Member States;
Harmonise and strengthen the legal and institutional framework for
implementation of medium term macroeconomic frameworks by the member
countries;
Carry out a benchmark study to establish the status of implementation of medium
term frameworks in the various member countries with the purpose of
establishing areas of improvement and harmonization;
COMESA Member States should carry out capacity assessment programmes to
establish the existing capacity gaps and areas of technical assistance as well as
developing and implementing a well-coordinated capacity building programme in
the areas medium term macroeconomic frameworks;
COMESA countries should develop and encourage the use of robust
Macroeconomic models that would help improve forecasting of the macro
aggregates, priority medium term sector allocations in line with the unique
structures of the economies of the Member States;
COMESA Members States should seek to find a lasting solution to the perennial
low absorption of funds from development partners. COMESA Secretariat should
assist in this regard by identifying best practices;
The need by member countries to improve on expenditure efficiency through
improved governance, better prioritization and culture change; and
The Member States that have not implemented the treasury single account to do
so to enhance better cash management, and efficient Government banking
arrangement.
Decisions:
274.
Council:
i.
Urged Member States to undertake a review of their PFM Systems based on
PEFA assessment and formulate PFM reform programmes. Member
countries which did not have a previous PEFA assessment should
undertake that exercise with outside assistance. If this is not possible they
may make a self assessment on PEFA model that will form the basis for
their PFM reforms;
ii.
Directed the Secretariat that the proposed two templates one on
enumerating, prioritizing and sequencing reforms of PEFA indicators, and
other enumerating components of enabling environment to be addressed
can be used by member countries to formulate and monitor their respective
PFM reform programmes and action plans; and formulate and begin
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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implementation of PFM reform programme to reach at least an average
score level of “B”;
iii.
Urged Member States that do not have Fiscal Responsibility Laws to enact
them;
iv.
Urged Member States that already have FRL or related Acts to review them
in order to make them consistent with the proposed COMESA FRL
Guidelines; and
v.
Urged Member States to formulate revolving Medium Fiscal Framework
(MTFF); Medium Term Budget Framework (MTBF); Medium term
Expenditure Frame work MTEF) and Medium Term Country Convergence
Programme (MTCCP).
GENDER AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS (Agenda Item 4 (a)(x))
275. Council noted that the Treaty (Article 154), among other things, states that it is
impossible for COMESA to implement effective programmes for rural transformation and
improvements in the informal sector without the full participation of women, men and youth. It
further affirms that women make significant contribution towards the process of socio-economic
transformation and sustainable growth. In order to achieve this mandate, COMESA has
accelerated the implementation of awareness-raising and advocacy programmes for the
empowerment of women and gender mainstreaming.
276. In this connection, the Secretariat has been working to ensure a speedy implementation
of the establishment of the women economic empowerment fund, as an enabling mechanism for
women’s access to credit so that they could grow their enterprises (Document reference:
CS/CM/XXXI/4). The Ministers responsible for Gender and Women’s affairs adopted a youth
programme for COMESA as a mechanism for promoting private sector participation in
employment creation for youths. The Ministers also adopted a draft social charter as a
framework for programmes and regulations for fostering cooperation between Member States in
social and cultural issues, as well as mainstreaming the same in COMESA Programmes.
277. Council also noted the following, which is a summary of the activities, as well as the
results of the Gender and Social Affairs Programme.
Summary of Activities
Undertook studies of existing
micro-finance institutions in
selected MS in order to work
out the base fund for the
Women
Economic
Empowerment Fund (WEEF)
and
determine
further
avenues for raising funds.
Held 9th Technical Committee
Short term Results
Expected Medium Term
Impact
Quantification of the base Appreciation by MS and other
fund for the WEEF at US $73 stakeholders of COMESA’s
million.
efforts in empowering women
Identification of a number of and wealth creation.
the financing institutions for
the administration of the
WEEF. Formulation of the
Fund
structures
and
identification of sources for
leveraging funds.
Adoption of a proposal to Active participation of the
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Meeting on Gender and the
Seventh Meeting of Ministers
responsible for Gender and
Women’s Affairs to consider
the proposals to establish a
youth
programme
in
COMESA.(Document
No.
CS/GEN/MIN/VII/7)
Held a workshop for the Legal
Drafting Sub-committee to
review the draft Social
Charter, after it was discussed
fully by Ministers of Gender
and women’s affairs. The draft
social charter was also fully
discussed by Ministers of
Justice and Attorneys General
to
review
the
recommendations of the Legal
Drafting Sub-Committee.
establish a youth programme
and two Memorunda of
understanding from regional
youth institutions, namely,
Global Peace Foundation and
Restlessness
for
Development. Endorsement of
plan to launch COMESA
Youth Programme.
The final draft of the Social
Charter endorsed by the
Ministers of Justice and
Attorneys General as a
framework for mainstreaming
social and cultural issues into
COMESA regional integration
agenda.
youths
in
COMESA
programmes and the private
sector would also come on
board
to
support
the
programmes.
Mainstreaming of social and
cultural issues in COMESA
programmes.
278. Further, Council noted that the Programme was faced with the following challenges in
2013:
a.
b.
Inadequate human and financial resources. The sector needs human and financial
resources due to the multifaceted nature of gender, social and cultural issues being
addressed; and
Lack of dedicated budget allocations to implement COMESA Gender, social and cultural
affairs programmes to benefit Member States.
Decisions
279.
Council:
i.
Referred the establishment of Women Economic Empowerment Fund to the
Committee of Central Bank Governors and Ministers of Finance; and
ii.
Approved the implementation of a COMESA Youth Programme in
partnership with the private sector.
COMESA INNOVATIONS AWARDS (Agenda Item 4 (a)(xi))
280. Council was informed that in 2013 the Organization of African Unity (OAU) marked its
50th Anniversary and in order to celebrate the Year of Pan-Africanism and the African
Renaissance, COMESA launched the COMESA Innovation Awards to recognize and celebrate
individuals and institutions that have used science, technology and innovation to further the
regional integration agenda. This was done to implement the council decision that directed the
Innovation Council to launch and run the Innovations Awards.
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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281. A call for nominations for the COMESA Innovation awards was publicized during the
period 01 August – 20 October 2013, and many submissions were received by the COMESA
secretariat. The judging process was as follows:
a.
b.
c.
Review and validation of the evaluation of the criteria
Discussion and agreement on the number of Awards – it was decided that top ten
best innovations be recommended for the Awards.
The ten (10) innovations were then organized according to categories (youth
groups, women, institutions, and SMEs)
282. Council however noted that there was only one woman entrant who made it to the top 20
and as such the judges decided to award the top ten, plus one. Based on the above criteria the
judges recommended the following eleven (11) innovations for the 2013 COMESA Innovation
Awards. The 11th innovation was given special consideration as it was the only woman’s
submission that made it to the top 20.
Serial Name
of Category Member State
No.
Innovation
SME
Egypt
003
Rice Bran
057
NURU
Energy
037
Remote
Weighing
Bridge
System
036
Mobile Shoe
Charger
013
Fuel-less
Domestic
Electric
Generator
SME
Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya
Youth
Kenya
Youth
Kenya
Youth
Zambia
Remarks
High scaling potential given
global
rice
production,
numerous products derived
from rice bran; backed by
solid ST&I
High scalability; high social
and
economic
impact;
environmentally sustainable
High creativity; very high
economic
impact
and
relevance for COMESA trade
facilitation;
mitigates
corruption within the trade
corridor; social impact high
by reducing risky behaviors
linked to long wait times;
reduced pollution and fuel
wastage during wait times
Very creative; high social
impact especially for underserved populations
Addresses
energy
deficiencies in the region in a
cheap manner; high social
impact; green energy; high
scalability
with
large
addressable
market;
produces enough energy to
run
basic
household
apparatus
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Serial Name
of Category Member State
No.
Innovation
Youth
Egypt
020
Remarks
High public health impact;
affordable
and
highly
scalable
especially
for
areas/locations with high
population
density
e.g.
schools, hospitals, religious
gatherings, hotels etc
High scalability especially in
regions afflicted by war,
including African countries;
high social impact by
creating safe neighborhoods;
Backed by strong ST&I; high
economic potential
Cutting-edge
technology;
reduces cost of mapping
buildings and locations; high
economic potential to be
derived
from
mapped
locations
Low cost energy solution
especially for the rural
populations;
high
social
impact; green energy; high
scalability
with
large
addressable market
High scalability; affordable
and accessible due to local
manufacturing; high public
health impact
Hygienic
Hand-wash
Unit
Group
Kenya
Group
Kenya
Institution
Kenya
Institution
Kenya
045
Sub-surface
Landmine
Detection
Air Vehicle
024
Automatic
Mobilebased
indoor GIS
010
Korio
Energy
Chicken
droppings
041
Elisa
Kits
(Hepatitis B
&C)
055
Breadfruit
Women
Tree (in vitro
propagation)
Mauritius
Social impact due increased
food security
283. Council was informed that the following is a summary of submissions received and
reviewed:
Total number of submissions received
Submissions disqualified (Not responsive to the call)
Submissions reviewed and evaluated
284.
Number
77
20
57
The panelists made the following general observations:
a.
b.
Submissions were only received from nine (9) out of the expected nineteen (19)
Member States;
Some of the submissions were rather sketchy and omitted some useful
information; and
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c.
Submissions were made in two languages (English and French), and this may
complicate the judging process as of the details may have been lost in the
translation.
285. Since this was the first call for submissions, the Secretariat was commended for the
technical support to the Innovation Council. For subsequent calls, however, the Innovations
Council recommended the following proposals to improve the process for managing the calls
with a view to improving the quality and quantity of submissions:
a.
Use a standardized, electronic submission form which ensures that all mandatory
information is captured for all submissions. This should include information such
as age, gender, nationality, nature of innovation and so on;
Have a dedicated page on the main COMESA website on the Innovation awards.
This should contain information on current as well as past calls and awardees;
Run country-level Innovation competitions with the top country winners
progressing to be considered for the COMESA innovation awards. This will
ensure that as many people as possible participate in the Awards at different
levels and each Country will feel that they have participated even if they do not
win the regional prize;
Given the technical nature of this activity, we recommend that one language be
selected for submissions, and country-level translation support be provided for
submissions that are not in the selected language. The translation should be
done at the country level so as to involve the innovator in ensuring translation
accuracy.; and
Forge partnerships with like-minded regional initiatives to build synergies and
maximize impact from regional innovations.
b.
c.
d.
e.
286. Council was informed of the Secretariat’s proposal that the inaugural COMESA
Innovations Awards be given out during the Heads of State 17th Summit meeting on 27
February 2014.
287. Council noted that there is need to upscale the sensitization about the submissions to
the Innovations Council in order to increase the number of submissions from all Member States.
Council also noted that the theme for the Summit should be prioritised so that there is a focus
on how MSMEs can benefit from the innovations. Experiences should be shared amongst the
Member States so that they can benchmark and benefit from the innovations.
Decisions:
288.
Council:
i.
Approved that the COMESA Innovations Awards be presented to the following
nominees and that the awards be handed out during the Heads of State 17th
Summit meeting on 26 February 2014;
Name
of
Winner
Mr
Mwangemi
Award
Project Name
Country
Joshua The Remote Weighing System- for safety of Kenya
cargo and track that can save transit time and
road maintenance cost
Category
Youth
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Name
of
Award
Country
Project Name
Winner
Anthony Mutua
Mobile phone shoe charger- uses the body Kenya
weight exerted on shoes to tackle cell phone
battery charging challenge that
Wilson Musonda
Fuel less domestic Electricity Generator –to Zambia
Category
Youth
Youth
provide off grid electricity to rural communities
International
Trade Rice Bran Utilization – from waste material Egypt
and Marketing Ltd- Dr
to marketable nutraceuticals and functional
Amr Mohamed Helal
food
SME
Nuru Energy Ltd
Sameer Hajee
SME
-
Kenya,
NURU Energy- Simple pedal generator for Uganda,
charging ultra-portable light that can satisfy Rwanda
over 90% of a rural household’s lighting needs.
Ahmed Hassan and Sub-surface Landmine Detection Air Vehicle- Egypt
Mohammed Gouda
to solve the landmine detection and removal
problem which has a large impact on human
life
Group
Prof.
Moustafa Automatic Mobile-based indoor GIS Automatic Egypt
Alzantot
and construction of Indoor Floor plans to leverage
Moustafa Youssef
standard cell phones and their built-in sensors
to automatically and transparently construct
the indoor floor plans and collect the semantic
information automatically
Kenya
Medical Elisa Kits (Hepatitis B & C) affordable kits for Kenya
Research Institute (Dr screening and diagnosis both of Hepatitis B
James Kimotho)
and Hepatitis C Viruses
Group
Kenyatta
University
Chandaria Business
Innovation
and
Incubation
Centre
(Alex Kibet)
Mrs Indira Boodhram
Institution
Kenya
Institution
Korio Energy - Chicken droppings-a Solid
Battery Powered by Chicken Droppings to
provide off grind energy for rural Africa
Breadfruit
Breadfruit
security
Tree (in vitro propagation) Mauritius Women
in Vitro propagation for Food
ii.
Directed the Innovation Council to intensify sensitization about the Innovation
Awards in order to increase the number of submissions from all Member
States; and
iii.
Urged Member States to share experiences and bench mark the innovations
submitted to the Innovations Council.
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PARTNERSHIP WITH COOPERATING PARTNERS (Agenda Item 4 (a)(xii)
Cooperation with the European Union - Debriefing on the Regional Programming under
the 11th EDF
289. Council was informed that the EU provides support to COMESA mainly through the
European Development Fund (EDF) cycles in line with the Cotonou Agreement signed between
ACP countries and the EU. The EU support to regional integration and cooperation as per
Article 28 of the agreement so far is done under the following objectives:
a.
b.
c.
Promote peace and stability, as well as conflict prevention and resolution;
Enhance economic cooperation and integration through the build-up of larger
markets, the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital among ACP
countries, the promotion and expansion of trade among ACP countries and with
third countries, and the gradual integration of ACP States into the world
economy; and
Promote the management of sustainable development challenges with a
transnational dimension through, inter alia, cooperation, coordination and
harmonisation of regional cooperation policies.
290. The 10th EDF currently in use commenced in 2008 and the sunset clause was in
December 2013 signifying the closure to adoption of any new projects under the envelope. Total
final envelope at 10th EDF sunset was EUR 734,000,000 compared to the initial EUR 645
million. COMESA’s final portfolio amounts to EUR 103,021,412 being 14 percent of the revised
final envelope. The focus going forward is on implementation of approved 10th EDF
programmes. These include the Regional Integration Support Program (RISP) which contributes
to enhance Secretariat capacities and to some extent provide direct capacity building support at
national level; and the Regional Integration Support Mechanism (RISM) which contributes to
Member States capacity for implementation of regional programmes at the national level.
291. The EU initiated the preparation of the next EDF cycle referred to as 11th EDF with a
meeting with the ACP- RECs on 17 – 19 September 2013, in Brussels, to discuss the draft
regional programming guidelines and the EU internal analysis8 of the Eastern Africa, Southern
Africa and Indian Ocean region.
292. At EA-SA-IO regional level, that meeting was followed by a joint EA-SA-IO and EU
consultations meetings in Mauritius (11-14 November 2013) and in Brussels (03-05 December
2013).
293. The main elements of the 11th EDF approach consist of the priority sector, the criteria for
definition of regional allocations, the regional configuration and the related architecture of its
regional indicative programme.
294. The EU has identified three sectors, based on the principles of subsidiarity,
complementarity and cost-effectiveness as follows:
a.
8
Peace, Security and Regional Stability;
The EU internal analysis constituted a zero draft of the RIP for the EA-AS-IO Region.
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b.
c.
295.
Regional Economic Integration
Regional Natural Resource Management
Regional allocations will be defined using the following five criteria:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Absorption capacity of the region based on 10th EDF commitments;
Total budget of ROs and relative weight of ROs’ Member States contributions;
ROs’ Member States involvement and participation in the ROs’ core activities;
Population;
Specific situations of fragility, vulnerability, isolation and insularity.
296. The Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and indian Ocean (EA-SA-IO) region will comprise
the COMESA sub-region, the EAC sub-region, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) sub-region
and the SADC sub-region. The region will be allocated one overall envelope that will be divided
in separate indicative envelopes with respective financial allocations:
a.
b.
c.
One envelope per ‘sub-region’ including support to each RO secretariat, to NAOs
and/or to other regional or international actors (indicative 30-50% of the overall
envelope);
One envelope for financing infrastructure (indicative 40-50% of the overall
envelope);
One envelope for cross-regional priorities, for example the stabilisation of the
Great Lakes region, the implementation of on-going EPAs, initiatives for the
protection of the river basins, a possible inter-ROs coordination mechanism
(indicative 10-20% of the overall envelope).
297. The sub-regional envelopes will consist of programmed actions related to the specialised
fields of action of the DMROs ('core mandate'); the DMROs and the EU Regional delegations
will programme the sub-regional envelopes (sectors, priorities and implementing partners).
298. The programming of actions under the five sub-regional envelopes will be conducted by
the five DMROs and the respective five regional EU Delegations, in line with EDF procedures
and taking into account the decision making procedures applicable in the respective DMRO.
They will identify the relevant implementing actors, either directly during the programming
phase, or where this is not possible later on the basis of selection criteria identified in the overall
envelope.
299.
On the envelope for financing Infrastructure, the preferred options include:
a.
b.
c.
The use of existing or new blending facilities
Projects concluded at national level with a regional relevance
Additional innovative financing mechanisms (equity funds etc)
300. The matching financial resources for leveraging and blending for regional infrastructure
financing may be open to the international and continental vehicles such as the Africa 50 Fund,
as well as if appropriate to regional development banks and funds and other public and private
resources including equity funds.
301. The apex body overseeing the programming of the 11th EDF RIP and monitoring its
implementation is the EA-SA-IO High Level Committee which will be dealing with governance
matters.The financial regional envelope for the EA-SA-IO region is fixed at Euros 1.332 billion
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covering for a period of 7 years starting 2014 until 2020 as announced during the EU and EASA-IO regional seminar held in Brussels 03-05 December 2013.
302. With regard to the new concept/approach of leveraging/blending, introduced specifically
for resources mobilization needed for infrastructure development, we are proposing that our
regional financial institutions such as the COMESA PTA and the regional private sector, be
given a key role. On this new approach, COMESA is ready to deploy the necessary capacity
building across the region.
303. In order to further facilitate the programming, the EU circulated an indicative financial
breakdown of the 11th EDF RIP for the EA-SA-IO region with the view to seek consent of the
DMROs in region before submission for endorsement by the Commissioner. The Secretariat
noted that the interpretation of the criteria had a negative impact on the allocation the COMESA
sub-regional envelope. COMESA comments on the proposed allocation of sub-regional
envelopes were communicated to the EU Delegation in writing on 15 January 2014.
304. In response to the EU draft guidelines, the COMESA, EAC, IGAD and IOC have
accepted the proposed regional configuration. SADC Secretariat has still to consult with its
member States on joining other four RECs in single regional envelope. COMESA has since
identified its priority sectors that include in order of importance:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Large and broad infrastructure programmes;
Trade and Investment facilitation;
The Industrialisation-Private Sector;
Cross cutting sectors: peace and security, conflict prevention and Climate
Change.
305. Council was further informed that based on those priorities, COMESA has commenced
the preparation of its regional indicative programme (RIP) and is ready to finalise the document
and then has it adopted in agreed period of time. The next stepswere agreed as follows:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
DMROs and regional EU Delegations start programming of sub-regional
envelopes (January – March 2014);
EU HQ with Delegations starts programming of cross-regional envelope
(January-March 2014);
First meeting in High Level Steering Committee (March 2014);
Consolidation of the RIP (May/June 2014) - June 2014, draft RIP available;
High Level Steering Committee endorses RIP (July 2014);
October 2014 RIP is endorsed by the High Level Committee and approved by the
EDF Committee, then regional programming completed;
Commission Decision on RIP (November 2014); and
Starts implementation (January 2015).
306. It is also anticipated that COMESA will continue to use Contribution Agreements for
implementation of programmes under the 11th EDF. In this regards, it is important to note that
based on a review of the Financial Regulations applicable to the General Budget of the EU, a
systems audit is to be undertaken in 2014 to ascertain COMESA’s eligibility. This affects
implementation of programmes like RISM and RISP and therefore it will be important that
existing COMESA procedures are accordingly acceptable for use under the Contribution
Agreement approach. In lieu of this, COMESA may revert to the EDF project approach.
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307. Council was given the background on the 11th EDF Programming: that the EU’s
development cooperation with the ACP countries and regions under the 11th EDF will total
30,506 billion (thirty billion, five hundred and six million) Euros, and will be part of the
implementation of the multi-annual financial framework for the period 2014 to 2020 (7 years).
The amount represents a 0.2% increase from the 10th EDF.
308. An amount of Euro 29,089 million will be available from the date of entry into force of the
Multiannual Financial Framework (2014-2016) and its allocation is as follows:



Euros 24,365 million to finance National and Regional Programmes;
Euros 3,590 million to finance Intra-ACP Cooperation Programmes; and
Euros 1,134 million for the Investment Facility.
309. The programming of the 11th EDF is based on the acquis of the Cotonou Agreement and
on new policies and new fundamental as defined in the European Commission’s 2011
Communication on the “Agenda for Change”, which includes human rights, democracy and
other governance-related issues, as well as inclusive and sustainable growth. The programming
exercise is also proposed to accommodate the use of national (regional) development plans and
strategies.
310. The principles guiding this new programming framework are ownership, simplified and
more flexible process, coherence, flexibility, differentiation, sectoral concentration, coordination
and joint programming.
311. The future challenges linked to this new approach in terms of the new elements
introduced into the programming exercise under the 11th EDF and their link with the EU’s new
development policy, the programming exercise and ensuring the effective implementation of the
Cotonou Agreement will prove rather challenging. The issues will include:
a.
b.
c.
Ensuring full ownership of the process by the agents in charge of the EDF in the
ACP countries and regions;
The levels of arbitration to be determined in the choice of concentration sectors,
particularly in the framework of joint, coordinated programming; and
Ensuring complementarity between the NIPs, RIPs and intra-ACP programmes.
312. As regards the issue of differentiation, Councilwas informed that the ACP side stressed
that in the 2nd Revised Cotonou Partnership Agreement, there is no legal provision for the type
of differentiation as been envisaged by the EU. Its application could lead to a sharp reduction in
EU bilateral development aid and this would be detrimental to countries which are progressing
along their development path and need to be accompanied so as to increase the country’s longrun growth potential; and help generate the necessary political support for continuing to build
resilience.
313. It is against this background that guidelines for the 11th EDF programming have been
prepared.
Discussion:
314. Council sought clarification on the involvement of the Member States in the
programming process as well as on the issue of differentiation. The meeting was informed that
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Member States would be fully involved through their NAOs. With regard to differentiation, the
meeting was informed that access to regional resources by Member States for national
programmes might undermine regional integration and would not be in line with the Cotonou
Agreement. It was further recalled that all programmes with regional dimensions have always
been, and would continue to be funded from the regional envelope. The meeting agreed that the
11th EDF programming should be substantively discussed by Council.
315. The Member States that export sugar to the EU expressed concern about the decision
taken by the EU to abolish internal sugar quotas in September 2017. An assessment made by
the EU Commission indicates that abolition of the quota crowds out imports into the EU and
leads to a drastic fall in the price of sugar thus affecting COMESA sugar exporting countries.
Decisions:
316.
Council:
i.
Directed Member States to maintain solidarity as they negotiate with the EU;
ii.
Directed the Secretariat to collaborate with Member States to finalise the 11th
EDF regional programming by 30 June 2014;
iii.
Expressed concern about the impact of the elimination of EU sugar quotas in
2017 on COMESA sugar supplying countries to the EU; and
iv.
Urged the EU to postpone the elimination of the quotas to September 2020,
and put at eth disposal of the sugar exporting countries additional resources
to pursue the modernisation of the sugar sector towards becoming globally
competitive.
USAID
317. Council was informed that USAID financially supported COMESA to the tune USD
3,550,000 (for the period 01 October 2012 - 30 September 2013) for the following programmes:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
COMESA Business Council (CBC)
Trade For Peace (TFP)
Agriculture (CAADP, SPS and ACTESA)
TIFA-AGOA and CCA
Conflict Mitigation and Reconciliation
Environment, Clean Energy
Institutional Support and Capacity Building.
The United Kingdom
318. Council was informed that the United Kingdom financially supported COMESA to the
tune £160,000 under the programme: COMESA Statistical Development.
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The Kingdom of Sweden
319. Council was informed that the Kingdom of Sweden is among the largest contributor in
Official development Assistance (ODA) (1.02% ODA/GNI as 2011) and five (5) COMESA
Member States are among the Top Ten Recipients of Swedish Gross ODA. These are
Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.
320. The Kingdom of Sweden particularly supported COMESA for the HIV and AIDS Multisectoral Programme.
Canada
321. Canada, through the Canada International Development Assistance (CIDA) financially
supported COMESA to the tune Canadian $20 million for the 3 RECs; ( US $4.3 million for
COMESA) for the Programme for the Expansion of Africa’s Capacity to Trade (PACT II).
Germany
322. Council was informed that through KfW, Germany financially supported COMESA to the
tune Euro 8 million under the “Trading for Peace” Programme over a period of five (5) years.
Australia
323. Councilwas informed that Australia, through AUSAID financially supported COMESA to
the tune US $543,000 for the ACTESA programmes.
African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)
324. Council was informed that the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) financially
supported COMESA to the tune US $3 million for the following programmes: enhancing
COMESA’s institutional capacity to effectively implement planned activities; economic policy
research; and trade analysis and negotiation; and generally contributed towards the
development of the sub-region, as is more fully reflected in the COMESA Medium Term
Strategic Plan 2011- 2015.
African Development Bank (AfDB)
325. Council was informed that the African Development Bank (AfDB) financially supported
COMESA to the tune US $3,190,010for the following programmes: Statistical Capacity Building
Programme Phase III (US $2,290,010); and “Trading for Peace” for two (2) years, US $900,000.
The World Bank
326. Council was informed that the World Bank financially supported COMESA to the tune of
US $45,373,100 for the following programmes:
a.
b.
c.
Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) (US
$4,504,100.00)
Project ID: P120581 “Developing COMESA's M&E Capacity to Monitor MTSP
Implementation (US $869,000).
North- South Corridor (US $40 million).
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The Rockefeller Foundation
327. The Rockefeller financially supported COMESA to the tune US $1,500,000 for the
COMESA Climate Change Initiative.
The Commonwealth Secretariat
328. The Commonwealth Secretariat is continuing technically and financially to support
COMESA.
COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite
329. Under the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite, COMESA has benefited from the following
programmes:
a.
b.
c.
d.
117 million Norwegian Kroner (USD 20million) from the Kingdom of Norway, for the
Climate Change Initiative for the Tripartite Arrangement between SADC-COMESAEAC (5 years).
UA 5 million (USD 7.5 million) from AfDB for COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite
Capacity Building Programme (TCBP).
(£ 28 Million) from DFID from Trade Mark Southern Africa (TMSA).
(£36 Million) from DFID for Climate Change Initiative programme.
Decisions:
330.
Council directed:
i.
The Secretariat to prepare a detailed report on the contribution to the
Tripartite from DfID through TMSA for submission by the Chairperson of the
Council to the appropriate authorities in the United Kingdom; and
ii.
The Secretary General to take up with DfID the issue of contingent liabilities of
all DfID funded programmes managed by the COMESA Secretariat on behalf of
the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite.
REPORTS OF COMESA INSTITUTIONS ON THEIR OPERATIONS (Agenda Item 4 (b)
THE COMESA FUND (Agenda Item 4 (b)(i))
The COMESA Infrastructure Fund (CIF) Interim Board Report (Agenda Item 4 (b) (ii))
331. Council was informed that the COMESA Infrastructure Fund (CIF) interim board met on
04 December 2013 in Bujumbura to deliberate and take decisions on the CIF. The interim Board
Members comprise the following: Burundi, Rwanda, Swaziland, COMESA and PTA Bank.
332.
Council was further informed that the Board made the following ordinary resolutions:
a.
On the recommendation of the PTA Bank, the selection of Harith Fund Managers
as Joint Venture partner be and is hereby approved;
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b.
The President of the PTA Bank be and is hereby authorized to enter into a simple
Transfer Agreement with the COMESA Secretariat for the transfer of the Fund to
the PTA Bank and the transfer of all monies to dedicated CIF accounts in
Mauritius;
c.
The COMESA Secretariat be and is hereby urged to transfer with immediate
effect the amount of Three Hundred Thousand US Dollars (US$300,000) as
already approved by the Secretary General for the purposes of financing the CIF
road shows;
d.
The PTA Bank management be and is hereby authorized to negotiate the Joint
Venture partnership agreement with Harith Fund Managers, including but not
limited to the identity of prospective investors and the sources of the capital.
e.
The PTA Bank management in consultation with Harith Fund Managers be and is
hereby mandated to formulate the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the CIF Advisory
Board; and
f.
The COMESA Secretary General and the PTA Bank President conclude all
negotiations and documentation relating to the transfer of the CIF to PTA Bank
latest by 31 December, 2013.
333. Council noted that after reading the minutes of the CIF Interim Board Meeting, the
COMESA Secretariat suggested that the COMESA and PTA Bank legal counsels should liaise
with each other and draft an agreement that will capture the interest of both parties. Discussions
have been ongoing between the legal counsels and it is expected that a final agreement will be
drafted by mid-February 2014 when the PTA Bank legal Director meets the COMESA Legal
Director in Lusaka.
334. In the interim, road shows have not resumed, pending the signing of the agreement.
Further to that, Council is invited to take note the following:
a.
b.
c.
That the legal instruments for the transfer of the CIF from COMESA to the PTA
Bank has not been concluded;
That as result of the delays in concluding the agreement ,the road shows to
mobilize funding for the CIF bankable projects have not been undertaken; and
That the PTA Board of Directors for the CIF mandated the PTA Bank to negotiate
a joint venture partnership agreement with Harith Fund Managers , including but
not limited to the identify of investors and the sources of capital.
THE COMEA ADJUSTMENT FACILITY (CAF) AND THE REGIONAL INTEGRATION
SUPPORT MECHANISM (RISM)(Agenda Item 4 (b) (iii))
335. Council was informed that the COMESA Fund protocol was adopted in 2002 and
includes two windows, a special facility referred to as the COMESA Adjustment Facility (CAF)
founded on Articles 60 and 150 of the COMESA Treaty and the COMESA Infrastructure Fund
(CIF). The CAF was operationalized by the Regional Integration Support Mechanism (RISM)
through a Contribution Agreement between COMESA and the European Union (EU) in 2007.
Funding for the RISM programme is €78 million under the 9th EDF and a next phase for €33
million has been approved for signature in 2014.
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336. Council was informed that the benefits of CAF include: provision of adjustment support
to Member States that progress in the implementation of the regional integration programmes. It
was observed that the support provided is distributed among the Member States based on a
formula that includes consideration of Member State contributions to the COMESA Fund. An
analysis of the contributions made by Member States against the approved and potential
support provided shows that the return on CAF to the eligible Member States has been positive.
This is reflected in the Tables and Graphs presented below:
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337. In August 2012, COMESA launched the 3rd Call for submissions to all eligible COMESA
Fund Member States for adjustment support under the revised scope of the RISM programme.
The Seventh COMESA Fund Ministerial Committee met in December 2012 and approved nine
(9) submissions worth a total resource allocation of € 9.6 million to be disbursed to Burundi,
Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe in 2013.
Document CS/CA/MCF/VII/6 contains the deliberations and decisions of the Seventh Meeting of
the COMESA Fund Ministerial Committee.
338. The 4th Call for Submissions was launched in April 2013 and all nine (9) Member States
with on-going RISM programmes at the national level applied for continued support and an
additional five (5) Member States made applications for first-time support. The new countries
are: Djibouti, DR Congo, Malawi, Sudan and Swaziland. The Ninth Meeting of the COMESA
Fund Ministerial Committee met in September 2013 and approved a total of about €15.8 million
as regional integration support financing to be distributed across Burundi, Djibouti, DR Congo,
Comoros, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia and
Zimbabwe. Document CS/CA/MCF/IX/3 contains the deliberations and decisions of the Ninth
Meeting of the COMESA Fund Ministerial Committee.
339. In moving forward with the RISM programme, COMESA has mobilised an additional €33
million under the 10th EDF RISM Consolidation programme to be implemented from 2014 to
2016. The RISM Consolidation is designed to continue and consolidate the system put in place
under RISM. The Ninth Meeting of the COMESA Fund Ministerial Committee that met in
September 2013 agreed to review and revise the current RISM indicators through consultations
with Member States, the East Africa Community Secretariat and the EU Delegation in Lusaka.
The Contribution Agreement for the RISM Consolidation programme is expected to be finalised
and signed in the first quarter of 2014. In addition, efforts are being made by Secretariat in
engaging other donors to diversify the resources for adjustment support in line with the decision
of the COMESA Fund Ministers for Secretariat to identify alternative sources of funding.
340. Council noted that the key achievement so far is that the funding incentives to the
Member States under RISM are already yielding positive results in bolstering regional
integration. For instance, the nine Member States that received support in 2012 achieved an
average of 80% of their targets. In addition, RISM has motivated Member States to re-organize
and improve their national institutional mechanisms for management, coordination,
implementation and monitoring of regional integration programmes through the establishment of
National Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committees. RISM has also been instrumental in
communicating challenges in the regional integration process through the strengthened
technical ties between Member States and the Secretariat. The robust interactions with the
Member States and the European Union that are inherent to the programme have fostered
continuous refinement and enhancement of the programme.
Challenges
341. The programme has experienced some challenges during implementation. Significant
delays have been faced in disbursing resources in a timely manner. This has been partly
because disbursements from EU to COMESA are delayed due to multiple level consultations
within the EU involving respective EU Delegations at Member States level, EU Delegation
charged with COMESA programmes and the Brussels office. Once funds are received by
Secretariat, disbursements to Member States are further delayed by protracted processes of
finalising Grant Agreements, project documents and Implementation Arrangements for project
support countries.
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342.
Additional challenges experienced in relation to the 2013 approvals, has been the
limitation by Member States to source and submit the requisite objective sources of verification
against baseline information indicated in the Regional Integration Implementation Programmes.
Reference to COMESA reports while indicative of status of implementation, was not sufficient to
confirm or validate what is actually pertaining at national level. As a result, the EU withheld the
disbursement of the approved 2013 resources pending submission of sources of verification.
The impact in the delay of disbursement also extends to timely achievement of set targets.
However, even where disbursement is delayed, Member States should endeavor to achieve
their targets. The delays in disbursements also affect utilisation of funds by those countries
receiving project support.
343. Another challenge has been the low level of involvement of the EAC in the
implementation of the RISM programme. This made assessing performance of EAC countries
very challenging during the review of submissions.
344. In some cases it was noted that there was a centralisation of responsibility for
implementation and follow up of progress. This raises the risk that some targets would not be
achieved as institutions responsible for implementation only became aware of their required
inputs at a very late stage. It has also been noted that there is still need for improved planning of
implementation of agreed targets and involvement and sensitisation of other national institutions
implementing COMESA Programmes. This will ensure that targets are achieved and sources of
verification are provided in line with approved RIIPs.
345. Overall, challenges experienced provided learning lessons for the COMESA Adjustment
Facility. Some of this will be reflected in the next phase of RISM and under the next call for
submissions and its accompanying guidelines.
346. A video documentary produced by the Republic of Seychelles on the establishment and
operations of the National Inter-ministerial Coordinating Committee (NIMCC) in Seychelles was
shown.
Discussion:
347.
Council commended Seychelles for its efforts in producing the video documentary.
348. Council emphasized that as a result of the stated challenges at the Member State level,
only €7.02 million (72%) out of total resource allocation of € 9.6 million approved in December
2012 was disbursed, to seven countries, Burundi, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda,
Seychelles, and Zambia, in 2013.
349. It was further emphasized that out of the 13 countries with approved RISM allocations in
September 2013 under the 4th Call for Submissions, only five countries – Comoros, Djibouti, DR
Congo, Mauritius and Seychelles – satisfied the Ministerial conditional decision for countries to
provide all sources of verification. Thus, on behalf of these five countries, the Secretariat would
request from the EU the disbursement of a total of €4.3 million (27%) out of the €15.8 million
resources for 2013.
350. The fundamental importance of providing the pre-agreed sources of verification as
evidence of honoring COMESA regional commitments was reiterated, not only in the context of
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RISM but given its significance for confirming the achievement of regional integration more
broadly.
351. The meeting was informed that Madagascar intends to join the COMESA Fund in 2014,
so that the Member State can also enjoy the benefits of the Fund. The Secretariat would liaise
with the Member State to further assist it achieve this objective.
Decisions:
352.
Council:
i.
Directed NIMCC’s or their equivalents to designate Focal points to
coordinate the implementation of COMESA programmes including the
achievement of RISM targets and provision of sources of verification;
ii.
Directed NIMCC’s or their equivalent to assume full responsibility for the
development of annual work programmes to plan and monitor
domestication and implementation of regional commitments; and
iii.
Urged Member States to ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to
the implementation of COMESA programmes as RISM only complements
available funding.
THE COMESA BUREAU ON THE THIRD PARTY MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE SCHEME
(Agenda Item 4 (b)(iii))
353. Council noted that the Regional Customs Transit Guarantee Scheme, popularly known
as the RCTG CARNET was introduced in accordance with the provisions of COMESA Protocol
on the Transit Trade and Transit Facilities, Annex I, to the COMESA Treaty and was established
by Agreement signed in November 1990, in Mbabane, Swaziland. However, the implementation
of the Scheme was delayed and the work on developing the modalities of operations and
institutional arrangements was started in 2002 and the implementation of the scheme
commenced in 2012. The RCTG Scheme is a self-regulating Institution and the Council of the
RCTG Scheme, make decisions whose objective are to facilitate the implementation of the
program pursuant to the Agreement provisions and Council decisions.
354. It was further noted that the Seventh Meeting of the Council of RCTG of the Regional
Customs Transit Guarantee Scheme (RCTG CARNET) was held from 23 - 25 September 2013,
in Lusaka, Zambia at Hotel Intercontinental. Document reference: CS/YCRCTG/CS/VII/16
contains the deliberations and decisions of the Meeting of the Council of RCTG. Taking into
account that the Council of Bordeaux makes binding decisions; only those aspects that require
interventions by Member States are brought to the attention of the IC for consideration and
Council decisions.
355. The objective of the Annual General Meeting was to oversee the implementation and
operations of the RCTG CARNET in the COMESA Region and to direct the operations. Key
elements of the report include the following:
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Operations of the RCTG CARNET
356. Council noted that in the Northern Corridor, since the RCTG Scheme became
operational in the Northern Corridor countries in 2012, over 194 Regional (RCTG) Bonds with
guarantee amount of US $89 million was executed by Clearing and Forwarding Agents to carry
out regional transit in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. The Council of RCTG further noted that
during the same period over 1,129 RCTG Carnet were issued for transit goods from Mombasa,
Kenya to Uganda and Rwanda and vice-versa.
357. Following the formation of the EAC Single Customs Territory, decisions were made by
Uganda and Rwanda Revenue Authorities to replace the National Bonds with a Regional
(RCTG) Bonds and that the process of replacing the bonds was undergoing. Details of RCTG
General Bonds executed and RCTG CARNET are shown in the table below:
RCTG Bonds Issued in the Northern Corridor Countries:
KENYA
No.
Principal
(Clearing
Forwarding Agent)
SpedagInterfreight(K)
Bollore Africa (K)
Kuehne & Nagel (K)
Spedag Interfreight(K)
Multiple Solutions(K)
Freight Forwarders(K)
Sharis Logistics(K)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
and
Total No of Bonds and Amount
Surety
Bond Amount (US$)
APA Insurance
APA Insurance
APA Insurance
GA Insurance
Xplico Insurance
Trident Insurance
561,798.00
560,000.00
561,798.00
3,418,000.00
912,866.00
5,770,670.00
114,044.00
Monarch
Insurance
7
11,899,176
UGANDA
8.
Bollore Africa Logistics Uganda Ltd Statewide Insurance Co. Ltd
20,000,000.00
9.
Allport Freight Limited
Statewide Insurance Co. Ltd
800,000.00
10.
Kenfreight Uganda Ltd
I.C.E.A Uganda Ltd
11.
Buhinga C & F Ltd
Excel Ins Co Ltd
5,560,000.00
400,000.00
12.
Spedag Interfreight Uganda Ltd
I.C.E.A Uganda Ltd
13.
Crane Freighters Ltd
14.
Agility Logistics Ltd
15.
Ataco Freight Services Ltd
Excel Ins Co Ltd
1,200,000.00
Phoenix of Uganda Assurance
800,000.00
Co. Ltd
Excel Ins Co Ltd
700,000.00
16.
Multi-Bulk Forwarders Ltd
Excel Ins Co Ltd
2,000,000
17.
Kenfreight Uganda Ltd
I.C.E.A Uganda Ltd
5,560,000.00
11.
Flitlinks International Ltd
Excel Ins Co Ltd
200,000.00
18.
Bolax Enterprises Ltd
Excel Ins Co Ltd
DHL Global Forwarding U:ganda
I.C.E.A Uganda Ltd
Ltd
Kuehne + Nagel Limited
I.C.E.A Uganda Ltd
19.
20.
Total No of Bonds and Amount
14
8,000,000.00
400,000.00
2,400,000.00
3,200,000.00
51,220,000.00
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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RWANDA
173.
All Clearing & Forwarding Agents 173
Total No of Bonds and Guarantee Amount
194
issued in the Northern Corridor
RCTG CARNETS-Northern Corridor:
Country
RCTG
Transit Cargo from–to
Carnets
Issued
Kenya
1069
Kenya
Uganda/Rwanda
Uganda
23
Uganda
Kenya
Rwanda
37
Rwanda
Kenya
TOTALS
1129
-
26,015,037.59
$89,134,213
Transit
successfully
completed
641
19
25
685
Carnet unacquitted
Remark
428
4
12
444
-
358.
Council was further informed that progress was made on the following:
a.
b.
The RCTG-MIS system was integrated with the COMESA CVTFS;
The RCTG-MIS was interfaced with ASYCUDA World of Rwanda and Uganda Revenue
Authorities;
The RCTG Carnet was integrated with the Customs Declarations; and
The RCTG Carnet was simplified and was available in hard and soft copy for use by
stakeholders.
c.
d.
359. Council noted that in the Central Corridor, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and
Stakeholders were ready to implement the RCTG CARNET with Central Corridor countries;
however implementation was delayed as Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR) was in process of
carrying out a pilot test on system called ASSET developed by Trade Mark, which recently was
discontinued. The Council of RCTG was informed that the commitment from high level authority
of Burundi Revenue Authority was awaited for the commencement of operations between
Burundi and Tanzania.
360. Council further noted that Ethiopia has been ready for the Implementation of the RCTG
Scheme operations; however there was need to first negotiate and agree with Djibouti on the
sharing of premiums that would be generated from the issuance of RCTG Carnet for transit
between the two countries. The Council of RCTG was informed that almost all the RCTG bonds
for transit between Ethiopia and Djibouti would be issued in Ethiopia.
361. On the North-South Corridor, Council was informed that Malawi and Zimbabwe have
been ready since 2012 for the implementation of the RCTG CARNET, however the
commencement of operations in the North-South corridor was delayed as Zambia and DR
Congo have not ratified the RCTG Agreement.
362. Council also noted the following challenges that are being faced in the implementation of
the RCTG CARNET:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Zambia has not yet ratified the RCTG Agreement;
DR Congo has not yet ratified the RCTG Agreement;
Burundi: commitment from Revenue Authority being awaited; and
Djibouti and Ethiopia: to negotiate and agree on sharing of premiums on bonds
issued for transit between the two countries.
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363. Council was informed that, following its earlier decision, the RCTG Operations Manager,
namely: Indigo Logistics & Procurement Ltd was recruited and commenced its operations in
June 2013. The Council of Bureaux was further informed that the Operation Manager had made
progress on the operations of the RCTG CARNET in the Northern Corridor in increasing the
number of RCTG Bonds executed and Carnet issues.
364. The Pool Managers, ZEP-RE has made the necessary Reinsurance protection for the
risk underwriting by the Sureties and thereby protect government revenue. The RCTG
Reinsurance Pool has been advanced US $500,000 working capital by the Council of Bureaux
of the Yellow Card scheme.
365. On the issue of self-financing modalities, Council was reminded of the decision of the
Council of Ministers that the RCTG scheme be self-financing. It was noted that the scheme
would start generating income with effect from 01 January 2014 to cover the management and
administration of the scheme.
366. Council noted the report the report of the COMESA Bureau on the motor vehicle
insurance scheme.
THE COMESA COURT OF JUSTICE (Agenda Item 4 (b)(iv))
367. Council was informed that as an Organ for the adjudication of any matter over which it
has jurisdiction, the Court of Justice has a vital role to play in the observance of the rule of law
within COMESA. The Court is composed of two tier system namely the First Instance Division
and the Appellate Division. The First Instance Division of the Court has jurisdiction to hear and
determine at First Instance, subject to the right of appeal to the Appellate Division, any matter
brought before the COMESA Court of Justice in accordance with the provisions of COMESA
Treaty. Appeals lie to the Appellate Division on points of law, grounds of lack of jurisdiction or
procedural irregularity.
368. Council was further informed that the COMESA Court has already adjudicated on a
number of disputes and its decisions have been received with appreciation in Member States;
as it ensures that COMESA remains a Rule based Organisation which contributes effectively
towards the process of Economic Integration thereby increasing Stake holders’ confidence in
dispute resolution.
369. In the recent past, a Reference was filed by a company incorporated in a Member State
against that Member State seeking various remedies from the Court amongst others,
declaratory orders that the Member State had infringed the Treaty in particular by failing to give
the Treaty the force of law and necessary legal effect within its territory; and by imposing a
discriminatory Measure or legislation in the relevant period.
370. The Applicant sought for an order directing the Respondent (the Member State) to take
all necessary steps and measures to properly implement the Treaty in its domestic legislation; in
particular by giving the Treaty the force of Law and the necessary legal effect. While the
Applicant was unsuccessful on some claims, as some of the matters pleaded were reserved by
the Treaty to Member States and the Secretary General, the Court found that the Respondent
Member State had breached the Treaty.
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371. There is a tremendous potential for increased litigation with regard to breaches arising
out of the establishment of Free Trade Area provisions and the establishment of a Customs
Union. Therefore, the Court is obliged to uphold the obligations imposed on it by Member States
by ensuring availability of judicial redress.
372. The Court has since dealt with most References and legal issued pending before it.
Currently there is one Application seeking for a legal opinion and one appeal pending before the
Appellate Division of the Court. The list of cases is attached hereto for information.
373. Further, Council was informed that in its quest to popularize itself, the COMESA Court
embarked on conducting Publicity Seminars in Member States and holding circuit Sessions in
Member States, ensuring Economic Integration by bringing justice to the Common Market.
Mutual information on how this has been applied elsewhere can be obtained from the Registry.
The need for better exchange of information is identified as a key element for future cooperation
among Regional Courts and Tribunals, in order to raise the capacity of Judges of the COMESA
Court to resolve disputes in COMESA.
Summary of the Court’s Cases
Nature of cases
Number
Cases
and 26
Staff matters between COMESA
Institutions
Between Governments
Between private sector and government
Between private sector and private sector
COMESA institutions and COMESA
COMESA institutions and government
Revisions in reference
Advisory opinions
Appeals filed
3
5
4
4
4
2
1
2
of Status
Determined
Determined
Determined
Determined
Determined
Determined
Determined
Pending
One determined and
one appeal pending
374. It is worth noting that unlike the First Instance Division, the Appellate Division is not a
trial Court. The Appealate Division is to hear the Appeals of decisions made by the First
Instance Division. In addition, it is responsible for delivering advisory legal opinions. Its
determination of an Appeal is final.
Decisions:
375.
Council directed:
i.
The Registrar of the COMESA Court of Justice to design and implement and
outreach programme to publicise the services provided by the Court; and
ii.
That seminars be organized in conjunction with the national judiciaries,
national law offices, law societies, Chambers of Commerce, and similar court
users.
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COMESA LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCT INSTITUTE (Agenda Item 4 (b)(v))
376. Council received the report of the LLPI, which included a summary of the institution’s
activities, as well as the expected short term and long term results. The full report of the LLPI is
document reference: COM/LLPI/XXXII/1.
377. Council noted that among the long term expected results of LLPI is: improved Member
State collaboration and contribution to the institution; increased impact of COMESA/LLPI
activities on the ground, feeding into the overall goal of COMESA of regional integration;
membership actual contributions expected to reach US$800,000 in the next 3 years, among
others.
378. Council noted that all COMESA Member States are eligible for LLPI membership and 17
of these signed the Charter establishing the Institute. At the moment there are only eight active
members (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda and Zambia). The
Institute is funded from assessed annual contributions of these Member States and other
sources, including service charge fees, consultancy, grants and assistance obtained through
projects prepared by the Institute to implement its mandated objectives. It is headquartered in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with its own office building commissioned in May 2007.
379. Its operations are currently being guided by the mid term strategy, which was launched
in 2011 and runs up to 2015. It was reviewed in December 2013 and validated by stakeholders,
which were drawn from Member States. In 2013 the Institute implemented activities, which were
aimed at achieving tangible results with regard to improving output, profitability, productivity and
intra trading of SMEs in the leather value chain. The table below summaries the activities,
outputs and results of COMESA/LLPI activities in 2013.
Decision:
380. Council directed that the LLPI Charter and Mid-Term strategy be reviewed and
validated by the LLPI Board of Directors and implemented to ensure optimum
development of the region’s leather sector.
PTA RE-INSURANCE COMPANY (ZEP-RE) (Agenda Item 4 (b)(vi))
381. Council received the annual progress report of the ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance
Company), highlighting the performance of the Company as at 30 September 2013. A
breakdown of the Company’s performance of the Company in key areas is as follows:
a.
Premium Income Written: For the period ending 30 September 2013 the Company wrote
a premium income of US $77,113,087 compared to US $58,177,514 for the same period
in 2012. As at 31 December 2013, the premium written was US $100,000,000;
b.
Investments: Investments as at 30 September 2013 stood at US $131,693,579
compared to US $106,780,666 during the same period in 2012. These investments are
placed in bonds and bills issued by the governments of the region, deposits in banks of
the region including the PTA Bank and real estate investments which currently comprise
2 commercial buildings in Nairobi Kenya. The Company is also in the process of setting
up an office building in Lusaka, Zambia and also purchased property in Harare,
Zimbabwe;
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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c.
The Company intends to augment its policy of diversifying investments further by putting
in more money in other government and corporate bonds of various member states of
the region;
d.
Assets: Total Assets of the Company grew to US $187,168,494 as at 30 September
2013 compared to US $149,381,239 for the same period in 2012. As at 31 December
2013 the assets stood at US $200,000,000;
e.
Claims: Net claims incurred by the Company as at 30 September 2013 amounted to US
$27,420,820 compared to US $17,923,806 in 2012. Net Profit: Net profit realised as at
30 September 2013 was US $11,063,818 compared to US $12,223,297 for the same
period in 2012. The drop in profits was mainly as a result of an increase in incurred
claims; and
382. Council further learnt that as at 31 December 2013, ZEP-RE was carrying out business
in the following COMESA Member States: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya,
Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan, Uganda,
Zambia and Zimbabwe. Business written by ZEP-RE from the COMESA region as at 30
September 2013 amounted to US $51,633,573.24, representing 70% of the Company’s total
business.
383. ZEP-RE is currently rated by B+ by AM Best, an investment grade rating. The credit
ratings are important in the Company’s marketing strategy and have helped the company grow
its business profile.
384. The Company has actively been seeking capital investments from existing and new
shareholder as a means of increasing its capital capacity to write more business. In this regard
the Company secure one new shareholder in 2013 when a subscription agreement was signed
with the German development finance institution DEG an investment injection of US $15 million.
385. Existing shareholders have also supported this drive, notable being the PTA Bank which
injected an additional US $6.6 million in the Company and the AfDB which is the processes of
injecting an addition US $3.9 million.
386. Total shareholder funds at 31 September 2013 stood at US $89,817,568 compared to
US $79,042,511 during the same period in 2012.
387.
The following countries have outstanding issues with the Company:
a.
Ethiopia made an undertaking during the 14th Council of Ministers meeting in
2002 to the effect that it would be acceding to the Agreement establishing the
Company and subscribing to shares in ZEP-RE. The Company is still following up
with the member state but the issues of accession and share capital subscription
are still outstanding;
b.
Following the admittance of Libya into membership of COMESA, Libya agreed in
principle to participate in the activities of ZEP-RE. ZEP-RE proceeded to invite
Libya to accede to the Agreement establishing the Company and subscribe to the
shares. Despite sustained follow the issues of accession and share capital
subscription are still outstanding;
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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c.
Malawi undertook to resolve the one outstanding issue of share capital
subscription which still remains outstanding;
d.
The outstanding issues regarding the Kingdom of Swaziland are accession,
share capital subscription and business facilitation; and
e.
The Company has established a regional office in Harare, Zimbabwe and has
also a hosting Agreement to formally recognize the Harare office.
388. ZEP-RE wishes to reiterate its earlier appeals to all Member States who are not full
participants in its activities to consider doing so in line with the decisions of the Council of
Ministers and Authority of Heads of State and Governments. Compliance with these decisions
will help the Company may fulfill its objectives. The Company would also like to appeal to
existing members to consider augmenting their participation by taking up more shares in the
Company.
389. Ethiopia informed the meeting that they are in the process of studying the requirements
for joining ZEP-RE in order for the Member State to join the institution.
Decisions:
390.
Council:
i.
Urged Member States that are not full participants in the activities of ZEPRE should consider doing so in line with past decisions of the Council of
Ministers and the COMESA Authority; and
ii.
Urge Member States already participating in the activities of ZEP-RE are
urged to take up more shares in the company.
PTA BANK (Agenda Item 4 (b)(vii)
391. Council received the report of the PTA Band consisting of an overview of the status and
developments the Bank for the period up to 31 December 2013; and the financials as at 30 June
2013.
392. PTA Bank’s mandate is to provide financial assistance to Member States by promoting
their economic and social development in the region and internationally. The Bank’s Charter
also provides for the establishment and administration of special purpose funds in the region,
given its role as a specialized and autonomous regional financial institution. The Bank’s
Principal Office is Bujumbura, Burundi, and has operations and fund-raising offices in other
countries, as do other regional and sub-regional development finance institutions.
393. Its mission is to be at the forefront of extending development capital and services to
advance regional growth and integration through customer focused and innovative financing
instruments. The Bank implements its mandate by supplementing the activities of national
development agencies of Member States and by cooperating with other institutions and
organisations, public and private, national and international, which are interested in the
economic and social development of the Member States.
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394. The Bank is similar in structure to other supranational development finance institutions,
such as the African Development Bank, the African Export-Import Bank and the East African
Development Bank, all of which are treaty based financial institutions with both African and nonAfrican shareholders. The Bank currently has 20 shareholders: 18 African countries comprised
of the Member States of COMESA (17), EAC (5) and SADC (7), and then the African
Development Bank and the People’s Republic of China. The Bank’s Charter was amended by
the Board of Governors in December 2012 to align itself with the COMESA-SADC-EAC
Tripartite Agreement, in terms of membership, and the wider regional integration framework
around trade and infrastructure.
395. PTA Bank’s Charter, like that of EADB and AFRIEXIMBANK, provides for sovereign and
institutional investors, both African and non-African. It is also the case that the African character
of the Bank is preserved by providing that the President and majority of staff are nationals of
Member States and by requiring a two-thirds vote by African Member States for any
amendments to the Charter.
396. Council also noted that the Bank’s vision is to become a world-class African financial
institution advancing the economic development, integration and prosperity of Eastern and
Southern Africa. This entails the application of international standards and best practices in
trade finance and development banking, including corporate governance, risk management,
treasury operations, and human resource management. Attainment of excellence in this regard
will enable the bank to mobilize far greater financial resources at lower cost to support the high
demand for trade and development finance in the region, notably in the areas of infrastructure,
industrial development, enterprise development, exports and essential imports.
397. In December 2012, the Board of Governors approved the Bank’s 5th Corporate Plan
covering the period 2013 to 2017, together with refinements and amendments of the Charter.
The plan is being implemented.
398. Council considered the Bank’s accounts. As at 31 December 2012, the bank’s balance
sheet rose annually by 35 percent, reflecting a record increase in the volume of financing to
Member States, spread across various sectors and countries as can be seen in Figure 1 below.
This was done on commercial principles in line with the Bank’s Charter, and as such, the Bank’s
profitability has continued, strengthening the financial position of the Bank and its capacity to
increase its financing activities further, as reflected in the Table below:
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Audited financials from 2009 to as at June 2013
EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICAN TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (PTA) BANK
Operational and Financial Performance Indicators Summary
USD ' 000
BALANCE SHEET SUMMARY
TOTAL ASSETS
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
TOTAL LIABILITIES
TOTAL CAPITAL & LIABILITIES
30-Jun-13
31-Dec-12
31-Dec-11
31-Dec-10
31-Dec-09
2,118,269
387,745
1,730,524
1,941,429
1,843,671
344,252
1,499,420
1,693,098
1,370,411
278,366
1,092,044
1,271,066
1,043,439
210,241
833,198
978,360
826,155
178,381
647,773
781,395
45,047
7,553
26,266
89,149
12,334
51,229
63,535
12,133
34,265
46,052
10,578
20,321
43,084
8,239
18,030
INCOME STATEMENT SUMMARY
TOTAL INCOME
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
PROFIT (LOSS) BEFORE TAXATION
RATIOS
Return on Shareholders' Equity (ROE)
Cost to Income Ratio
Non-Performing Loans Ratio 90 dpd (Gross)
NPL coverage ratio
30-Jun-13
6.77%
41.69%
4.55%
126.24%
31-Dec-12
14.88%
42.54%
5.23%
148.58%
31-Dec-11
12.31%
46.07%
4.58%
143.80%
31-Dec-10
9.67%
55.87%
6.36%
145.98%
31-Dec-09
10.11%
58.15%
11.67%
177.87%
399. The 2013 early estimates indicate that the Bank managed to increase the volume of its
financing by a further 36 percent. The balance sheet and profits of the Bank have almost
doubled in the past two years, with the former rising to an estimated all-time high of about USD
2.5 billion as at end December 2013, with return on equity up to just over 14 percent.
Importantly, the quality of assets of the Bank has continued to improve to the low of 4.55
percent in June 2013, down from 11.6 percent in 2009. The Bank’s portfolio has also diversified
further, both by country and sector, as can be seen in the pie charts below.
Loan Portfolio geographic exposure (H1 2013)
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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Loan Portfolio by sector (H1 2013)
400. With growing confidence, the Bank’s existing shareholders have paid-in a record level of
USD 56 million of equity capital in 2013, comprising new subscriptions and payments for
previously subscribed shares. A new capital increase of US $100 million was also adopted by
current shareholders in September 2013, to be implemented over a three year period. In this
regard, the AfDB took the lead with a US $20 million investment in the Bank’s new class B
shares, which was introduced with the new corporate plan and amended charter.
401. The Bank has also attracted several new shareholders, the National Pension Fund of
Mauritius, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus and ZEP Reinsurance, which together
are subscribing to US $40 million in class A and B shares. With an expanded equity base,
increased mix of shareholding and enhanced risk management, the Bank secured its first credit
ratings upgrades, by GCR in 2012 and Fitch in 2013, with the ratings up to BB+ and BB
respectively. All three of the Bank’s ratings agencies have given the Bank a stable outlook,
citing the Bank’s expanding capital base and strong liquidity among the critical strengths taken
into consideration.
402. Apart from equity capital, the Bank’s funds mobilisation drive has yielded unprecedented
results. As at end of 2013, total resources mobilised are estimated at close to USD 3 billion. The
Bank has drawn further funding from existing partners such as the African Development Bank,
China Development Bank and OPEC’s OFID, as well as from new funding partners such as KfW
of Germany, while new promising funding relations have been initiated with BNDES of Brazil,
China EXIM Bank, the European Investment Bank and Agence France de Development. Also,
the Bank successfully issued its 2nd Eurobond in November 2013 raising US $300 million in the
international capital markets at lower interest rates than previously.
403. Council was informed that the Bank is rapidly advancing into a stronger regional trade
and development finance institution. This has been the result of strong support from member
states and institutional partners, and increased credibility of the Bank’s capacity, standards,
corporate governance framework, and risk management practices.
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404. The value of Member States’ cumulative investment in the Bank has almost doubled,
earning financial returns of over 10 percent over the past five years, and currently 14 percent,
while at the same time providing developmental returns through the financing of infrastructure,
industry, agribusiness, small and medium enterprises and trade. The Bank is successfully
leveraging each Members’ dollar of investment in the Bank about five times, generating
expanded development impact for the economies of the region, and a strong value proposition
for its shareholders and stakeholders.
Discussion:
405. Council noted with concern that the PTA Bank did not send a representative to present
its report to IC. The meeting called upon COMESA Institutions to ensure that they attend Policy
Organs Meeting.
Decisions:
406.
Council:
i.
Urged Member States should continue investing in their regional Bank, and
Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Somalia,
Tanzania and Uganda should settle their capital arrears during the 2014
fiscal year; and
ii.
Commended Djibouti and Sudan for the full settlement of their accumulated
capital arrears during 2013, and Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania
and Uganda should also be commended for the substantial progress in
clearing their arrears in the past year.
COMESA CLEARING HOUSE (Agenda Item 4 (b)(viii))
407. Council received the report of the COMESA Clearing House (CCH), which was
established in 1984 (as the PTA Clearing House), under the PTA Treaty signed in 1981, for the
facilitation of the settlement of trade and services payments amongst Member States. The CCH
has the following objectives: (i) Promotion of the expansion of trade and economic activity
between Member States; (ii) Establishment of appropriate systems for the payment and
settlement of cross-border payments among Member States; (iii) Saving on the use of foreign
exchange by Member States in their inter-state transactions; (iv) Supporting Member States in
the liberalisation of trade through appropriate facilitation instruments; (v) Promotion of monetary
and financial co-operation among Member States; and (vi) Establishment of closer relations
among Central Banks, commercial and merchant banks throughout the COMESA region.
408. The direct participants of the COMESA Clearing House are the Central Banks of
Member States. The current membership of the COMESA Clearing House comprises of:
Burundi, DR Congo, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar,
Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and
Zimbabwe.
409. Article 73 of the COMESA Treaty spells out Member States undertaking (until a common
Central Bank is established) to settle all payments in respect of all transactions in goods and
services conducted within the Common Market through the Clearing House. Article 14 of the
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Clearing House Charter specifies that all transactions among Member States, including
contributions and subscriptions to COMESA Institutions, shall be settled through the Clearing
House.
410. In order to achieve the above stated objectives, the Clearing House was mandated, by
its Central Bank Governors, the Ministers of Finance, the Council of Ministers and COMESA
Heads of State and Government, to design and implement, among other facilities, a Payments
System designed to reduce costs of regional transactions in a liberalised foreign exchange
regime. The Regional Payment and Settlement System (REPSS), was thus commissioned and
subsequently set up with the assistance of COMESA which has the vision of making REPSS the
single gateway for Central Banks within the region to effect payment.
411. The meeting was informed that the REPSS has been designed by COMESA Central
Banks Payments Experts, with inputs from the IMF, commercial banks and other financial
institutions of the region and with financial support from the EU under the Regional Integration
Support Programme (RISP). REPSS is a Multilateral Netting System with End-of-Day settlement
in a single currency (US$ or Euro) with the system allowing for settlement in a multicurrency
environment (US$, Euro or any other specified currency).
412. The main aim of REPSS is to stimulate economic growth through an increase in intraregional trade by enabling importers and exporters to pay and receive payment for goods and
services through an efficient and cost effective platform. Local banks access the payment
system through their respective Central Banks. Any participating bank is, therefore, able to
make payments to and receive payments from any other participating bank. The linkages
through Central Banks avoid the complex payment chains that may sometimes occur in
correspondent bank arrangements. The system operates through Member States Central Banks
and their corresponding banking systems.
413. Under REPSS, importers and exporters deal with their local commercial banks for trade
documentation. The importer’s payment to the exporter is channeled through the Central Bank
of the importer to the Central Bank of the exporter using the REPSS platform. Central Banks
send payment messages to REPSS on a particular day and at the end of the day, REPSS nets
the payments and settlements are made to the respective Central Banks accounts. The Central
Banks credit the commercial banks accounts with them and the commercial banks then credit
the exporters accordingly. The credibility of the Central Bank and pre-funding of account by
commercial banks provide guarantee of payment.
414.
The key benefits of REPSS are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
It guarantees prompt payment for exports as well as other transfers. This is
because T+0 Settlement is possible with the Settlement Bank being within the
operating times of all other participants. The settlement period is, therefore,
greatly reduced;
It eliminates mistrust among traders because of Central Bank involvement. This
in turn increases trade within the region;
It reduces foreign funding as the amount to be paid at the end of the day by a
participant is on a net basis;
All payments under REPSS are guaranteed as instructions, once cleared are final
and irrevocable;
It reduces collateral requirements as Central Banks are directly involved in the
System;
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f.
g.
415.
There is no need to confirm Letters of Credit under REPSS; and
It opens up avenues for trading on Open Account.
The following activities have been undertaken in getting REPSS to live operations:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
REPSS hosting was moved from South Africa to the Bank of Mauritius as
decided by the COMESA Committee of Governors of Central Banks;
Pilot testing was carried out for the Central Banks of Djibouti, D R Congo, Egypt,
Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania,
Uganda and Zambia;
REPSS user acceptance tests have been carried out with the Central Banks of
Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Swaziland,
Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The test platform runs parallel to the live
platform for those Central Banks that still require testing;
REPSS Legal Agreements between Central Banks and both the COMESA
Clearing House and the Settlement Bank (Bank of Mauritius) have been signed
by 11 of the 20 Central Banks namely the Central Banks of DR Congo, Egypt,
Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia and
Zimbabwe;
Settlement Accounts at the Bank of Mauritius for purposes of end of day
settlement have been prefunded by 9 Central Banks, namely the Central Banks
of DR Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda
and Zambia;
Information Workshops have been conducted for the Central Banks of DR
Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Swaziland,
Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe; and
Training and Sensitisation Workshops have been held for the Central Banks of
Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda,
Zambia and Zimbabwe.
416. Council further noted that REPSS started live operations on 3rd October 2012 and
registered its first transaction between Bramer Bank of Mauritius and Fina Bank of Rwanda,
through their respective Central Banks. The Central Bank of Swaziland subsequently joined the
live platform during the first half of 2013 and the Reserve Bank of Malawi went live in November
2013. Whilst the Bank of Uganda is scheduled to go live on 28 February 2014, the Central
Banks of Kenya and Sudan have planned live operations for March/April 2014. The Central
Banks of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt and Zambia are expected to go live on
the system by June 2014.
417. With a view to promoting the utilisation of REPSS, the 18th Meeting of the COMESA
Committee of Governors of Central Banks, held in Kigali on 11-12 December 2012, extended
the period of transacting on REPSS free of charge (except for SWIFT messaging and other
related charges) to 30 September 2013. This period has further been extended to 30 September
2014.
418. A REPSS User Group was set up, with the aim of, among other things, attending to
Operational and Policy Issues arising out of REPSS operations. The first meeting was held from
10 to 12 June 2012 and hosted by the Central Bank of Egypt at its Headquarters in Cairo.
Membership of the group comprised of the Central Banks of Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Sudan
and Zambia. The 2nd Meeting of the User Group was held in Kampala on 22 - 23 October 2013
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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with enlarged membership, comprising of the Central Banks of Burundi, DR Congo, Egypt,
Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda and Zambia;
419. The COMESA Committee of Governors of Central Banks had noted the proposed
amendments to the COMESA Certificate of Origin to specify that “Payment will be made through
REPSS” as a way to ensure that REPSS is used as intended by the traders. This means that in
addition to goods enjoying preferential tariff treatment at borders, traders will also enjoy
seamless payment movements and reduced costs.
420. Council was informed that there has been tremendous progress noted in the area of
trade within COMESA, with Intra-COMESA trade increasing from US $3.1 billion at the time of
the launch of the Free Trade Area in 2000 to US $19.3 billion in 2012. REPSS provides a
smooth flow of payments for such trade, and with cross border payments costing around US
$600 million per year, the platform allows reduction in such costs with the resulting savings
channeled to other economically beneficial projects within COMESA. Such cost savings would
induce all users to make REPSS the preferred payment option going forward. Estimates show
that the region would save an amount of at least US $112 million in 2014, when channeling
intra-COMESA import transactions through the Regional Payment and Settlement System
(REPSS), where no confirmation of Letters of Credit is required.
421. REPSS enables the building of trust and confidence amongst traders and commercial
banks of the region and facilitates the transacting under documentary collections (ICC
Publication no. 522) and ultimately on open accounts where the opening of Letters of Credit
would no longer be required. Once the region moves to trading under open account, savings
would be as high as US $420 million (estimates for 2014) under documentary collections/open
account trading. Further, such trust will in future promote trade among countries in the region,
thus increasing trade significantly. With an increase in intra-COMESA imports from US $10
billion in 2012 to a projected amount of US $14.9 billion in 2019, our region would make an
estimated savings of US $525 million in 2019 if the totality of the payment for that trade is
channelled through REPSS.
Discussion:
422. Council commended the central banks and the COMESA Clearing House for reemphasising this facility, which highlights the soft spots where huge amounts of money are lost
to other parts of the world. It was pointed out that there was need to put concerted efforts into
ensuring that the REPPS succeed, by marketing it aggressively.
Decisions:
423.
Council:
i.
Commended the Central Banks of Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda and
Swaziland for being live and transacting on REPPS;
ii.
Commended the Bank of Uganda for completing its preparations for live
operations and scheduling to start transacting on the system by 28
February 2014;
Commended the Central Banks of Kenya and Sudan for completing
preparations for live operations and scheduling to start transacting on the
system by March 2014;
iii.
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3.8
iv.
Commended the Central Banks of Burundi, Democratic Republic Of Congo,
Egypt and Zambia for scheduling to start live operations by June 2014;
v.
Urged those Central Banks that have not yet met the prerequisites for
joining REPSS to do so by June 2014 at the latest;
vi.
Urged all Central Banks, with assistance from COMESA Clearing House, to
sensitise their stakeholders on the utilisation of the Regional Payment and
Settlement System for the benefit of the entire region;
vii.
Directed Member States, pursuant to Article 73 of the Treaty, to settle all
payments in respect of all transactions in goods and services, conducted
within COMESA, through the Clearing House Regional Payment and
Settlement System (REPSS); and
viii.
Directed the COMESA Clearing House to aggressively market the use of the
REPSS among the Member States.
COMESA REGIONAL INVESTMENT AGENCY (RIA) (Agenda Item 4 (b)(ix))
424. Council was informed that the COMESA Regional Investment Agency (RIA) was
established in 2006 to advance efforts in attracting cross-border and foreign direct investment to
the COMESA region. Its mission is to transform COMESA into an internationally competitive
investment area, which allows free movement of capital, labour, goods, and services across
borders of COMESA Member-States, and thereby facilitate sustainable growth of private
domestic and foreign investment.
425. The objectives of the agency are: to make COMESA one of the major destinations for
regional and international investors while simultaneously enhancing national investment; and to
carry out other activities in the area of investment promotion, facilitation and advocacy in
conformity with the COMESA Treaty.
426. The functions of the Agency include: gathering and disseminating information including
creating and maintaining a database and website on policies affecting the trade and investment
environment, cost of transacting business, trade procedures, investment procedures,
investment and trade opportunities and other relevant information in Member States; proactively
promoting and facilitating investment initiatives, policies and other issues in COMESA in
conformity with the COMESA Treaty; identifying and promoting investment opportunities, with
special focus on projects with a regional dimension; and training and providing development
support for National Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs).
427. Since its launch, COMESA RIA has been is active in promoting the COMESA region as
a Common Investment Area, in building a positive image of the region to a worldwide audience,
and in improving Member States’ ability to do the same.
428. More specifically, COMESA RIA has been able to contribute to the improvement of
Member States’ investment and business climates through various capacity-building
programmes targeting mainly the regions’ investment promotion agencies. Programmes have
included activities such as trainings on various topics related to investment promotion,
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development of websites, organisation of study tours, the development of various publications
and the completion of in-depth studies. Together, the latter have been able to strengthen the
capacity of IPAs to promote their countries to attract investments, retain investments from their
existing investment base, and equip them with teams able to assist investors. Programmes
have therefore contributed to improving investment prospects of Member States and of
COMESA region as a whole.
429. Council further noted that IPAs have communicated their appreciation of COMESA RIA’s
programmes and confirmed increases in investor requests and in some cases in visits, as well
as an improvement in their ability to respond to requests. A good example of impact can be
found in Burundi, where combined with public sector reforms, and the post-conflict political
stability, COMESA RIA programmes targeting their IPA were able to contribute to a clear
improvement of their ranking in the World Bank’s Doing Business report and increases in
investment levels.
430. Also contributing to these efforts are the various promotional activities which have been
organised over this time span. Examples include: the organization high-level International
COMESA investment forums and ministerial road shows, the participation to key events and
support to Member States’ events, the development of an investor portal now attracting over
200,000 visitors a year, various country-level and regional investors’ guides and other
promotional tools, the promotion of specific investment opportunities and projects, as well as the
dissemination of positive news and information about facilities, regulatory frameworks,
incentives, and procedures.
431. In 2012, COMESA RIA launched an external evaluation and assessment with the
objective to establish whether it had met its goals and objectives since its inception, ultimately to
provide conclusions and recommendations to enhance COMESA RIA‘s credibility and impact on
COMESA Member States and for guidance for future investments and sustainability.
432. In terms of promotion, the report highlights the interest and publicity COMESA RIA has
created among regional and international investors. As compared to COMESA RIA’s inaugural
COMESA Trade and Investments Conference of 2008 where about 150 participants were
gathered, the COMESA region is now enjoying a publicity level which was capable of attracting
3000 high-level attendees from 86 countries at the 2013 Africa Global Business Forum in Dubai.
433. As far as capacity-building is concerned, the report mentions that from the responses
received both by way of letters of gratitude and questionnaire, IPAs confirm that their staff are
more knowledgeable on how to tackle the investments promotions that attract investors. The
IPAs stressed their commitment to COMESA RIA, and see the organization as a central pillar in
the efforts to make COMESA a major destination for foreign investment. They recognize the
need for some coordination of current national investment promotion efforts and see COMESA
RIA as a vehicle for creating greater synergies from these efforts. The IPAs realize that they
have a greater chance of attracting investment if they work with COMESA RIA and see RIA as
adding value to their existing efforts.
434. Council further received a summary of the activities of the Agency, which included:
improvement of investment and business climates of COMESA Member States; promotion of
the COMESA region as an attractive investment destination; participation in various events with
the objective of promoting the COMESA region as an attractive investment destination; and the
organisation of four road shows to Turkey, Gulf Member States, China and South Africa.
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Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the COMESA Region
435. Council noted that FDI into COMESA recovered in 2012 to register an 86.2 percent
growth compared to 2011 levels. Key country drivers to this trend were Uganda, Democratic
Republic of Congo and Madagascar that recorded growth rates of 93 percent, 96 percent and
85 percent respectively in 2012. Of note is that Egypt moved from a disinvestment of US $483
million in 2011 to an inward FDI of US $3,746 million in 2012.
436. For Uganda in particular, recent oil discoveries in Lake Albert have contributed to the
observed levels of FDI inflows. This trend in natural resource driven inward FDI also applied to
the Democratic Republic of Congo with the performance in 2012 reflecting steady investment
into the mining sector among them the Tenke Fungurume copper-cobalt mines in the south-east
of the country. Other countries that experienced growth in inward FDI flows in 2012 were Eritrea
(298 percent), Comoros (149 percent), Democratic Republic Congo (96 percent) Madagascar
(85 percent) Ethiopia (57 percent), Mauritius (32 percent) and Rwanda (51 percent).
437. Burundi, Kenya, Seychelles, Sudan, Swaziland and Zambia all recorded lower FDI
inflows in 2012 compared to 2011. The table shows the full picture of inward foreign direct
investment into COMESA Member States.
FDI into COMESA countries by value US $ millions:
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
%growth
20112012
Burundi
3.8
0.3
0.8
3.4
0.6
-8.2
Comoros
4.6
13.8
3.9
6.8
17.0
149
D R Congo
1726.8
243.2
2742.3
1686.9
3312.1
27.1
Djibouti
228.9
99.6
36.3
78.7
100.0
96.3
Egypt
13236.5
8113.4
6758.2
-482.7
3745.7
***
Eritrea
-0.2
0.0
55.6
18.5
73.7
298.2
Ethiopia
107.0
226.9
285.7
619.0
970.4
56.8
Kenya
92.5
111.2
171.5
330.3
254.6
-22.9
Libya
3180.0
3310.0
1909.0
-
-
-
Madagascar
499.7
525.9
344.2
438.9
811.9
85
Malawi
195.4
49.1
97.0
128.8
129.5
0.5
Mauritius
372.5
240.5
415.4
263.2
346.8
31.8
Rwanda
103.4
118.7
42.3
106.2
159.8
50.5
Seychelles
129.8
118.4
159.8
144.7
114.0
-21.2
Sudan
2600.5
2662.1
2894.4
2691.7
2466.4
-8.4
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Swaziland
105.7
65.6
133.5
92.2
88.6
-3.9
Uganda
728.9
841.6
543.9
894.3
1721.2
92.5
Zambia
938.6
694.8
1729.3
1108.0
1066.0
-3.8
Zimbabwe
51.6
105.0
165.9
387.0
399.5
3.2
COMESA
24306.1
17053.8
18489.0
8515.9
15860.4
86.2
Source: COMSTAT
438. According to the Ernest and Young’s 2012 Africa attractiveness survey report the
number of FDI projects into Africa has grown at a compound rate of almost 20% since 2007 and
increased 153 percent in absolute terms since 2003. Between 2010 and 2011, the year-on-year
growth was 27 percent, and FDI project numbers are now almost back to the peak experienced
in 2008 just before the financial crisis.
439. The growth in intra-African investment is being led by the respective regional
powerhouses of Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. All three of these African economies are
ranked among the top 20 investors into the rest of the continent between 2003 and 2011.
Importantly too, in the last four years, all three of these African countries have been growing
their investments in terms of compound growth of new FDI projects. Over this period,
investment from Kenya and Nigeria into the rest of the continent has grown at a faster rate than
from anywhere else in the world, at 77.8 percent and 73.2 percent respectively, while South
African investment has grown at a rate of 64.8 percent.
440. In terms of the sectors into which the investment was directed the table below shows an
indication of major companies investing in COMESA and the sectors into which the investment
went in the year 2010. FDI into COMESA went into financial services, communications,
business services, metals, oil and gas, hotels and tourism as well as real estate, among other
sectors.
Intra-COMESA FDI inflows
441. The average COMESA originating FDI inflows into Egypt over the period 2007-2012 was
US $44 million, representing 95 percent of African originating FDI into Egypt. For Madagascar,
the regional average from 2007-2011 was US $78 million. African originating inflows into
Mauritius over the same period were a singular source, South Africa and amounted to US $62
million. Uganda inflows from Africa for 2007-2011 amounted to US $177 million from COMESA
and US $40 million from South Africa. An average of US $29 million worth of FDI between 2007
and 2011 into Zambia was from COMESA countries. Within the same period, the average South
African inflows in Zambia were worth US $8.4 million.
442. The main reason for the FDI inflow is Africa’s attractiveness against the uncertainty
particularly in the Euro-zone; and a weak macro-economic environment in advanced
economies. The high investment return varying from 20 to 30 percent, the larger regional market
through among others the Free Trade Areas, particularly the COMESA FTA, the abundant
natural resources and affordable manpower, are among others the main reason of the shift
recorded in FDI trend.
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443. The IC noted that trade facilitation arrangements and market information access
facilitated by the ICT is helping African businesses to find new investment opportunities closer
within the continent. Innovation in financial and business services has also prompted domestic
firms to become regional and even multinational companies. This is the case for Safaricom
through M-Pesa which now has expanded its activities in Uganda, DR Congo South Sudan
among others. South African MTN has become multinational company as it expanded its
activities beyond the continent.
444. In terms of the sectors into which the investment was directed the table below shows an
indicative of major companies investing in COMESA and the sectors into which the investment
went. FDI into COMESA went into financial services, communications, business services,
metals, oil and gas, hotels and tourism as well as real estate, among other sectors.
Major investing companies in COMESA countries
Companies
Investing
economy
Host
economy
First Quantum
Canada
Zambia
Coal, Oil, Gas/Extraction(US$ 275
million)
Nakumatt Holding Limited
Kenya
Uganda
Food and Tobacco (retail)
British Petroleum (BP)
UK
Egypt
Coal, Oil, Gas (Extraction)
Qatar Petroleum Int
Qatar
Egypt
Coal, Oil, Gas (Extraction)
Samsung Electronics
South Korea
Kenya
Consumer electronics
MTN
South Africa
Zambia
Communications
Huawei Technologies
China
Egypt
Communications
Pick and Pay
South Africa
Zambia
Food and Tobacco (retail)
Tata Group
India
Zambia
Energy (US$ 375 million)
Dangote Cement
Nigeria
Zambia
Construction
WahSeong
Malaysia
DR Congo
Energy
UAP Group
Kenya
DR Congo
Financial service (Insurance)
MIOT Hospitals
India
Sudan
Healthcare
China Machine -Building China
Int
Uganda
Metal sector (Manufacturing)
BHARTI Airtel
DR
Congo, Communications
Madagascar
India
Sector
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The COMESA Model on Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAs)
445. Following negotiations held since 2012, Member States have adopted in November
2013, in Lusaka, Zambia, the COMESA Model on Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements. This
Model DTAs will help Member to address the transfer pricing, avoid double taxation and
cooperate in fiscal matter aiming at fighting fiscal evasion not only among themselves, but also
with the third party countries.
446.
The meeting noted the report of COMESA Regional Investment Authority.
AFRICA TRADE INSURANCE AGENCY (Agenda Item 4 (b)(x))
447. Council was informed that since inception, the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI)
consistently expanded its range of product offering and increased the volume of investment and
trade in its Member States. ATI has evolved from a homegrown institution to a global player that
it is providing risk mitigation instruments for its client base from around the world for the benefits
of economies in Africa.
448. The African continent is currently among the world’s most rapidly growing economic
regions. In this context, ATI continued to support investors and assist countries access financial
and technical resources that they may otherwise have not been able to source.The demand for
ATI products was driven by the need for infrastructure development (Energy,
telecommunications and road construction) and by local, regional and international banks
looking to shield themselves against commercial and political risks.
449. In order to enhance investments in the energy sector the European Investment Bank
and ATI are at an advanced stage of setting up an African Energy Guarantee Fund (AEGF) that
will provide more support to investors and lenders in the energy sector. The AEGF will assist
countries and the private sector to bridge the large energy infrastructure gap in all three areas of
renewable energy (generation, access and efficiency).
450.
During the period under review, ATI continued to offer the following range of products:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Political Risk Insurance for trade & investment (short, medium and long term);
Comprehensive Non-payment Cover for Private obligors; Sovereign obligors; and
Parastatal obligors;
Inter & Intra-regional and Domestic Whole Turnover Credit Insurance with
payment terms;
Unfair calling of bonds insurance;
Mobile assets insurance;
Political Violence Excess of Loss Reinsurance;
Stand Alone Terrorism & Sabotage, and;
Bond insurance products
451. ATI covered projects in a variety of sectors that supported the economies of Member
States including agribusiness, energy (power generation and supply of petroleum products),
manufacturing, mining, telecommunications, housing finance, health, road construction, and
exports of flowers and other fresh produce.
452.
Council was informed that the business performance of the ATI is as follows:
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
453.
It was further noted that the Agency’s membership expanded as follows:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
454.
The Agency generated a Gross Written Premium9 of US$12 Million in FY2013.
The Net Earned Premium10 of US $6 million for FY2013 represented a 50%
increase above FY2012’s US $4 million;
ATI’s Gross Exposure reached US $886 million in FY2013 which is an
improvement compared to FY2012’s US $706 million, being an increase of
25.5%;
Net Exposure grew by 29.49% from US $373 million in FY 2012 to US $483
million in FY2013;
Investment Income amounted to US $2.1 million in FY2013 compared to an
investment income of US $2.0 million in FY2012; and
To date the Agency has supported trade and investment flows for its Member
States in excess of US $13 billion.
The Republic of Benin fulfilled all its membership requirements and became a
fully-fledged member of the Agency with a capital contribution of US $7.2 million;
The African Development Bank paid up its capital contribution in the amount of
US $15 million;
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was admitted into ATI membership
on 15 May, 2013 by the Agency’s Thirteenth Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Ethiopia was invited to fulfill the remaining membership requirements, and;
The Republic of Sierra Leone was admitted into ATI membership on 15 May,
2013 by the Agency’s Thirteenth Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Sierra Leone
was invited to fulfill the remaining membership requirements.
Kenya Re-Insurance Corporation was admitted into ATI on 27 November 2013
subject to fulfilling the remaining membership conditions.
The Agency’s capital stock as 31 December 2013 was as follows:
Member
Burundi
Benin
Democratic
Congo
Kenya
Madagascar
Malawi
Rwanda
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
Republic
Share Premium
90,634
9,643
Number
Shares
153
72
19,200,000
28,300,000
100,000
17,200,000
8,700,000
16,900,000
22,900,000
44,972
14,777
75,042
79,015
70,558
37,360
192
283
1
172
87
169
229
16,900,000
152,
700,000
59,556
169
481,557
1,527
of
Sub/Total Class A Members
9
Share
Capital
15,300,000
7, 200,000
The gross amount of insurance underwritten
Earned premium net of reinsurance
10
of
CS/CM/XXXII/2
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The African Development
Bank
Africa Re
Atradius
COMESA
SACE SpA
PTA Bank
ZEP Re
Sub/Total Class C, D & E
Members
Total
15,000,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
10,000,000
100,000
100,000
-
25,500,000
178,200,000 481,557
150
1
1
1
100
1
1
255
1,782
455. Council noted that the share capital premium calculations depend on the share capital
available to that Member State, as seen in the table above, and that each share capital amounts
to 100,000.
456. Council noted that for the last six years, the African Trade Insurance Agency has been
assigned by Standard & Poor’s a long term A, Strong, rating for both its Counterparty and
Insurer Financial Strength Ratings, with a ‘Stable’ outlook. On 26 July 2013, Standard & Poor's
Ratings Services re - affirmed its 'A' Stable long-term for both Counterparty Credit Rating and
Financial Strength Rating. The outlook remained stable. This is a confirmation that ATI’s capital
base and business model remain robust. There is no doubt that the rating will encourage more
utilization of ATI products and services by banks, importers, exporters and investors worldwide.
457. Council was informed that the 71st ECOWAS Council of Ministers and the ECOWAS
Summit of Heads of State held on 17 November 2013 in Abidjan resolved to recommend
ECOWAS Member states to join ATI. Further, the Council also endorsed a recommendation by
the ECOWAS ministers of finance for the establishment of an implementation Committee
comprising representatives of Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS Bank for
Investment and Development, West Africa Insurance Companies Association (WAICA) and ATI,
to commence procedures for effective partnership between ECOWAS and the ATI.
458. Countries that have been admitted into membership and are in the process of fulfilling
remaining membership requirements include: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory
Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Togo, and Zimbabwe.
459. The Agency has also initiated a membership dialogue with a number of countries
including Angola, Cameroon, Gambia, Mozambique, Nigeria and Senegal.
460. ATI and the European Investment Bank have concluded a grant agreement that will
provide ATI a grant in the amount of €2 million to enable ATI to build up its capabilities in power
sector to originate and underwrite energy projects.
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Decisions:
461.
Council:
i.
Commended the Republic of Benin and the African Development Bank for
fulfilling all membership requirements and becoming fully-fledged members
of the ATI;
ii.
Commended ECOWAS Council of Ministers for requesting all ECOWAS
Member States to become members of ATI; and
iii.
Directed that all COMESA Member States that are not yet members of ATI to
join the institution.
COMESA BUSINESS COUNCIL (Agenda Item 4 b) (xi))
462. Council was informed that the COMESA Business Council is the private sector institution
of COMESA. It was established in 2005; with the objective of providing a platform for business
services and linkages, policy advocacy and trade information and business intelligence;
addressing the pertinent constraints to business and competitiveness in the region, and
increasing private sector participation in the regional integration agenda.
463. Chapters 23 and 24 of the COMESA Treaty recognize the private sector as the
backbone of a vibrant economy, the engine of steady and consistent growth. The strength in
advocacy of the CBC solidified through the constitutional and policy obligations to take part in
meetings of the Technical Committees and make recommendations on behalf of businesses
and industry to the Intergovernmental Committee.
464. The overall goal of CBC as announced in its mission statement is: “To promote collective
engagement of the COMESA private sector for effective regional integration, competitiveness,
trade and investment”. CBC also has the mandate to represent, promote and defend the
interests of the private sector in regional and international matters. It must also ensure that
these interests are taken into consideration by the COMESA organs when designing regional
trade policies and strategies.
465. The objectives of CBC are the promotion of the inclusiveness of the private sector in
regional integration; articulating the key interests of the private sector in issues directly affecting
their businesses to the highest levels of decision making; strengthening the technical and
productive capacity of private sector to compete in regional and global markets; strengthening
the capacity of trade support institutions to directly support private sector interests in
partnerships, linkages and trade development and promotion; enforcing strategic advocacy
platforms for the private sector in at least 70 percent of the priority sectors within COMESA
region by 2015; ensuring effective representation of private sector interests in COMESA
decision making processes in at least three priority sectors per year; providing timely and
strategic business services to regional and international stakeholders on the business
environment in the region; ensuring 90 percent of private sector inclusiveness in the regional
integration agenda by 2015; and ensuring that the CBC is a fully membership led and driven
Institution by 2016.
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466. Council noted that the December 2013 CBC financial report adopted by the CBC board
of directors and vetted by COMESA Secretariat indicated that the Secretariat has mobilized US
$131,360. The CBC has also built a membership of 38 associations and companies from the
region. In terms of operations, CBC has a staff-base of thee persons - two of whom are
technical support and two general support staff. The newly elected CBC Board is as follows:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Chairperson, Dr Amany Asfour, President, Egyptian Business Women
Association;
First Vice-Chairperson, Ms Mulu Solomon, President, Ethiopia Chamber of
Commerce;
Second Vice-Chairman, Mr Benjamin Gasamagera, President, Rwanda Private
Sector Federation;
Board Director, Mr Polycarp K. Igathe, Chairman, Kenya Association of
Manufacturers;
Board Director, Mr Govindaswami Ramalingum, President, Mauritius Chamber of
Commerce and Industry;
Board Director, Mr Bright Chunga, Chairman, Zambia Association of
Manufacturers;
Board Director, Ms Amna Mohamed Ibrahim El Nour, Director General, Sudan
Trade Point;
Board Director, Mr Menghis Samuel, President, Eritrean Chamber of Commerce;
and
Immediate Past Chairman, Mr Mathews Chikankheni, Chairman, Malawi
Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
467. Council was informed about the key achievements, the challenges, the solutions to the
challenges, as well as the work plan for 2014 of the CBC.
468. Council further noted that the following recommendations have been submitted as
common positions of the private sector, to the Member States, presented through the business
workgroups, under the CBC Trade and Industry Committee:
a.
On Addressing the regional and policy framework of SME Manufacturers:
Member States are requested to facilitate and develop and a dedicated
legislative, regulatory and institutional policy frameworks that support and are
dedicated to the development and growth of the SME Sector as we look at
regional common approaches on the same. This should include technical
capacity, SME infrastructure and address issues of affordable finance through the
development of COMESA SME Fund. The Kenyan SME Act is a regional best
practice that can be tailored and adopted by the other Member states.
b.
On Regional Integration, Trade Facilitation and Market Access:
The Member States are called upon to put in place robust institutional
governance and enforcement systems, establishing a regional institutional
governance framework on illicit trade and adherence to COMESA obligations.
c.
On Standards development:
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d.
i.
Government and the private sector should increase information awareness
on the importance of standards as a key to industrialization and
competitiveness. Private sector participation in standards development
should be increased at a national and regional level.
ii.
Member states are requested to consider the Made in COMESA Label for
COMESA origin products as a voluntary standard, to encourage consumer
preference of indigenous products in the region and promote easier cross
border trading of said goods.
iii.
Preferential Procurement in public procurement procedures; Member
States are requested to facilitate a regulatory framework that mandates
preferential public procurement in favor of SME’s, local and regional
companies. This should mandate that for government global contracts a
certain percentage should be procured from locally recognized SMEs or the
local manufacturers.
On Business and regulatory framework
i.
Member States and the COMESA Secretariat are requested to establish an
Institutional framework and resources dedicated to support the
manufacturing sector in implementing the industrial policy at a national
level.
ii.
Secondly, where there are no industrial policies, Member States in
consultation with the Private Sector through Public Private Partnerships
should develop Sectoral strategies, policies and Institutional frameworks to
support the manufacturing sectors. This involves; Identification of key
priority sectors and programmes of support to facilitate the growth of that
industry. Member States should involve the private sector in the policy
formulation processes
iii. Thirdly, Member States should ease regulation and high tax regime to promote
the growth of the manufacturing industry, and also to encourage SMEs to
become more formal.
e.
On the Adoption and Implementation of COMESA Business Visa
i.
Member States are called to note and to support the consultative processes
that will be carried out in 2014 by the private sector in partnership with the
Ministries in charge of Immigration; and the programme for promoting the
implementation of the business visa.
ii.
Member States are requested to follow flexible and non-burdensome
immigration policies to promote the movement of business persons in
COMESA region. This includes signing and implementing the Protocol on
the Movement of Business Persons and working towards the elimination of
visa fees for business travelers.
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f.
Institutional Strengthening and Technical capacity building of national private
sector apex bodies
Cognizant of the need to increase the voice of the private sector through national
private sector apex bodies which are the key members of the COMESA Business
Council. National private sector apex bodies lack the technical and financial
capacity to participate and effectively contribute to private sector development
agendas at national and regional level. Member states are therefore requested
to support and facilitate the technical capacity constraints of the national business
member apex bodies and to support the participation of the private sector in
contributing to the policies and negotiations at both a national and regional level.
Discussion:
469. Council noted the low participation of MSMEs in the CBC and its activities due to the
high cost of registration; and exhibitions fees.
Decision:
470. Council urged the CBC to consider reducing the participation and exhibition fees
for the MSMEs.
FEDERATION OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS IN EASTERN
AND SOUTHERN AFRICA (Agenda Item 4(b)(xii))
471. Council received the report of FEMCOM, a COMESA institution established in July 1993
under Article 155 of the COMESA Treaty, in line with the decision of the Authority made in
January 1992 as well as the FEMCOM Charter. The main objective of FEMCOM is to promote
programmes that integrate women into trade and development activities in the COMESA region,
in line with the FEMCOM Medium Term Strategic Plan (MTSP) for 2009 – 2014. Implementation
of FEMCOM activities are being supported by COMESA Member States, EU and USAID.
472. Council noted the status of implementation and the impact of FEMCOM programmes for
the period January – December 2013. The activities included: strengthening FEMCOM and its
chapters to ensure sustainability; resource mobilization and strategic partnerships; enhancing
women entrepreneurship by up-scaling the capacity of SME cassava, textile/garment clusters;
enhancing the Business Incubator for African Women Entrepreneurs (BIAWE) Project;
improving access to credit and capital; and advocacy and representation.
473.
Council also noted that in 2014 the focus for FEMCOM will be:
a.
Launch of FEMCOM Secretariat in Lilongwe, Malawi: The launch of FEMCOM has been
planned for the first week of April 2014. It will coincide with FEMCOM’s Board Meeting
and Annual General Meeting;
Launching of FEMCOM National Chapters in Comoros and Eritrea;
Development of FEMCOM Complex: A committee comprising of representatives from
the Ministry of Industry and Trade in Malawi, the private sector and FEMCOM has been
constituted to follow up on the subject matter;
SME cluster development activities: Resources are being mobilized to support the
cluster activities;
Implementation of the BIAWE project: Finalize the feasibility study and implement Phase
II of the project; and
b.
c.
d.
e.
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f.
Implement climate change initiatives for women in business in COMESA - innovative
green business options for women entrepreneurs.
Decision:
474. Council urged Member States to encourage MSME to increase the percentage of
representation of women on the boards, especially in the predominant sectors of
agriculture and hospitality industry.
COMESA COMPETITION COMMISSION (Agenda Item 4 (lb)(xiii))
475. Council was informed that the COMESA Competition law is contained in Chapter VI,
Article 55 of the COMESA Treaty. The Council of Ministers in December 2004, invoked the
provisions of Article 55(3) of the Treaty which led to the formulation and adoption of the
COMESA Competition Regulations for the region. This was in realization that enforcement of
competition and consumer policies in the Common Market can help to facilitate the achievement
of regional economic integration.
476. The Commission is the first regional competition authority in Africa and the second in the
world, after the European Competition Authority. The COMESA Competition Commission is
charged with the enforcement of the regulations. The introduction of the regulations created a
‘One Stop Shop’ for the assessment of cross border transactions thereby reducing the burden
and cost of doing business in the COMESA region, given that such transactions no longer need
to be examined in each Member State. The COMESA regime also provides the only and most
extensive network of national competition authorities in Africa. The Commission, in its
enforcement of the regulations, enjoys international legal personality in the territory of each
Member State and the legal capacity required for the performance of its functions under the
Treaty.
477. With the commencement of the enforcement of the regulations on 14 January 2013,
there are now two separate legal regimes, which govern the enforcement of competition law and
policy in the Member States, namely:
a.
b.
The National Competition laws: these are the national legal orders comprising the
respective bodies of competition rules within each of the COMESA Member
States; and
The Regional Legal Framework: these comprise the body of legal rules created at
COMESA level such as the current COMESA Competition Regulations and
Rules.
478. Given the two legal orders, the national order applies to the prohibition of anticompetitive practices emanating at national level hence, enforced by the national competition
authorities in their respective Member States. Whereas the regional framework shall be invoked
generally where there is a cross border impact. The impact of cross-border trade is implicit
prerequisite in light of the scope of application of the regulations which mandates the
Commission to intervene only when the agreement or conduct has an appreciable effect on
trade between Member States.
479. Council noted that since the commencement of operations on 14 January 2013, the
Commission has made great strides in advancing its mandate, both in terms of the breadth and
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depth of its work products as well as the use and implementation of this work product by the
Member States. The Commission’s informal working methods consisting of open discussion and
mutual trust that has led to broad based consensus has proved highly effective in creating work
products that have been well received by the Member States.
480. The Commission has a vision, strategy and values, which set out its ambition to be one
of the leading regional competition and consumer protection agencies in the world, with
reference to five goals: Enhanced Member States engagement; Improved hand-on assistance
to Member States; Greater visibility for competition policy and principles; extending "competition
frontiers" (a reference to increasing competition in markets, rather than extending the scope of
competition law); and achieving professional excellence.
481. Council further noted that the Commission has continued to play an advocacy role in
handling complaints relating to anti-competitive business practices and other unfair business
practices. In response to requests or where public comments are sought, the Commission has
issued advocacy letters, comments, and amicus briefs. Further, to promote transparency and
encourage compliance with the law, the Commission has issued guidelines to provide guidance
regarding the application of the Regulations. In this regard, the Commission has also
established a ‘Fast-Track’ platform to deal with day to day complaints.
482. Since the commencement of operations of the COMESA Competition Commission on
13th January, 2013, it has processed 22 notifications relating to mergers and other forms of
acquisitions affecting all the COMESA Member States, of which ten (10) have been approved.
The rate of mergers and acquisitions taking place in all the COMESA Member States is an
indication of the attractiveness of investing in the Common Market. This is so because mergers
now represent the most favoured rule for investing in Africa.
483. The Council of Ministers at its sitting in Kampala, Uganda in November, 2012 approved
the Rule on Revenue Sharing of Merger Filing Fees collected by the Commission. Under the
Rule, the Commission shall retain fifty percent of the Common Market merger filing fees and
distribute the remaining fifty percent among the relevant Competition Authorities affected by the
transactions. The Rule also stipulates that the share of the Common Market Merger filing fees
for each Competition Authority shall be proportional to the value of the combined turnover in
each Member State. The turnover represents the total amount of business derived by merging
parties in the respective markets of the Member States.
484. A total amount of US$ 7,482,810.00 was collected from merger filing fees from January,
2013 to date. The total share accruing to the Competition Authorities of the Member States
stands at US$ 3,741,405.00 representing 50 percent of the total filing fees. The share allocated
to the designated Competition Authorities of each Member State in accordance with the above
cited rule is presented in the table below:
SHARE OF REVENUE WITH MEMBER STATES
COMBINED
TURNOVER
AMOUNT DUE TO MEMBER
STATES
Burundi
218,359.00
419.16
Comoros
243,197.00
449.41
667,824,464.00
210,196.78
COUNTRY
Democratic Republic of
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Congo
Djibouti
311,288,732.00
13,279.56
Egypt
1,228,627,223.00
324,974.32
Eritrea
1,632,996,684.00
99,779.53
Ethiopia
1,633,417,026.00
94,307.85
Kenya
2,657,028,536.00
302,825.95
15,858,165.00
44,964.64
Madagascar
504,333,209.00
22,329.92
Malawi
395,308,055.00
301,605.04
Mauritius
711,399,483.00
39,114.90
Rwanda
19,629,169.62
48,337.53
91,355.00
261.92
1,378,931.00
3,519.84
1,077,812,521.00
130,641.35
Uganda
44,119,092.00
82,388.75
Zambia
904,697,585.00
208,815.57
Zimbabwe
734,344,099.00
241,709.81
12,540,615,885.62
2,169,921.82
Libya
Seychelles
Sudan
Swaziland
TOTAL
485. Upon commencement of its operations, the Commission engaged the World Bank and
the USA Federal Trade Commission (through a technical assistance programme) to explore, in
greater detail, the issues raised by the stakeholders relating to the shortcomings in the principal
regulations and rules. The Commission, through consultations with stakeholders, has identified
areas which require amendments/revision to the Regulations based on the international best
practices on merger notification and review procedures. Under this important programme, the
Commission shall rely on the recommended practices in designing reforms to merger
thresholds, review periods and the scope of application of the Regulations. These amendments
are designed to bring about greater consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness to the multijurisdiction merger review process, benefiting national competition agencies, merging parties,
and consumers across the Common Market.
486. Despite the enforcement challenges faced by the Commission since its announcement
of the commencement of its operations, the business community has continued to respond
positively to the advocacy work carried out by the Commission. This is evidenced by the
increase in the number of mergers notified with the Commission which now stand at thirteen
(13) notifications, nine of which have already been approved by the Committee of Initial
Determination (CID) as per the table below. These transactions geographically cover almost all
the Member States of COMESA. In financial terms, the estimated total cost of these
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transactions represents an estimated total investment in the Common Market of over US $1
billion.
487.
The meeting noted the merger notifications summary below:
Nature of Transaction
Sector
Merger
between Electronics
Koninklijke
Philips
Electronics N.V. (Philips)
and
Funai
Electric
Company Limited (Funai)
Takeover of CiplaMedpro Pharmaceuticals
South Africa (Proprietary)
Limited by Cipla India
Countries Involved
Status
Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Approved on 22
Libya,
Madagascar, July 2013
Mauritius,
Seychelles,
Uganda, Zambia
Burundi,
Comoros,
Democratic Republic of
Congo,
Djibouti,
Egypt,
Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya,
Libya, Madagascar, Malawi,
Mauritius,
Rwanda,
Seychelles,
Sudan,
Swaziland,
Uganda,
Zambia, Zimbabwe
Merger between Apollo Copper
and Djibouti,
Egypt,
Eritrea,
Tyres Limited and Cooper Rubber
Ethiopia,
Kenya,
Libya,
Tire & Rubber Company
Products
Mauritius,
Rwanda,
Seychelles,
Sudan,
Swaziland,
Uganda,
Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Merger between Aspen Pharmaceuticals Egypt, Kenya,, Uganda
Pharmacare
Holdings
Limited
(Aspen)
and
Merck Sharp and Dohme
B.V
Merger between PPC Cement
Burundi,
Democratic
International Proprietary
Republic of Congo, Ethiopia,
Limited and Cimerwa
Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia
Limited
and Zimbabwe
Acquisition of Eurasian Mining,
Democratic Republic of
Natural
Resources Transportation,
Congo, Malawi, Zambia
Corporation PLC (ENRC financial
Zimbabwe
by Eurasian Resources
Group B.V
Acquisition of Oceanic Insurance
Kenya, Malawi, Swaziland
Insurance
Company Services
Limited (“Oceanic”) by Old
Mutual (Africa) Holdings
Proprietary
Limited
(“OMAH”)
Acquisition of Provident Insurance
Kenya, Malawi, Swaziland
Life Assurance Company services
Limited (“Provident”) by
Old
Mutual
(Africa)
Approved on 23
July 2013
Approved
17
December 2013
Under
consideration
Approved on 08
October 2013
Approved on 18
December 2013
Approved on 17
December 2013
Approved on 17
December 2013
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Holdings
Proprietary
Limited (“OMAH”)
Acquisition
by
Total Petroleum
OutreMer S.A of the
Entire
Issued
Share
Capital of Chevron Egypt
Merger between Roots
Group Arabia and Ideal
Standard Mena
Acquisition of Tractor and
Grader
Supplies
Proprietary Limited and
Tractor
and
Grader
Supplies (Swaziland) by
Torre Industrial Holdings
Merger
between
AgriGroupe
Holdings
Proprietary Limited and
AFGRI Limited
Acquisition of Supaswift
(Proprietary)
Limited
Subsidiaries by FedEx
Corporation
Construction
Construction
Agribusiness
Democratic Republic of
Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea,
Ethiopia,
Kenya,
Madagascar,
Malawi,
Mauritius,
Swaziland,
Uganda,
Zambia
and
Zimbabwe
Egypt,
Kenya,
Libya,
Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan,
Uganda
Swaziland, Zambia and
Zimbabwe
Swaziland,
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Approved
18
December 2013
Approved on 18
December 2013
Under
consideration
and Under
consideration
Courier Services Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia
Under
consideration
488. It was further noted that to explore in greater depth the issues of conflict raised by the
Member States in the enforcement of the Regulations, the Commission has continued to send
its officers to specialised training workshops aimed at sharpening their investigation skills and
other need areas of enforcement. This was done in collaboration with institutions such as the
International Competition Network (ICN), the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC),
and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
489. Following the globalisation of businesses and economies and the increase in the number
of national jurisdictions with merger control legislations, there has been a continuous rise of the
number of multijurisdictional merger filings. This has led Member States to call for the
establishment of a framework for merger review cooperation among interested member
agencies. The voluntary framework is intended to facilitate effective and efficient cooperation
between and among the national competition authorities reviewing the same merger. The
Commission has, in this regard, developed a Draft Model Cooperation Framework for
consideration by Member States which provides contact details of the national agencies liaison
officers, and facilitates exchange of relevant vital information and avoids duplication of
investigation efforts. The draft shall further provide a positive step towards the harmonisation of
national competition laws in the Common Market.
490. Cognisant of the enormous amount of enquiries about the regulations coming from the
lawyers in various Member States and indeed the critical role that lawyers play in ensuring
compliance with the competition laws, the Commission embarked on the process of sensitizing
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the lawyers, through public debates, aimed at clarifying on the provisions of the Regulations and
the enforcement mechanism of the same. Such public discussions have been conducted in form
of seminars with the Law Societies of Zambia; Kenya; Mauritius; Ethiopia; Zimbabwe; Swaziland
and Uganda.
491. In order to ensure an enhanced working relationship between the Commission and the
Competition Authorities of Member States, the Commission organized Regional Workshops on
the Working Relationship between the Commission and Competition Authorities of Member
States which were held in Zambia and Swaziland. Among the key issues deliberated at the
workshops include compliance obligations under the Treaty by the Member States and ensuring
that the Regulations are enforceable in the respective national territories through the
domestication of the Treaty and the Regulations.
492. The Commission recognises that it cannot limit its activities or vision to its own borders;
hence it has devoted significant efforts to international activities. These efforts include
engagement on policy initiatives and practices as well as enforcement cooperation. The
Commission has to this effect made key-note addresses at Chatham House (London); the
London Competition Forum 2013 (London); the ICN (Warsaw); the IGE (Geneva); the Africa
Mergers & Acquisition Forum (London); SADC Lawyers Association. The Commission also
made special visits to Competition Law Firms namely Clifford Chance (London); Webber
Wentzel (Johannesburg) and Bowman Gilfilan (Johannesburg).
493. The Commission has also continued to engage Member States on the issue surrounding
the domestication of the Treaty and the Regulations. To this effect, working sessions were held
with the authorities of Mauritius and Malawi to deliberate on ways of speeding up the
domestication process. In Mauritius this resulted in the establishment of a Task Force at the
level of the Competition Commission in consultation with relevant Ministries and other
stakeholders from the public and private sectors with regard to domestication of the COMESA
Competition Regulations. In Malawi, the Ministry of Industry and Trade initiated the process of
harmonizing the national competition law with the Regulations and also sought the legal advice
of the Ministry of Justice on how the Regulations can be given legal effect in Malawi given their
extra-territorial application. This process will be extended to other Member States whose
constitutions require the domestication of treaties.
494. Further, Council noted that the Commission has produced the Strategic Plan; Staff Rules
and Regulations and the Board Charter.
495. In 2014 the Commission will intensify its advocacy role in Member States with particular
focus on the sensitization of the national competition authorities and national governments on
the provisions of the Regulations and the need for domestication of the Treaty and Regulations.
496. The Commission will also work to conclude negotiations on the voluntary Enforcement
Cooperation Agreement with Member States.
497. Council noted that since commencement of its operations, most Member States have
not fully supported the enforcement activities of the Commission citing the non domestication of
the COMESA Treaty and the regulations at national level. This is in violation of Articles 5(2) and
10(2) of the COMESA Treaty.
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Decisions:
498.
Council:
i.
Urged Member States to give the Treaty and regulations the force of law in
their respective jurisdictions;
ii.
Urged Member States to comply with the provisions of Articles 5(2) and 10 (2)
of the Treaty by enacting appropriate legislation at national level to give effect
to the COMESA Treaty and confer upon the COMESA Competition Regulations
the force of law and the necessary legal effect in their territories by the end of
2014; and
iii.
Directed the Commission to intensify sensitization and advocacy work in
Member States to enhance the enforcement of the COMESA Competition
regulations.
THE ALLIANCE FOR COMMODITY TRADE IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA
(Agenda Item 4 (b)(xiv))
499. Council was informed that the establishment of the Alliance for Commodity Trade in
Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA) was a response to the 2003 Maputo Declaration by
African Union which called for coordinated and comprehensive public and private investments in
the agricultural sector commonly known as Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development
Programme (CAADP).
500. ACTESA was launched on 24 September 2008 by COMESA stakeholders and officially
endorsed on 09 June 2009 by COMESA Heads of State and Governments as a specialized
Agency under Chapter 182 of the COMESA Treaty. The strategic position of ACTESA in the
COMESA region includes the following:
a.
b.
c.
A channel through which the alliance members (farmer organisations,
implementing partners, development partners and private sector) receive policy
directions and channel their inputs for considerations by COMESA Policy Organ
meetings;
A regional hub that brings together information, knowledge, and best practices on
the developing of staple food markets in Eastern and Southern Africa and
disseminates to enable national and regional partners implement
programmes/activities in a consistent and sustainable manner; and
Regional coordination and facilitation of activities identified by both public and
private sectors for implementation at Member State level.
501. Council was informed that ACTESA has initiated efforts to develop and harmonise
regional policies and, through training support delivered with partners, helped build capacity of
smallholder producers. It has also been the conduit for a number of substantial donor-funded
programmes. These notably included the EU-funded COMESA Regional Agricultural Inputs
Program (COMRAP), and the African Agricultural Markets Programme (AAMP – funded by
DFID and other donors through a World Bank managed Trust Fund mechanism). Both of these
programmes are now completed.
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502. ACTESA developed its Five-Year Strategic and detailed Operational Plans, which were
adopted by COMESA Policy Organs. The Strategic Focus Areas include: (i) Policy research,
outreach and advocacy, (ii) Market facilities and trade expansion; and (iii) Capacity building for
commercialization. A new CEO was appointed in March 2013, and the Director of Trade and
Markets position was filled in June 2013.
503. Currently, the main focus areas in ACTESA’s operational activities include; seed system
development, biotechnology and bio-safety, regional food balance sheet, capacity building to
implementing the operational plan and install a knowledge management system. In addition,
ACTESA is making good progress to finalize its Governance structures.
504. Institutional development: ACTESA has developed its Charter. This followed wide
consultations with regional stakeholders including farmers, private sector organizations and
Member States. The Charter lays out the governance structure of ACTESA wherein the need for
a Board of Directors, a Technical Advisory Committee and a Secretariat are given priority. The
Charter further highlights fiducially functions of the Board and roles and responsibilities of the
Technical Advisory Committee and the ACTESA Secretariat. Once the Board is put in place, the
Charter will guide the ACTESA Secretariat to put in place appropriate staffing levels,
procurement and financial management procedures, building on the ones currently being used
from COMESA.
505. Seed system development: The ACTESA Seed Programme was initiated in response to
COMESA Ministers of Agriculture’s directive in Seychelles in March, 2008 for COMESA
Secretariat to expedite the harmonisation of seed trade regulations and standards in order to
facilitate regional seed trade. ACTESA partnered with the African Seed Trade Association
(AFSTA) in facilitating extensive public-private consultations from October 2010 to October
2012 and drafted the COMESA Seed Trade Harmonized Regulations. The programme is
focusing on development of a detailed implementation programme/roadmap of the draft
COMESA Seed Trade Harmonisation Regulations that includes the description of multiple
activities to be implemented by stakeholders to advance implementation of the Roadmap.
506. Biotechnology and Bio-safety: The drafting of the COMESA biotechnology and bio-safety
policy was concluded in a regional validation workshop held in May 2012, in Lusaka, Zambia.
The regional workshop was preceded by national consultation in all member States except
Libya. The fundamental provisions of the draft policy include; recognition to both the benefits
and potential risks of genetically modified crop varieties, establishment of a regional-level risk
assessment mechanism but a national-level decision, and capacity building both at national and
regional levels.
507. Regional Food Balance Sheet: Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Food Balance
Sheet (ESA-RFBS) was designed in 2010/11 to provide accurate and reliable information on the
region’s food supply and demand status. Implementation of the RFBS commenced from
February 2012 following the signing of a new Grant Agreement with AGRA. Project staffing and
procurement of essential equipment was done in July 2012. An MOU was signed between
Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWSNET) and COMESA on the transfer of the
informal cross border trade monitoring system from FEWS NET to ACTESA. Trainings were
given in the pilot countries (Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe) in order to harmonize
data collection and reporting systems.
508. COMESA Joint Fertiliser Procurement Initiative (JFPI): With funding from FAO,
ACTESA/COMESA collaborated with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) to
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undertake the detailed JFPI study. The study report which comprised desk research and key
informant interviews focused on 6 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa was completed in
November 2012.
509. Strategic Commodity Value-Chains in COMESA: The overall goal is to enable effective
Public-private partnerships to play a significant role in the development of a vibrant agribusiness
sector capable of capturing untapped opportunities such as economies of scale, intra-regional
complementarities, trade and economies of transactions in cross-border investment. The
completed baseline studies on maize and livestock value chains have identified several valuechain constraints and have suggested solutions to help enhance productivity in the commodity
value chains.
510. Council noted that the Joint Meeting of the COMESA Ministers of Agriculture,
Environment and Natural Resources has adopted the draft COMESA Seed Trade
Harmonisation Regulations, the COMESA biotechnology and bio-safety policy and the ACTESA
Charter during its 5th meeting, September 19-20, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Joint Ministerial
meeting also adopted the JFPI study report.
511. Council was requested to note the decisions adopted during the Fifth Joint Meeting of
the COMESA Ministers for Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, in September
2013, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The full report is document reference: CS/IPPSD/AGCMAENR/V/2. The particular issues in that report that relate to ACTESA include the COMESA
Seed Trade Harmonisation Regulations, the biotechnology and bio-safety policy, and the
Charter establishing ACTESA. ACTESA believes that the endorsement of these documents by
Council will be a huge step forward to showcase its relevance towards fulfilling its unique
mandates in integrating smallholder farmers in national, regional and international markets
through increased productivity.
512. Council further noted that there are key challenges in order for ACTESA to implement its
operational plan and deliver results on its core activities. These include institutional capacity,
resource base, and infrastructural means of communication. In order to address these
issues/challenges ACTESA has developed a two-year transitional plan (October 2013 –
December 2015). The key milestones for the transitional plan would be; (i) putting in place of
ACTESA’s governance structure, (ii) strengthening and expanding working partnerships, (iii)
development of new program/projects, (iv) involvement in commercialization of business for
agri-inputs in the region, and (v) diversification of the resource base.
513. With regard to the development of programmes/projects, ACTESA would focus on those
in the pipeline (Joint Fertilizer Procurement Initiative, Maize and Livestock Value Chain
Development, Commodity exchange/warehouse Receipt System and Regional Informal CrossBorder Monitoring), as well as new ones (competitiveness analysis of key staple commodities,
post-harvest technology, and agricultural diversification).
514. A capacity assistance project entitled “Strengthening ACTESA’s Program Development
and Implementation (SAPDI)’, has been developed with a budget of Australian Dollars (AUD)
720,000 through the assistance of the Australia-Africa Partnerships Facility (AAFP). The specific
objective of SAPDI is to improve ACTESA’s capacity as a facilitator of policy dialogue and as
knowledge hub on staple food markets in the region and beyond. Implementation of SAPDI
would contribute a great deal towards addressing the institutional capacity challenges.
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Decision:
515. Council directed ACTESA to support the Member States to implement the biotechnology and bio-safety policy through communications and outreach, development of
operational guidelines and establishment of regional bio-safety risk assessment
structures.
COMESA MONETARY INSTITUTE (Agenda Item 4 (b)(xvi))
516. Council was informed that the Committee of Governors of Central Banks set up the
COMESA Monetary Institute (CMI) in March 2011, in order to undertake all activities related with
making the region zone of macroeconomic and financial stability and to ultimately achieve
monetary union.
517. Council noted that the mandate to set up a Monetary Union in COMESA is derived from
Article 4 (4) of the COMESA Treaty signed in Kampala, Uganda on 05 November 1993, which
states that the COMESA Member States shall: “in the field of monetary affairs and finance, cooperate in monetary and financial matters and gradually establish convertibility of their
currencies and a payments union as a basis for the eventual establishment of a monetary
union”. This mandate is further reinforced in Articles 76-78 which respectively deal with the
COMESA Monetary and Fiscal Policy Harmonization (MFHP), establishment of currency
convertibility and formation of an exchange rate union.
518. Council noted that pursuant to Article 7 of the COMESA Treaty, the COMESA
Committee of Governors of Central Banks make binding decisions regarding the implementation
of the COMESA Monetary Integration Programme in General and the operations of the
COMESA Monetary Institute, and the COMESA Clearing House in particular.
519. The meeting further noted that the Charter of the Institute had been signed by Central
Banks of 12 Member States, namely: Burundi, Congo (DR), Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius,
Rwanda Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. CMI is soliciting membership of
the remaining Member States’ Central Banks.
520.
The specific policy oriented mandate of the CMI are to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Design of a monetary policy framework for the region;
Design of an exchange rate mechanism for the region;
Guide the implementation of the COMESA Financial System Development and
Stability Plan;
Assess the stability of financial systems in member countries;
Harmonize concepts, methodologies and statistical frameworks;
Undertake sensitization programmes;
Undertake multilateral macroeconomic and prudential surveillance of the
COMESA Monetary Cooperation Programme (CMCP) thus paving the way for
COMESA Monetary Union
Oversee the setting up of a COMESA Central Bank, responsible for the printing
and distribution of a single currency; and
Provide technical assistance and capacity building support to national central
banks.
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521. Council noted that the CMI undertook the following research and capacity building
activities in 2013:
a.
Training on Advanced Panel Econometrics for experts in Central Banks and
Ministries of Finance; in collaboration with Central Bank of Egypt;
b.
Knowledge sharing workshop for experts from central Banks and Ministries of
Finance on the preparations of Medium Term Macroeconomic; Fiscal Budget
and Expenditure Frame Works;
c.
Symposium for the COMESA Committee of Governors of Central Banks on
Challenges posed by Financial Innovation for Monetary Policy and Financial
Stability in collaboration with Bank of Uganda;
d.
Hands on training on the following:
i)
Macro stress testing approaches with hypothetical data;
ii)
Econometric modeling of financial stability;
e.
Prepared the operational Manual for the implementation of the COMESA
Assessment Framework on Financial Stability and for preparation of Forward
Looking Financial Stability Reports;
f.
Prepared Appropriate Monetary Policy Regimes for COMEESA region;
g.
Prepared a Guidelines for Partial Credit Guarantee for SME’s;
h.
Prepared Report on Achieving Macroeconomic Convergence in the COMESA
region in the year 2012; and
i.
Published a book on Challenges for implementation of the COMESA Monetary
Integration Programme.
Decision:
522. Council urged the Central Banks that are yet to join the CMI to do so by June
2014.
STATEMENTS BY CO-OPERATING PARTNERS (Agenda Item 3 (c)
523.
Council received statements from DfID, Japan, IOM, ACBF and the EU as follows:
Statement by the Representative of the United Kingdom
524. His Excellency James Thornton, British High Commissioner to Zambia and Special
Representative to COMESA reiterated the United Kingdom’s support for free trade and regional
integration which makes a contribution to economic growth and poverty alleviation He further
reiterated UK government’s support to the COMESA-AEC-SADC Tripartite TFTA negotiations
and commended the role played by COMESA Member States.
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Statement by the Representative of Japan
525. His Excellency Kiyoshi Koinuma, Ambassador of Japan to Zambia and Special
Representative to COMESA informed Council that the fifth Conference for African Development
(TICAD V) was held in 2013 in Japan where the Japanese Government committed about US $
32 billion to assist Africa over five years. He informed the meeting of the government of Japan’s
support to the regional economic community with special focus on Infrastructure development
and trade facilitation.
Statement by International Organisation of Migration (IOM)
526. Mr Bernardo Mariano, Regional Director of the International Organisation of Migration
(IOM) highlighted collaboration between IOM and COMESA with the framework of MOU signed
between the two organizations. In this regard he assured Council that IOM will work with
COMESA Members and the Secretariat to support implementation of the COMESA Protocol on
free movement of persons, labour, right of establishment, and residence.
Statement by the Representative of the African Capacity Building Foundation
527. Mr Emmanuel Nandozie, Executive Secretary of the African Capacity Building
Foundation (ACBF), informed Council that the ACBF has provided financial support to the tune
of US $3 million towards the strengthening of COMESA Secretariat and that a study was
undertaken to identify RECs’ needs in capacity building regarding formulation of trade policies
and development programmes. He added that COMESA is one of the RECs that will benefit
from the findings of the study, after which a roadmap will be drafted for the framework of cooperation between COMESA and ACBF.
Statement by the Representative of the European Union
528. Mr D. Hurtado, First Secretary, Head of regional Co-operation, of the European Union
Delegation in Lusaka expressed happiness that the 11th EDF will support regional integration in
Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean with more than 1.3 billion Euros. He added
that support is on top of substantially bigger amounts allocated to the EU co-operation
programmes with COMESA countries and the new EU Pan African programme.
529. Mr Dominguez informed Council that COMESA Member States need to better manage
the time and resources available to them in implementing regional integration programmes and
respect of their commitments with the co-operating partners.
530. He concluded by saying that the EU is committed to strengthening its cooperation with
COMESA and to attracting more investors to the region, thus creating jobs and wealth.
CLOSED SESSION OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE AND
BUDGETARY MATTERS (Agenda Item 5)
531. The report of the Closed Session of the Council on Administrative and Budgetary
Matters is circulated as a separate document reference: CS/IC/XXXII/5(a).
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ADOPTION OF THE REPORT AND CLOSING OF THE MEETING (Agenda Item 6)
532.
The meeting adopted the report with amendments.
533. In his closing remarks, the Chairperson, His Excellency Raymond Tshibanda
N’Tungamulongo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie,
(DRC), thanked the Honourable Ministers for their contributions which facilitated the work of the
Bureau in leading the discussions of the 32nd Session of the Council of Ministers Meeting. He
stated that the decisions taken at the meeting would facilitate the work of the Heads of State
and Governments in their endeavour to advance the COMESA integration agenda.
534. He emphasized that the adoption of the MSME strategy combined with the outcomes of
the CBC would help the region to profit from the work of the SMEs as they are the main sources
of wealth and job creation and reduction of poverty.
535. He also stated that the discussion on the use of natural resources as the vectors for
transformation in our region will continue in order to ensure that the region derives full benefits
from its natural resources.
536. He wished the Ministers, their delegations, and the Secretariat staff and wished them
safe journeys to their respective and declared the 32nd Meeting of Council officially closed.
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LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
LISTE DES PARTICIPANTS
BURUNDI
M. Jeremie BANIGWANINZIGO, Directeur General du Commerce, Ministère du Commerce,
Industrie, Postes et Tourisme, B.P. 492 Bujumbura, Tel : +257 22242833, Fax : 257 22225595,
Email : jbanigwaninzigo@yahoo.com
Hon. Pierre Claver KAYANZARI, Conseiller Technique du Ministre des Finances, Ministère des
Finances et de la Planification du Development Economique, Tel : +257 79 910 496, Email :
kayanpicl@yahoo.fr
M. Joseph NDARISHIKANYE, Commissioner of Corporate Services, Burundi Revenue
Authority, B.P. 3645, Bujumbura II, Tel: 257 79 095 015, Email: ndarishikanye
joseph@obr.gov.bi; ndarishikanyejoseph@yahoo.fr
COMOROS
M. Said Ben Ousseni, Ministre Délègue, Ministère de L’Economie de Commerce Extérieur et
des Privaysations, B.P. 474, Moroni, Tel : +269 337 1644, Email : sbousseni64@yahoo.fr
M. Abdou Raouf AFRAITANE, Directeur du Bureau de l’Origine, Ministère des Finances, B.P.
95, Moroni, Tel : +269 332 92 01, Email : ARALIA22001@yahoo.fr
M. Salime Said ABDOU, Conseiller, Ministère de l’Economie et du Commerce, B.P. 474,
Moroni, Tel : +269 342 9363, Email : milzat2000@yahoo.fr
DEMOCRATIQUE REPUBLIQUE DU CONGO
Son Excellence Nemoyato Bagebole, Ministre de I’économie et commerce, Kinshasa, Tel :
+243 810 758337, Email : jeanpaulnemoyato@gmail.com
Son Excellence Musungayi Bampale Remi, Ministre de I’industrie et PME, Ministère de
I’industrie, Petites et Moyennes entreprises, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 0820 126882, Email :
remymusungayi@yahoo.fr
Son Excellence Magbengu swa na Emina Monzia Dismas, Vice ministre de la Coopération
International et Régionale, Ministère des Affaires Etrangères, Coopération Internationale et
Francophonie, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 85 82 06034/+243 812 246949, Email :
dmagbengu@yahoo.fr
M. Joseph Nkoy BAUMBU, Secrétaire Général/Coop. Régionale, Ministère des Affaires
Etrangères, Coopération Internationale et Francophonie, B.P. 10670, Kinshasa 1, Tel : +243
9999 28706/ +243 814 358532, Email : josephnkoybaumbu@yahoo.fr
Maitre Manjoho Guillaume, Conseiller du Ministre des Etrangères, Tel : +243 812 12997,
Email : manjologuillaume@yahoo.fr
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DEMOCRATIQUE REPUBLIQUE DU CONGO (cont’d)
M. Songhu KAYUMBA, Directeur, Ministère des Affaires Etrangéres Coopération Internationale
et Francophonie, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 814 929134, Email : dsonghu@yahoo.com
Mme Jacky Nzomini MASEBE, Directeur, INSS, c/o INSS, 95 Boulevard du 30 Juin, B.P. 8933,
Kinshasa 1, Tel: +243 9999 11551, Email: jackynzo@yahoo.fr
M. Tati Xavier-Honore, Directeur Afrique et Moyen-Orient, Ministère des Affaires Etrangères,
Coopération Internationale et Francophonie, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 999 946843, Email :
tatixaho@yahoo.fr
M. Raphael Wuhu LOKOMBO, Directeur, Ministère de Société Congolaise des Poste et
Télécommunication, Kinshasa, Tel: +243 81 503 5764/+243 992 095838, Email:
raphaellokombo@gmail.com
M. Francis BEDY-MAKHUBU-MABELE, Directeur des Facilitations et Assistance aux
Chargeurs, Office de Gestion du Fret Multimodal (OGEFREM), Kinshasa, Tel: +243 998
505738, Email: bedyfrancis@yahoo.fr
M. Pierre Akala MANIANG, Directeur des Etudes/DRC, Ministère des Affaires, Kinshasa, Tel :
+243 810 355 710, Email : peteramen46@yahoo.fr
Mme Yvette B. Shani MWANGU, Directeur des Etudes/SG ai/Finance, Ministère des Finances,
Kinshasa, Tel : +243 0825 812880, Email : makeryvet@msm.com
Mme Monique Kapuwa KANDE, Directeur Général, Institut Panafricain de Droits de la Femme
et de Bonne Gouvernance, Kinshasa, Email : moniquekande@yahoo.com
M. Félix Nyembo SIMAUNDU, Directeur Chef de Service/Cooperation Culturelle, Ministère en
Charge de la Culture et des Arts, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 999 924508/+243 815 721563, Email :
felixnyembo@gmail.com: cooperationcult@gmail.com
M. Pierre Djunga UMINU, Chef de Division, Ministère des Affaires Etrangéres Coopération
Internationale et Francophonie, Av. de la Justice No. 238, Commune de la Gombe, Kinshasa,
Tel: +243 998 145750/+243 816053788, Email: pierredjunga@yahoo.fr
M. Roger Te-Biasu, Conseiller du Ministre (DRC)¸ Ministère des Transports et Vies de
Communication, Building ONATRA, Kinshasa/Gombe, Tel : +243 082 315 5850, Email :
mogerbiasu2011@live.ca
M. Georges SUMAILI-SHINDANI, Conseiller/Primature, Ministère du Primature, Kinshasa, Tel :
+243 825 005022, Email : sumailigeorges@yahoo.fr
M. Pierre Masandi KITA, Conseiller, Cabinet du Premier Ministre, Kinshasa, Tel: +243
810583838, Email: kitamasandi@premature.cd
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M. Gabriel Luimbu KABANANGI, Inspecteur General des Finances, Inspection Générale des
Finances, B.P. 3683, Kinshasa/Gombe, Tel : +243 818 101008, Email : gkabanangi@gmail.com
DEMOCRATIQUE REPUBLIQUE DU CONGO (cont’d)
M. David Bugeme MUGISHO, Advisor, Office of the Prime Minister, Kinshasa, Tel: +243 825
000194, Email: davidbugeme@yahoo.fr; bugememugisho@primature.cd
M Masidi Mansi, Chef de Division, Ministère des Affaires Etrangéres Coopération Internationale
et Francophonie, Kinshasa, Tel: +243 994 469108, Email: masidimansi@yahoo.fr
M. Faustin Lumpungu NSAKA, Conseiller du Chief de I’Etat, Presidence de la Republique,
Palais de la Nation, Kinshasa, Tel: +243 816 642 7559, Email: faustinnsaka@bluewim.ch
M. Barthelemy Ntumba MULOHWE, Conseiller du Chef de I’Etat, Presidence de la Republique,
Palais de la Nation, Kinshasa, Tel: +243 (0) 991 397831, Email: bmulohwe@ymail.com
M. Prosper MUGANGUZI, Conseiller du Chef de L’Etat, Presidence de la Republique, Palais de
la Nation, Kinshasa, Tel: +243 (0) 971 533975, Email: karhakubwa@yahoo.fr
M. Billy TSHITUMBI, Conseiller-Juridique (OCC), Ministère du Commerce, Av. Port No. 98,
Kinshasa-Gombe, Tel : +243 812 819907027, Email : BillTshitumbi@yahoo.fr
M. Eddy MUNTUMOSI-MBINGA, Conseiller Juridique, Lignes Maritimes Congolaises, B.P.
9496, Kinshasa 1, Tel : +243 0844 300 567/+243 0812 677281, Email :
muntumosieddy@yahoo.com
M. Jeef Maloba Mutombo, Conseiller du Ministre, Primature/Cabinet, Tel: +243 0825
005046/0998 141484, Email : malobamutombo@primature.cd
M. Patrick Khonde NSITU, Chef du Division, Ministère du Transports, 536 Av. de I’Aerodrome
Com Barumbu, B.P. 6514, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 0815 115795 ; 243 0997 659208, Email :
patricknsitu12@gmail.com
M. Gilbert BIONGO-NTIKALA, Chef de Division, Ministère de l’Agriculture et du Developement
Rural, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 811 484250, Email : gilbiongo@yahoo.fr
Mme Rachel Kayeye MWAMUNOGOLO, Chef de Division, Ministère du Hydroconsure,
Kinshasa, Tel : +243 810 892676/+243 998 137793, Email : rachelkayeye@hotmail.fr
M. Antoine Kinyamba DENDE, Chef de Bureau, Direction Afrique au Ministère des Affaires
Entrangeres, Ministère des Affaires Entrangeres, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 998 271839, Email :
dendekinyamba@yahoo.com
Mme Françoise Semeli MATONDA, Chef de Service, OGEFREM, TSF No. 9, Gombe/Kinshasa,
Tel : +243 0990 586317/+243 0822 023838, Email : frmatondasemeli@yahoo.fr
M. Kelemwanga MUKULUBOY, OGEFREM, Av. TSF No. 9, Kinshasa – Gombe, Tel : +243
0998 177766, Email : jmukuluboy@yahoo.fr
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DEMOCRATIQUE REPUBLIQUE DU CONGO (cont’d)
M. Bibiane Kabantu WANKAMBA, Chef de Bureau Suivi des Activites des Organisations
Regionales et sous regionales (OGEFREM), Office de Gestion du Fret Multimodal, 8038
Kinshasa, Tel : +243 0818 108683/+243 0992 882655, Fax : +243 815 563480, Email :
bianekabantu@yahoo.fr
M. Olivier Tayeye TALEBUYI, Chef de Service, Banque Central du Congo, Kinshasa, Tel: +243
819 950516, Email: tallystayeye@yahoo.com; tallystayeye@gmail.com
M. Ngila EYONKOGI, Chef de Bureau Organisations Regionale Africa, Ministère de Plan, Jfaga
No. 229, Lingurela, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 989 98046
M. Jean Pierre Kamkwende KAMBILA, Presidence de la Republique, 23 Audu Commerce,
Kinshasa – Gombe, Tel: +243 81 501 5003, Email: JPKambila@hotmail.com
M. Joseph Daniel Yango KITUTU, Chef de Division des Accords Internationaux, Secretariat
General au Tourisme, Ministère de I’Environement et Tourisme, Immeuble la Rwindi, Boulevard
30 Juin, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 818 119611, Email : joyakis1@yahoo.fr
M. Jerome Mabiala IZIBA, Chef de Division, Ministère de Resources Hydrauliques et Electricité,
Kinshasa, Tel : +243 815 900377, Email : izibom@yahoo.fr
M. Michel Mbungu NGOMA, Chef de Division a la Cellule Techniques, Ministère de
I’Euseigucment Sup. Universitaire et Recherdre Scientifique, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 811 917117,
Email : ngomami2004@yahoo.fr
M. Mbala Ndombasi, Charge d’Etudes et Coopération, Inspection Générale des Finance,
Kinshasa, Tel : +243 999 957846, Email : norbertmbala@yahoo.fr
M. Yves Makanda MATONGO, Charge d’Etudes, Ministère des Finances, Immeuble Fonction
Buiblique 2eme Nivea au le Gouche, Kinshasa, Tel: +243 810 655899, Email:
yvesmafongo@gmail.com
M. Emmanuel Nyongolo MUKAMBILWA, Fondé de Pouvoir en charge du Pool de la Carte
Jaune COMESA, Société Nationale d’assurances, Sari (SONAS), Kinshasa, Tel : +243 816
566585/+243 897 823697, Email : emmukambilwa@yahoo.fr
M. Roger Safari BASINYIZE, Conseiler du Premier Ministre/Cabinet du Premier Ministre,
Kinshasa,
Tel:
+243
825
000231/+243
998
506243,
Email:
rsafari@live.fr;
safaribasinyize@primature.cd
M. Robert Emene BAKILI, Directeur du Commerce des Services, Ministère de l’Economie et
Commerce, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 815 101046, Email : robertemene@yahoo.fr
M. Mukoka TSHIBAKA, Directeur, Ministère de I’Economie et Commerce RDC, Kinshasa, Tel :
243 0818 130403, Email : alois.tshibaka@yahoo.fr
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Mme Esther Biayi KAMWANYA, Directeur Chef des Services, Ministère du Genre, de la Famille
et de I‘Enfant, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 0999 945061, Email : estherkamwanya@yahoo.fr
DEMOCRATIQUE REPUBLIQUE DU CONGO (cont’d)
M. Singa Maximilien KUSA, Directeur, Agence Nationale Promotion Investment, Kinshasa, Tel:
+243 0818 140088, Email: maxsinga92@gmail.com
M. Assumani MASUDI, Directeur, SNEL, B.P. 500 KNI, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 999 908073,
Email : asumanimasudi@yahoo.fr
M. Joseph Abeli KAMANGO, Chef de Bureau, Ministère des Affaires Etrangéres, Coopération
Internationale et Francophonie, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 81 530 9301, Email :
joseph.kamango@yahoo.fr
M. Trudon Nzembela KALALA, Chef de Bureau et Délégué Expert, Ministère de I’Economie et
Commerce, Kinshasa, Tel : 243 0815 251419, Email : nzembelatrudon@gmail.com
M. Jean-Fidele Kuzoma KUFUYS, Chef de Division Unique/Secrétariat General a I’Industrie,
Ministère de l’Industrie, Petites et Moyennes Entreprises/RDC, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 818
146756, Email : jfkukf@yahoo.fr; jeanfidelekufuys@gmail.com
M. Wankan Ba Babantu Bibiane, Chef de Bureau Suin des Activites des Organisaitons
Regionales et Sous-Regionale, OGEFREM, TSF No. 9, Kinshasa/Gombe, Tel: +243 0818
08683/099 2882655, Email: bianekabantu@hahoo.fr
M. Muzyumba-Tangi, Conseiller en charge de Coopérations, Ministère des Finance, Boulevard
de 30 Juin, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 991 364162, Email : TANGIYVES@YAHOO.FR
M. Valere Shabani Djuma, Conseiller, Primature, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 0825 000238, Email :
valshab@yahoo.fr; shabanidujuma@primature.cd
M. Placide Basadilua NKALA, Conseiller Primature, 5 Avenue ROI Baudoin, Kinshasa/Gombe,
Tel: +243 825 005040, Email: nkalabasadihia@primature.cd
M. Sylvestre Kabwika NTAMBUKA, Chef de Division Postes Frontières et Frontagers de la
Den/RDC, Ministère de I ‘Intérieur, Kinshasa, Tel: +243 099 8018310, 085138958, Email :
ntakabsyl@gmail.com
M. François Mpuila MUKENDI, Fondé de Pouvoir au Fonds De Promotion de l’Industrie,
Ministère de I‘Industrie, 11196, Kinshasa/Gombe, Tel: +243 815
078181, Email :
mpuila@yahoo.fr
M. Emile Okoto Welo Wa KENEMO, Conseiller Diplomatique, Ministère des Affaires Etrangéres
Coopération Internationale et Francophonie, Kinshasa, Tel: +23 999 929416, Email:
wokot@hotmail.com
M. Olivier NGABUBURA, Charge d’Etudes Cooperations, Ministère des Finances, Kinshasa,
Tel: +243 81 502 2810, Email: olingabura@yahoo.fr
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Mme Caroline Marie IFEMO-BASELE, Charge d’etude du Ministre, Ministère de I’Economie et
Commerce, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 822 158000, Email : basele1@live.com
DEMOCRATIQUE REPUBLIQUE DU CONGO (cont’d)
M. Joseph DITUNGA, Expert, Ministère Interieur, Decentralisation et Securite, Kinshasa, Tel :
+243 0998 491339, Email : jeefiditunga@yahoo.fr
M. Adrien KALONJI-MBUYI, Expert/Prof. Université,
090909, Email : adrienkalonji@yahoo.fr
ESU/RS, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 0814
Mme. Lepira Muyulu Laetitia, Assistante, Présidence de la République, Kinshasa, Tel : +243
992 900042, Email : laetitialepira@hotmail.fr
M. Mukendi NGANDUKENS, Sous-Directeur OCC/Kasumbalesa, Ministère du Commerce, 98
Av du Port, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 819 712801, Email : ngandukens1@yahoo.fr
M. TSHITENGE-LWENDU, Sous-Directeur, Douanes, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 810 577194, Email :
ben_dada_save@yahoo.fr
M. Philippine Kissimba KABWE, Sous-Directeur, Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises,
Kinshasa, Tel: +243 9999 18566, Email: pykiss@yahoo.fr
M. Baswe Tshiwala, Chef du Division, Ministère du Plan et SMRM, Tel : +243 998 278263,
Email : baswetshiwala@yahoo.fr
M. Mayindu Kimfuita, Chef de Division, Ministère des Finances/GDA, Kinshasa, Tel : +243 898
241213, Email : tmayindu@yahoo.fr
M. Alexandre MIRINDI MONGANE, Charge d’Affaires, Ambassade de la RDC a Lusaka,
Zambia
Mpuekela Kasende, Inspecteur des Douanes, Min/Finances Duda, Tel : +243 810643331, Email : mpuekelakasende@jmail.com
DJIBOUTI
Son Excellence Hassan Ahmed Boulaleh, Ministre Délègue Chargé du Commerce des
PME, du Tourisme et de Formalisation, Djibouti, Tel : +253 213 25441, Fax : +253 213
54909, Email : ahmboulaleh@yahoo.fr
M. Simon MIBRATHU, Secrétaire Général, Ministère du Budget, Djibouti, Tel : +253 21 325
121, Fax : +253 21 35 44 09, Email : smibrathu@intnet.dj
M. Mohamed TABAREK, Chef de service Bpsc, Ministère de Agriculture, Djibouti, Tel : +253 77
83 58 18/+253 21 35 1297, Fax : +253 21 35 58 79, Email : tabacham600@hotmail.com
M. Feycal Kaireh CHIRDON, Chef de Service de la Réglementation des TIC, Ministère de la
Communication, des Postes et de Telecom, B.P. 32, Djibouti, Tel : +253 778 42292, Fax : +253
213 53957, Email : feycal.kaireh@gmail.com
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Mme. Nasro Habib IBRAHIM, Inspectrice d’Etat, Inspection Generale d’Etat) (IGE), Djibouti,
Tel : 253 0850 632 391/+253 7781 17 66, Fax : +253 2135 55 06, Email : nasrohabib@yahoo.fr
DJIBOUTI (cont’d)
M. Ali Daoud Abdou, Directeur du Commerce Extérieur et de I ‘Intégration Régionale, Email:
ali.d.abdou@gmail.com
M. Guelleh Idriss Omar, Directeur des Relations Multilatéral, Ministère des Affaires Etrangères
et de la Coopération Internationale, Tel : +253 21 350686, Fax : +253 21 35 8721, Email :
guellelhiomar@yahoo.com
EGYPT/EGYPTE
Mr. Sayed M. Elbous, Minister Plenipotentiary/Commercial Affairs and Senior Advisor to the
Minister of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Trade and Industry, 2, Latin America St., Cairo,
Email: selbous@yahoo.com
Honourable Sabry M. Sabry, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cairo, Tel: +202 2 574 99 31,
Fax: +202 2 574 99 32
His Excellency Ragai Tawfik Nasr, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to COMESA,
Embassy of Egypt, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260 977 770301, Email: ragainasr@gmail.com
His Excellency Achraf Ibrahim, Ambassador, Egyptian Ambassador to DRC, Kinshasa-Gombe,
Democratic Republic of Congo, Tel: +243 8222825036, Email: achraf.ibrahim@GFA.GOV.Eg
Mr. Mohamed Al Hawary, Minister Plenipoteniary, M.F.A. Egypt, Tel: +20 11 434 44496, Email:
malhawary19@gmail.comm
Mr. Essam Aly Hussein, Commercial First Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Egyptian
Commercial Services, Towers of the Ministry of Finance, Tower No. 5 – 3rd Floor, Tel: +20 10
687 90298, Email: brekaa@hotmail.com; comesa@tamseel-ecs.gov.eg
Dr. Sherif Mahmoud Fahmy, Head of Africa Department, Trade Agreements Sector, Ministry of
Trade and Industry, Ministry of Finance, Towers, Towers 6, 9th Floor, Emtidad Ramsis St, Nasr
City, Cairo, Tel: +202 23 422347/+20 100 3414526, Fax: +202 234 20496, Email:
s.elsayed@tas.gov.eg
ERITREA/ERYTHÉE
Honourable Stifanos Habte, Minister of Trade & Industry, P. O. Box 1844, Asmara, Tel: +291 1
120080, Fax: +291 1 124175
Mrs. Zeferework Fessahaye Desta, Director, International Trade Relations Division, Ministry of
Trade and Industry, P.O. Box 1844, Asmara, Tel: +291 1 117103, Fax: +291 1 124175, Email:
zeferfd@gmail.com; ane_zefer@yahoo.com
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Mr. Abdurahman Ibrahim Saleh, Head, Africa Unit, Ministry of Trade and Industry, P.O. Box
1844, Asmara,Tel: +291 712 76 70, Fax: +291 1 124 175, Email: abdulrah78@gmail.com
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ETHIOPIA/ETHIOPIE
His Excellency Ahmed Shide Mohamed, State Minister, Ministry of Finance and Economic
Development, P.O. Box 1037, Addis Ababa, Tel: +251 911 511687, Email:
ahmedshide@yahoo.com
Mr. Yishak Tekaligne Taye, Director, Ministry of Trade, Addis Ababa, Tel: 251 9 11 625473,
Email: nsaacisak@gmail.com
Mr. Mekbib Tilahun Sahile, Senior Expert, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, P.O.
Box 1037, Tel: +251 1 58 089, Email: mtilahun@mofed.gov.et
Mr. Semere Tesfaye Denere, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, P.O. Box 1037,
Addis Ababa, Email: dsemtes@gmail.com
KENYA
Dr. (Eng) Karanja Kibicho, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade, P.O. Box 30551-00100, Nairobi, Tel: +254 20 318888, Fax: +254 20 316316, Email:
ps@mfa.go.ke
Ambassador Nelson Ndirangu, Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, P.O.
Box 30551-00100, Nairobi, Tel: +254 722 631958, Email: nndirangu@mfa.go.ke
Her Excellency Prof. Ruthie C. Rono, High Commissioner and Permanent Representative to
COMESA, Kenya High Commission, P.O. Box 50298, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260 211 250 722,
Fax: +260 211 253829, Email: rcrono@gmail.com
Mr. Abdishakur Hussein, Charge d’Affaires, a.i, Kenya Embassy, 4002 Avenue de l’Ouganda,
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tel: +243 995 000 006; Email: ahussein@mfa.go.ke;
shakuril@yahoo.com
Ms. Christine K. Ileli, Senior State Counsel, Office of Attorney General, P.O. Box 40112-00100,
Nairobi, Email: kristinekanini@yahoo.com
Mr. Charles Gachahi, Ag. Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, P.O. Box 5497400200, Nairobi, Tel: +254 722 308 743, Email: gachahic@kebs.org
Mr. Erastus Wanjohi Wahome, Chief Economist, The National Treasury, P.O. Box 3000700100, Nairobi, +254 0722 760298, Email wahomeerastus2002@yahoo.co.uk
Mr. Dennis G. Mburu, Senior Economist, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade,
P.O. Box 30551-00100, Nairobi, Tel: +254 0715 676525, Email: dmburu@mfa.go.ke
Ms. Beatrice Muthigani, Assistant Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade,
P.O. Box 30551-00100, Nairobi, Tel: +254 20 318888, Email: bmuthigani@mfa.go.ke
Mr. Paul Kimeto, Manager, EAC/COMESA Desk, Kenya Bureau of Standards, P.O. Box 54974
00200, Nairobi, Tel: +254 6948411, Email: kimetop@kebs.org
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KENYA (cont’d)
Mr. John Kamau Gatare, Chief Trade Development Officer, Ministry of East African Affairs,
Commerce and Tourism, P.O. Box 30430, Nairobi, Tel: +254 723 023115, Email:
kgatarem@gmail.com
Mr. Robert Onduu Okoth, Chief Trade Development Officer, Ministry of East African Affairs,
Commerce and Tourism, P.O. Box 30430-00100, Nairobi, Tel: +254 20 315001-4 Ext.
2164/+254 0720 076647, Email: rokothbob2002@yahoo.co.uk; rokothbob2002@gmail.com
Mr. Tobias Odongo Ogondi, Senior Trade Development Officer, Ministry of East African Affairs,
Commerce and Tourism, Nairobi P.O. Box 30430-00100, Nairobi, Tel: +254 722 582875, Email:
tobiasodongo@yahoo.com
Mr. Anthony Njeru, Economist, Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism, P.O.
Box 30430-00100, Nairobi, Tel: +254 020 305001, Email: njeru.anto@gmail.com
Mr. Vincent E. Omuse, Senior Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade, P.O. Box 43137, 00100, GPO, Nairobi, Tel: 254 020 318888, Email:
veomuse@yahoo.com; vomuse@mfa.gov.ke
Mr. James Otsuila Nyongesa, Second Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade, P.O. Box 30551-00100, Nairobi, Tel: +254 20 31888, Fax: +254 20 316316, Email:
jnyongesa@mfa.go.ke
Mr. Samwel Barchok Keter, Deputy Director of Industries, P.O. Box 30418-00100, Nairobi, Tel:
+254 20 315001, Email: kbarchok@gmail.com
Mr. Simon J. Nganga, Private Sector/Footwear/Chair SMEs Committee, Kenya Leather
Development Council, P.O. Box 7637-00300, Nairobi, Tel: +254 0722 506883, Email:
sjnganga@hotmail.com
Mrs. Lydiah Olesi Ojiambo, First Counsellor, Kenya High Commission, P.O. Box 50298, Lusaka,
Zambia, Tel: +260 976 723410, Email: lydiaolesi@yahoo.com
Mr. Samuel Kiptum Lagat, Surveillance Officer, Kenya Sugar Board, P.O. Box 51500-00200,
Nairobi, Tel: +254 713 262641, Email: silemboi@kenyasugar.co.ke
MADAGASCAR
Son Excellence Syivain MAMORLKY, Ministre de la Peche, Ministère de la Peche et des
Dessources Halieutiques, Antananarivo, Tel : +261 34 05 57909, Email : jeanrobilahy@yahoo.fr
Son Excellence Ulrich ANDRIATIANA, Ministre des Affaires Etrangères, Ministère des Affaires
Etrangères, Antananarivo, Tel : +261 32 07 590 86
M. Roger RAKOTONDRAZAKA, Directeur du Douanes, Ministère du Finance et du Budget,
MFB-Antananarivo, Tel : +261 340 501982, Email : roger5112@yahoo.fr
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MADAGASCAR (cont’d)
Mme Henriette RASOAMAMPIONONA, Directeur du Commerce, Ministère du Commerce, B.P.
454,
Antananarivo,
Tel :
+261
340
551393,
Email :
mampiononah@yahoo.fr;
driie2@commerce.gov.mg
Raoilisoa, Directeur de la Programmation et du Cadrage Budgetaire, Ministère des Finances et
du Budget, Immeuble des Finances – 2eme Etage P.252, Antananarivo, Tel : +261 22 11 06513,
Fax : 261 22 62909, Email : onintsraoilisoa@yahoo.fr
Mme Aly Marana TSIMBAZAFY TSIMOAZAEY, Chef du Service des Organisations Régionales,
Ministère
des Affaires Etrangères, Antananarivo, Tel : +261
34 66 63601, Email :
alymirana@gmail.com
Mme Clarisse R. MAHARAVO, Négociateur sur les questions SPS pour AFOA/ALE, Ministère
de l’Agriculture – Unité de Politique de Développement Rural, B.P.301, Antananarivo 101, Tel :
+261 32 42 919 46, Email : maharavoclarisse@gmail.com; updr.cla@blueline.mg
MALAWI
Mr. Randson Mwadiwa, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Trade, P.O. Box 30366,
Lilongwe 3, Tel: +265 881 516937/+265 1 770244/+265 888 822140, Fax: +265 1 770680,
Email: rpmwadiwa@yahoo.com
His Excellency David Bandawe, High Commissioner & Permanent Representative to COMESA,
Malawi High Commission, P.O. Box 50425, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260 978 998115, Fax: +260
211 265765, Email: davidbandawe@yahoo.com
Mr. Hudson J. Mankhwala, Chief Immigration Officer, Department of Immigration, P.O. Box
331, Blantyre, Tel: +265 1 823777; +265 999 945678, Email: hjmankhwala@ymail.com
Ms. Charity Musonzo, Deputy Director of Trade, Ministry of Industry and Trade, P.O. Box
30366, Lilongwe, Tel: +3036, Lilongwe, Tel: +265 1770244/+265 888 367533, Email:
charitylonje@yahoo.com
Ms. Emily Heather Khamula, Deputy Director ICT Development, Malawi Communications
Regulatory Authority (MACRA), P/B 261, Blantyre, Tel: +265 9999 30806, Fax: 265 1883890,
Email: elungu@macra.org.mw
Mr. Ali Kamanga, Assistant Director of Trade, P.O. Box 30366, Lilongwe, Tel: +265 999
566075/+265 1770244, Fax: +265 1770680, Email: kamangaal@gmail.com
Mr. Patrick J. Kachingwe, Manager HQ and Border Operations – Exports, Malawi Revenue
Authority, P/Bag 247, Blantyre, Tel: +265 1 827028/+265 884 810000, Fax: +265 1 827029,
Email: pkachingwe@mra.mw
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MAURITIUS/MAURICE
Mr. N. Boodhoo. Deputy Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and
International Trade, 3rd Floor, Fooks House, Port Louis, Email: sumlboodhoo@hotmail.com
Mr. Ramesh Ghunsam, Principal Analyst (Cooperation), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional
Integration and International Trade, 9th Floor, Newton Tower, Port Louis, Tel: +230 4052625,
Fax: 230 2137672, Email: rghunsam@mail.gov.mu
RWANDA
Honourable Françios Kanimba, Minister of Trade and Industry, P.O. Box 73, Kigali, Tel: +250
788 300572, Fax: +250 252 580523, Email: fkanimba@gov.rw
His Excellency Amandin Rugira, Ambassador of Rwanda to DRC, Embassy of Rwanda, Av.
Unina No. 8oA/B, Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tel: +243 99 222 1280,
Email: arugira@yahoo.fr
Mr. John Mwesige, Trade Negotiator, Ministry of Trade and Industry, P.O. Box 73, Kigali, Tel:
+250 788 440617, Email: mwesigejohn10@yahoo.co.uk
Dr. Emmanuel Munyangabe, Coordinator, COMESA Projects, Ministry of Infrastructure, P.O.
Box 24, Kigali, Tel: +250 787 114719, Email: munyangabe11@gmail.com
SEYCHELLES
Mr. Kenneth Racombo, Director General of Development and Regional Integration, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, Maison Quéau de Quincy, Mahe, Tel: +248 428 3532, Fax: +248 4225374,
Email : kracombo@mfa.gov.sc
Ms. Cilia Mangroo, Director General for Trade, Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment,
Liberty House, Mahe, Tel: +248 438 2000, Email: cillia@finance.gov.sc
Ms. Nan Sarah Constant, Economist, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, P.O. Box 656, Mahe, Tel: +248
428 35 48, Fax: +248 422 5374, Email: nconstant@mfa.gov.sc
Ms. Astride Maryam Tamatave, Senior Finance Analyst, Ministry of Finance Trade Investment,
c/o Ministry of Finance, Liberty House, Mahe, Tel: +248 438 2049, Fax: +248 432 2782, Email:
astride.tamatave@finance.gov.sc
Ms. Shirley Low-Meng, Development Programme Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maison
Queau de Quinssy, Mont Fleuri, Mahe, P.O. Box 656, Tel: +248 428 3582/+248 428 3500, Fax:
+248 422 5374, Email: splow-meng@mfa.gov.sc; slow-meng@mfa,gov.sc
Ms. Sherlyn Furneau, Protocol Assistant, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, P.O. Box 656, Mahe, Tel:
+248 428 3551/+248 272 9888, Fax: +248 422 5852, Email: sfurneau@mfa.gov.sc
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SUDAN/SOUDAN
Honourable Osman Omer Ali, Minister of Trade, P.O. Box 194, Khartoum, Tel: +249 96 45 85
282, Fax: +249 183 775963, Email: osmanomer35@gmail.com
His Excellency, Mohamed Isa Edam, Ambassador & Special Representative to COMESA,
Sudan Embassy, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: 260 979 080922, Email: edamz@yahoo.com
Mr. Isam Abdelgadir, Ministry of Justice, Under Secretary Office, Khartoum, Tel: +249 123
96497, Email: isam-justice@hotmail.com
Mr. Nafisa Mohamed Ahmed, General Director for International Relations, Ministry of Trade,
P.O. Box 194, Khartoum, Tel: +249 912 368553, Fax: +249 183 775963, Email:
nafisamoh@yahoo.com
M. Mohamed Osman Ahmed, Director General, Central Bank of Sudan, P.O. Box 313, Tel:
+249 912 315891, Fax: +249 183 781341, Email: osman49@hotmail.com
Dr. Osmana Mahmoud Humeida Masoud, Director of Department of International Labour and
Treaties, Ministry of Justice, P.O. Box 302, Khartoum, Tel: +249 912 253073, Fax: +249 983
787910, Email: drosmanahumida@yahooc.om
Mr. Mohamed Osman Ahmed, Director General, Central Bank of Sudan, P.O. Box 313,
Khartoum, Tel: +249 912 315891, Fax: +249 183 781341, Email: osman49@hotmail.com
Mr. Mohy Al deen Abdulkreem Moj Albahar, Ministry of Trade, Khartoum, Tel: +249 123
988995, Email: mogAlBahar66@gmail.com
Mr. Kamal Yousif Abdella, Economist, Central Bank of Sudan, Jamaa Avenue, P.O. Box 313,
Khartoum, Tel: +249 912 236310, Fax: +249 183 781341, Email: kamalyo1@hotmail.com
Mr. Ebtisam Ali Mohamed Osman, Economist, Ministry of Finance and National Economy, P.O.
Box 298, Khartoum, Tel: +249 991 158553, Fax: +249 183 771970, Email: smile58553@hotmail.com
Mr. Nadir Elrayah Awad, Head of COMESA Unit, Ministry of Trade, Khartoum, Tel: +249 183
775963/+249 919 68360844, Email: nadirelray@yahoo.com
Mrs. El Ham El Tayib AbdelHameed, EPA Desk, Ministry of Trade, Khartoum, Tel: +249 183
775963, Email: elhamea0004@gmail.com
SWAZILAND
Honourable Gideon C.M. Dlamini, MP, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, P.O. Box
451, Mbabane, Tel: +268 2404 4779, Fax: +268 2404, 3055, Email: Gideon@realnet.co.sz
Mr. Jinno Nkhambule, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade,
Mbabane, Tel: (+268) 404 3201, Fax: (+268) 404 3055, Email: jinnohn2001@yahoo.co.uk;
itd@realnet.co.sz
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SWAZILAND (cont’d)
Mrs. Joyce Tibobo Dlamini, Deputy Principal Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and
Development, P.O. Box 602, Mbabane, Tel: +268 2404 8156, Fax: +268 2404 2157, Email:
dlaminijo@gov.sz
Ms. Portia Dlamini, Trade Policy Analyst, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, P.O. Box
451, Mbabane, Tel: +268 404 1808/9, Fax: +268 404 3833, Email: portiasukati@hotmail.com
Mr. Dorrington Matiwane, Chief Executive Officer, Commerce/Small Enterprise Development
Company, P.O. Box A186 Swazi Plaza, Mbabane, Tel: +268 2404 2811/2, Fax: +268 2404
0723, Email: matiwaned@sedco.co.sz
Mr. Nathaniel Cibi Phila Dlamini, Director of Road Transportation, Ministry of Public Works and
Transportation, P.O. Box 58, Mbabane, Tel: +268 2409 9154, Email: dlamininp@gov.sw
Mr. Michael Zwane, Director SMMEs, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, P.O. Box 451,
Mbabane, Tel: +268 2404 3202/6; Fax: +268 2404 0954, Email: mswane@realnet.co.sz
Mr. Freddy Magagula, Senior Agricultural Officer-Fisheries, P.O. Box 162, Mbabane, Tel: +268
2404 2731/9, Fax: +268 2404 7430, Email: fredmagagula@yahoo.co.uk
UGANDA/OUGANDA
Honourable Amelia Anne Kyambadde, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and
Chairperson of the Bureau of Council. P. O. Box 7103, Kampala, Tel: +256 414
231104/314200/230916; Fax: +256 41 341247/347286; Email: annekyambadde@gmail.com;
akyambadde@mtic.go.ug
Honourable Abraham James Byandala, Minister of Works and Transport, P.O. Box 10, Entebbe,
Tel: +256 414 255028, Fax: +256 414 320315, Email: mowtc@works.go.ug;
teddykisa@yahoo.com
Ambassador Julius B. Onen, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and
Cooperatives, P.O. Box 7103, Kampala, Tel: +256 414 314230, Email: ps@mtic.go.ug
Ambassador Johnny Muthahi Muhindo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Plot 24-B, Kagwa Road,
P.O. Box 7048, Kampala, Uganda, Tel: +256 414 258370, Email: muthahi@yahoo,.com
Ambassador Najuna-Njuneki, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Plot 2/4B Kaggwa Road, P.O 7048,
Kampala, Tel: +256 712 347777, Email: njuneki@diplomats.com
His Excellency James William Kinobe, Ambassador, Uganda Embassy, No. 12 Av. Ouganda,
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tel: +243 990 067972, Email: jwkinobe@gmail.com
Mr. Silver Ojakol, Commissioner, External Trade, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives,
P.O. Box 7103, Kampala, Tel: +256 414 348154/230916, Email: sojakol@hotmail.com;
sojakol@mtic.go.ug
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UGANDA/OUGANDA (cont’d)
Mr. Patrick O. Okilangole, Assistant Commissioner, Ministry of Trade, Industry & Cooperatives,
P.O. Box 7103, Kampala, Tel: +256 782 480 752, Email: okilangole@gmail.com
Mr. Jocob Opolot, Director, Research, Bank of Uganda, P.O. Box 7120, Kampala, Tel: +256 414
230791, Fax: +256 414 230791, Email: jopolot@bou.or.ug
Mr. Emmanuel Katwe, Principal Economist, MOICT, P.O. Box 7817, Kampala, Tel: 0772
492572, Email: emmanuel.katwe@ict.go.ug
Mr. Cleopas Ndorere Kachetero, Principal Commercial Officer, Ministry of Trade, Industry and
Cooperatives, P.O. Box 7103, Kampala, Tel: +256 775 958300, Email: cndorere@mtic.go.ug
Mr. Deo Kamweya, Principal Commercial Officer, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives,
P.O. Box 7103, Kampala, Tel: 256 772 632854, Email: dkamwex@yahoo.com
Mr. John Mayende, Principal Statistician, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, P.O. Box 7186,
Kampala, Tel: +256 414 706022/+256 772 629309, Email: john.mayende@ubos.org
Ms. Rose Kuteesa, Head – External Sector Policies Section, Central Bank of Uganda, P.O. Box
7120, Kampala, Tel: +256 417 302875, Fax: +256 414 230791, Email: rkuteesa@bou.or.ug
Mr. Godrey Obbuki Wandera, Ag. Direcor of Transport, Ministry of Works and Transport, P.O.
Box 10, Entebbe, Tel: +256 772 506740, Fax: +256 441 320135, Email: gowandera@gmail.com
Mr. Benon Kayemba, First Secretary for Commercial Affairs, Uganda Embassy,
Kinshasa/Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tel: +243 817 118524, Email:
kitigoma@gmail.com
Mr. Mulijo Wasike Shadraque, Second Secretary, Uganda High Commission, P.O. Box 6239,
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Tel: +255 689 323 335, Fax: +255 22 266 7224, Email:
muhadraque@yahoo.co.uk
Ms. Aisha Kyamanywa, Office of the President, P.O. Box 7164, Kampala, Tel: +256 0772 66
371, Email: aishakyamanywa@yahoo.com
Mr. Nyeko George Latim, Personal Assistant to the Minister, Ministry of Trade, Industry and
Cooperatives, Kampala, Tel: +256 (0) 414 314 233/071 6666 111, Email nlatim@yahoo.com
ZAMBIA/ZAMBIE
Honourable Emmanuel T. Chenda, MP, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, P.O. Box
31968, Lusaka, Tel: +260 211 226727, Fax: +260 211 226673, Email: siazongo@gmail.com
Honourable Esther Banda, MP, Deputy Minister of Gender and Child Development, P.O. Box
30719, Lusaka, Tel: +260 211 223749, Fax: +260 211 223749, Email: bupekaonga@gmail.com
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Mr. Siazongo D. Siakalenge, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry,
P.O. Box 31968, Lusaka, Tel: +260 211 226727, Email: ssiakalenge@mcti.gov.zm
ZAMBIA/ZAMBIE (cont’d)
Mrs. Yvonne Chileshe, Director, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, P.O. Box 31968,
Lusaka, Tel: +260 211 224115, Email: ychileshe@mcti.gov.zm
Mr. Namabanda Mundia Mubukwanu, Principal Economist, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and
Industry, P.O. Box 31968, Lusaka, Tel: +260 211 224115, Email: NMubukwanu@mcti.gov.zm
Mr. Billy Kunda Malijani, Principal Economist, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, P.O.
Box 31968, Lusaka, Tel: +260 211 226954, Email: BMalijani@mcti.gov.zm
Sauka Chinji, Principal Economist, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, P.O. Box 50069, Lusaka, Tel:
+260 950 494395, Fax: +260 211 250240, Email: saukachinji@yahoo.com
Mr. Anayawa Mutemwa, Principal Agricultural Economist, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock,
P.O. Box 50595, Lusaka, Tel: +260 979 257495/250308, Fax: 260 211 250308, Email:
anayawamutemwa@yahoo.co.uk
Mr. Reuben Kunda, Deputy Commissioner - Customs, Zambia Revenue Authority, P.O. Box
35710, Lusaka, Tel: +260 211 382800, Email: kundar@zra.org.zm
Mr. Swithan Kalobwe, Senior Collector, Zambia Revenue Authority, P.O. Box 35710, Lusaka,
Tel: +260 211 229214/8, Fax: +260 211 222704, Email: kalobwes@zra.org.zm
Ms. Lydia Matapo, Principal Counsel-International Law, Ministry of Justice, P.O. Box 50106,
Lusaka, Tel/Fax: +260 211 254199, Email: Lydia.matapo@yahoo.co.uk
Mr. Stanley Lupiya, Protocol Officer, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, P.O. Box
31968, Lusaka, Tel: +260 975 810033, Email: slupiya@gmail.com
Ms. Bupe Kaonga, Director, Ministry of Gender and Child Development, P.O. Box 30719,
Lusaka, Tel: +260 211 223749, Email: bupekaonga@gmail.com
Mr. Joseph Silavwe, Market Development Specialist, Zambia Development Agency, P.O. Box
30819, Lusaka, Tel: +260 973 251330, Email: jsilavwe@zda.org.zm
Ms. Isabelle M.M. Lemba, Assistant Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, P.O. Box 50069,
Lusaka, Tel: +260 211 254003, Email: immlemba@hotmail.com
ZIMBABWE
Honourable Mike C. Bimha, Minister of Industry and Commerce, P/Bag 7708, Causeway,
Harare, Tel: +263 4 795152, Fax: 263 4 25 488, Email: mikebimha@yahoo.com
Honourable Simbarashe S. Mumbengegwi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, P.O. Box 4240, Harare,
Tel: +263 4 794681, Fax: +263 4 795161, Email: sadczim@yahoo.com
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ZIMBABWE (cont’d)
Mrs. Abigail Shonhiwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, P/Bag 7708,
Causeway,
Harare, Tel: +263 4 795152,
Fax:
+263 4 251488,
Email:
abigailshonhiwa@yahoo.com/ashonhiwa@miit.gov.zw
His Excellency Lovemore Mazemo, Ambassador & Permanent Representative to COMESA,
Zimbabwe Embassy, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260 977 762647, Email: lmazemo@hotmail.com
Mr. Kindon Gandanga, Deputy Director, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, 13th Floor Mukwati
Bldg, Cnr Livingstone/Fourth St, Harare. Tel: +263 4 798425, Email: kgandanga@yahoo.com
Mr. Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro, Deputy Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, P.O. Box 4240,
Harare, Tel: +263 4 791048, Email: henrymukonoweshuro@yahoo.com
Ms. Ellen Ruparanganda, Assistant Director (Tariffs), Competition and Tariff Commission, 1
Kwame Nkuruma Avenue, Harare, Tel: +263 4 773554, Email: elnruparanganda@gmail.com
Mr. Fambaoga L. Myambo, Commissioner, Competition and Tariff Commission, P/Bag 7708,
Causeway, Harare, Tel: +263 712 885216, Email: corestrategy@hotmail.com
Mr. Amon Nyahada, Senior Economist, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, P. Bag 7708,
Causeway, Harare, Tel: + 263 772 839 290/+263 4 793 461, Fax: +263 4 251488 Email:
amon.nyahada@yahoo.com/ amonnyahada@indandcom.co.zw
Mrs. Cleopatra Mafuba, Economist, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, P. Bag 7708,
Causeway, Harare, Tel: +263 773 448044, Fax: +263 4 251488, Email: sukupatra@yahoo.com
Mr. Emmanuel Sithole, Economist, Ministry of Finance, Bag 7705 Causeway, Harare, Tel: +263
773 616 301, Email: sithole04@gmail.com
Mr. Allen Mukurazhizha, Economist, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, P/Bag
7705, Causeway, Harare, Tel: 263 4 796624/794571/78, Fax: +263 4 2504614/5, Email:
amzhizha@yahoo.co.uk
Mrs. Stella Nyagweta, Trade Attaché, Embassy of Zimbabwe, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260 979
900412, Email: stellamnyagweta@hotmail.com
Mr. Billiat Chaderopa, Chief Business Development Officer, Ministry of Small and Medium
Enterprises and Cooperative Development, P/Bag 7704, Causeway, Harare, Tel: +263 773 654;
+263 4 701 457, Email: bmchaderopa@yahoo.com
Mr. Kingstone Ziyera, Senior Administrative Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, P.O. Box 4240,
Harare, Tel: +263 4 794681, Fax: +263 4 756151, Email: kingstonziyera@yahoo.com
Mr. Peter Mobwani, Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Zimbabwe Embassy, Tel: 0822 844 501, Email:
hobwani@yahoo.com
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Mrs. Chiwenga Tapiwa, S.O., Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Harare, Tel:
+263 4 774260, Fax: 263 4 772999, Email: tapychiwenga@yahoo.com
COMESA INSTITUTIONS
ALLIANCE FOR COMMODITY TRADE IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA (ACTESA)
Mr Argent Chuula, Chief Executive Officer, ACTESA, c/o COMESA Secretariat, P.O. Box
30051, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260 211 229725-32, Fax: +260 211 225107, Email:
achuula@comesa.int
Dr. Gatchew Belay, Senior Biotechnology Policy Adviser, Email: gbelay@comesa.int
AFRICAN TRADE INSURANCE AGENCY (ATI)
Mr. Cyprien Sakubu, Ag. General Counsel, CIRM & Board Secretary, African Trade Insurance
Agency (ATI), P.O. Box 10620-00100, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya, Tel: +254 20 2719727; Fax: +254
20 2719701, Email: cyprien.sakubu@ati-aca.org
COMESA BRUSSELS LIAISON OFFICE (BLO)
Ambassador Dr. Gervais Nkanagu, COMESA Representative to EU & ACP, Brussels Liaison
Office, 72.74 Avenue Gustave Demey 1160, Brussels, Belgium, Tel: +32 2 3438410, Fax: +32 2
3438657, Email: gnkanagu@comesa.int
COMESA BUSINESS COUNCIL (CBC)
Ms. Sandra Uwera, Coordinator, COMESA Business Council, P.O. Box 30051, Lusaka, Zambia,
Tel: +260 211 229725/32, Fax: +260 211 225107, Email: suwera@comesa.int
COMESA CLEARING HOUSE
Mr. Mahmood Mansoor, Executive Secretary, COMESA Clearing House, P.O. Box 2940,
Harare, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263 4 495189, Fax: +263 4 498497, Email: mmansoor@comesach.org
COMESA COMPETITION COMMISSION (CCC)
Mr. George K. Lipimile, Executive Director, COMESA Competition Commission, P.O. Box
30742, Lilongwe 3, Malawi, Tel: +265 1 772466, Email: glipimile@comesa.int
Mr. Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma, Manager – Enforcement, COMESA Competition Commission, P.O.
Box 30742, Lilongwe 3, Malawi, Tel: +265 1772466, Email: vnkhoma@comesa.int
Ms. Mary Gurure, Manager, Legal Services and Compliance, Competition Commission, P.O.
Box 30742, Lilongwe 3, Malawi, Tel: +265 997 405 158, Email: mgurure@comesa.int
Mrs. Lucy Dziko, Senior Finance Assistant, COMESA Competition Commission, P.O. Box
30742, Lilongwe, Malawi, +265 999 953068, Email: ldziko@comesa.int
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COMESA COURT OF JUSTICE (CCJ)
Honourable Justice Nzamba Kitonga (S.C.), Judge President, COMESA Court of Justice, P.O.
Box 60102 – 00200, 5th Floor, Jubilee Insurance Exchange, Kaunda Street, Nairobi, Kenya, Tel:
+254-20-224887, Cell: +254-0722-728-792, Fax: +254-20-210133, Email: law@iconnect.co.ke
Honourable Justice James Ogoola, Judge, COMESA Court of Justice, P.O. Box 7085, Kampala,
Uganda, Cell : +256 – 772587256 or 00256-414-341-257, Fax :00 256-0414-343-423,Email:
ckisubi@gmail.com
Ms. Lucy Nyambura Mbatia, Registrar, COMESA Court of Justice, COMESA Centre, P.O. Box
30051, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260 971 234158, Fax: +260 211 225107, Email:
Lmbatia@comesa.int
Mr. Habben Nkonkesha, Clerk of Court, COMESA Court of Justice, COMESA Centre, P.O. Box
30051, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260 977 459911/+260 978 220019, Fax: +260 211 225107,
Email: hnkonkesha@comesa.int
Mr. Simukuka Kayama, Administrative and Finance Officer, COMESA Court of Justice,
COMESA Centre, P.O. Box 30051, Lusaka, Tel: +260 977 846710, Fax: +260 211 225107,
Email: skayama@comesa.int
Mrs. Ruth M. Limbambala, Administrative Assistant, COMESA Court of Justice, COMESA
Centre, P.O. Box 30051, Lusaka, Tel: +260 978 017015, Fax: +260 211 229725, Email:
rlimbambala@comesa.int
COMESA FEDERATION OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS IN
EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA (FEMCOM)
Mrs. Katherine Nyangui Ichoya, Chief Executive Office, FEMCOM Secretariat,
Zimbabwe, House, Ground Floor, P.O. Box 1499, Lilongwe 3, Malawi, Tel: +265 1 774651/656/
+265 999 449 096, Email: kichoya@comesa.int; kichoya@femcomcomesa.org
Mr. Mackson Phiri, Senior Finance and Administrative Assistant, FEMCOM Secretariat, P.O.
Box 1499, Lilongwe 3, Malawi, Tel: +265 1 774 656/651/ +265 999 336093, Email:
mphiri@femcomcomesa.org
COMESA LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS INSTITUTE (COMESA LLPI)
Dr. Mwinyikione Mwinyihija, Executive Director, COMESA/LLPI, P.O. Box 2358, Code 1110,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel: +251 11 4390928, Email: m_mwinyi@hotmail.co.uk;
comesa.llpi@ethionet.et
Mr. Zewdu Kebede, Programmes Co-ordinator, COMESA/LLPI, P.O. Box 2358, Code 1110, Tel:
+251 11 4391319, Email: comesa.llpi@ethionet.et
COMESA MONETARY INSTITUTE (CMI)
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Mr. Ibrahim A. Zeidy, Director, COMESA Monetary Institute, Kenya School of Monetary Studies,
P.O. Box 65041-00618, Nairobi, Kenya, Tel: +254 787 408269; Email: izeidy@comesa.int
COMESA REGIONAL INVESTMENT AGENCY (COMESARIA)
Mr. Chalimba Phiri, Chairman, COMESA-RIA, P.O. Box 37211, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260
977799101/+260 966 748686, Email: chalimba@email.com
Ms. Heba Salama, Manager, COMESA RIA, 3A Salah Salem St., Ministry of Investment, Nasr
City, Cairo, Egypt, Tel: +203 240 55428, Fax: +202 24055 421, Email: hsalama@comesaria.org
Mr. Mohamed Aref, Research Analyst, COMESA Regional Investment Agency, 3A Salah
Salem, Nasir City, Cairo, Egypt, Tel: +202 24055428, Fax: +202 24055421, Email:
maref@comesaria.org
EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICAN TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT BANK (PTA BANK)
Mr. Admassu Yilma Tadesse, President, PTA Bank, P.O. Box 48596, Nairobi, Kenya, Tel : +254
732 192 000, Fax: +254 20 271 1510, Email : Judith.Mongala@ptabank.org
Ms. Judith Mongala, Marketing Coordinator, Corporate Affairs – Presidency, PTA Bank, P.O. Box
48596, Nairobi, Kenya, Tel : +254 732 192 000, Fax: +254 20 271 1510, Email :
Judith.Mongala@ptabank.org
PTA RE-INSURANCE COMPANY (ZEP-RE)
Mr. Jerry Evans Sogoli, Company Secretary, ZEP-RE, P.O. Box 42769 – 00100, Nairobi,
Kenya, Tel: +254 20 4973000, Fax: +254 20 2738444, Email: jsogoli@zep-re.com
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
AFRICAN CAPACITY BUILDING FOUNDATION (ACBF)
Mr. Coffi Noumon, Regional Director, African Capacity Building Foundation, P.O. Box 1562,
Harare, Zimbabwe, Tel: +233 268 186729, Email: c.noumon@acnf-pact.org
AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION
Mr. Treasure Thembisile Maphanga, Director, Trade and Industry, African Union Commission,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel: +251 911 5034 25, Email: maphangaT@africa-union.org
Mr. Frank Dixon Mugyenyi, Senior Industry Advisor, African Union Commission, P.O. Box 3243,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel: +251 11 551 7700, Email: mugyenyif@africa-union.org
Mr. Batanai Clemence Chikwene, Trade Officer, African Union Commission, P.O. 3243, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel: +251 912 601 024, Email: chikweneb@africa-union.org
EUROPEAN UNION
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Mr. Daniel Hurtado-Dominguez, Head of Regional Cooperation Section, European Union
Delegation to Zambia and COMESA, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260 211 250 711, Fax: +260 211
252 336, Email: DANIEL.HURTADO-DOMINGUEZ@EEAS.EUROPA.EU
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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION (ICGLR)
Ambassador Bandouin Hamuli Kabarhuz, ICGLR, Kinshasa, Tel: +243 999 82097, Email:
hamulik@hotmail.com
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM)
Mr. Bernardo Mariano, Regional Director, International Organization for Migration, 353 Festival
Street, Pretoria, South Africa, Tel: +27 82 0699888, Fax: +27 12 3422789, Email:
bmariano@iom.int
UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA (UNECA)
Mr. Youssouf Camara, Economic Affairs Officer, UNECA, P.O. Box 3544, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, Tel: +251 11 5443349, Email: ycamara@uneca.org
OBSERVERS
JAPAN
His Excellency Kiyoshi Koinuma, Ambassador and Special Representative to COMESA,
Embassy of Japan, P.O. Box 34190, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260 211 251555, Fax: +260 211
253 488, Email: Kiyoshi.Koinuma@mofa.go.jp
Ms. Keiko Yamanaka, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan, P.O. Box 34190, Lusaka, Zambia,
Tel: +260 211 251555, Fax: +260 211 253 488, Email: keiko.yamanaka@mofa.go.jp
NIGERIA
Ms. Esther Otukoya, Nigeria High Commission, P.O. Box 32598, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260
211 253 177/+260 965 476940, Fax: +260 211 252 535, Email: funmilolaotukoya@rocket.com
SWEDEN
Mr. Protase Echessah, Program Manager, Embassy of Sweden, P.O. Box 30600-00100,
Nairobi, Kenya, Tel: +254 20 423 4000/33, Fax: +254 20 423 4339, Email:
protease.echessah@gov.se
COMESA SECRETARIAT, P.O. BOX 30051, BEN BELLA ROAD, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA, TEL:
+260 211 229725/32
Mr. Sindiso Ngwenya, Secretary General, Email: sngwenya@comesa.int
Ambassador Nagla El-Hussainy, Assistant Secretary General (A&F), Email: nelhussainy@comesa.int
Ambassador Dr. Kipyego Cheluget, Assistant Secretary General (P), Email:
kcheluget@comesa.int
Mr. Dev Haman, Director of Budget and Finance, Email: dhaman@comesa.int
Mrs. Victoria M. Mwewa, Director of Administration, Email: vmwewa@comesa.int
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Dr. Francis Mangeni, Director of
fmangeni@comesa.int
COMESA SECRETARIAT (cont’d)
Trade,
Customs
and
Monetary
Affairs,
Email:
Mr. Sherin Shoukry, Director of Information and Technology, Email: shoukry@comesa.int
Mr. Brian Chigawa, Director, Legal and Institutional Affairs, Email: bchigawa@comesa.int
Mrs. Emiliana Tembo, Director of Gender and Social Affairs, Email: etembo@comesa.int
Mr. Thierry Mutombo Kalonji, Acting Director, Investment Promotion and Private Sector
Development Email: tkalonji@comesa.int
Dr. Abu Sufian E. Dafalla, Ag. Director Infrastructure Development, Email: adafalla@comesa.int
Mrs. Aurelia Olunga, Chief Internal Auditor, Email: aolunga@comesa.int
Mrs. Hope K. Situmbeko, COMAID/RISM Coordinator, Email: hsitumbeko@comesa.int
Dr. Mclay Kanyangarara, Coordinator, Climate Change, Email: mkanyangarara@comesa.int
Mr. Eloi Kwete, RISP Coordinator, Email: ekwete@comesa.int
Ms. Elizabeth Mutunga, Head, Governance, Peace and Security, Email: emutunga@comesa.int
Mr. Mwansa James Musonda, Senior Trade Advisor, Email: mmwansa@comesa.int
Mr. Julien E. Razafintsalama, Ag. Coordinator, Technical Cooperation and Resource
Mobilisation, Email: jrazafintsalama@comesa.int
Mrs. Ann Mugunga, Chief Editor, Email: amugunga@comesa.int
Ms. Hloniphile Dlamini, Chief Conference Services, Email: hdlamini@comesa.int
Mr. Josephat Kinyele, Procurement & General Services Officer, Email: jkinyele@comesa.int
Mr. César Badogomba, Reviser, Email: cbadogomba@comesa.int
Dr. Martha Mutesayire, Translator, Email: mmutesayire@comesa.int
Mrs. Beatrice Matururu, Translator, Email: bmatururu@comesa.int
Mr. Paul Kabasu, Translator, Email: pkabasu@comesa.int
Mr. Alhadi Daleel, Arabic Reviser, Email: adaleel@comesa.int
Mr. Yasser Taha Amer, Arabic Translator, Email: yamer@comesa.int
Ms. Nihal Iskandar, Arabic Translator, Email: niskandar@comesa.int
Mr. Caesar Cheelo, Macro-Economic Adjustment Expert, Email: ccheelo@comesa.int
Mr. Mwangi Gakunga, Public Relations Officer, Email: mgakunga@comesa.int
Mrs. Munshya Zoya Masocha, Financial Accountant, Email: zmasocha@comesa.int
Mrs. Muzinge Chomba-Nampito, PR Assistant, Email: mnampito@comesa.int
Mrs. Agnes C. Chalabesa, Senior Administrative Assistant, Email: achalabesa@comesa.int
Mrs. Christine P. Mwanza, Senior Administrative Assistant, Email: cmwanza@comesa.int
Mrs. Suzan Zulu, Senior Administrative Assistant, Email: szulu@comesa.int
Ms. Maria Kafwariman, Administrative Assistant, Email: mkafwariman@comesa.int
Mrs. Mwadi T. Chanda, Administrative Assistant, Email: mchanda@comesa.int
Ms. Valerie Masengu, Administrative Assistant, Email: vmasengu@comesa.int
Ms. Georgina M. Banda, Administrative Assistant, Email: gbanda@comesa.int
Miss. Lydia Mulenga, Administrative Assistant, Email: lmulenga@comesa.int
Mrs. Maha Ahmed, Arabic Administrative Assistant, Email: mahmed@comesa.int
Ms. Rose Kabangu-Kapembwa, Senior Bilingual Administrative Secretary, Email:
rkabangu@comesa.int
Ms. Astrid Binda, Senior Bilingual Secretary, Email: abinda@comesa.int
Ms. Mary Ndoti, Senior Secretary, Email: mndoti@comesa.int
Ms. Catherine Mwaba, French Secretary, Email: cmwaba@comesa.int
Mr. Levy Mkandawire, Technician, Email: lmkandawire@comesa.int
Mr. John Nkhata, Senior Documentation Assistant, Email: jnkhata@comesa.int
Mr. Terence Saisha, Procurement Assistant, E-mail: tsaisha@comesa.int
Mr. Philip Kambafwile, Graphics Designer, Email: pkambafwile@comesa.int
Mr. Daniel Banda, Cameraman, Email: dbanda@comesa.int
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Mr. Arthur Zulu, IT Officer, Email: azulu@comesa.int
Mr. Brian Sampa, ICT Support Officer, Email: bsampa@comesa.int
Ms. Chewe S. Mfula, Project Assistant, cmfula@comesa.int
PROJECT PREPARATION IMPLEMENTATION UNIT (PPIU)
Mr. Amos Marawa, Director, Project Preparation Implementation Unit, Lusaka, Zambia, Email:
amarawa@ppiu.org
TRADEMARK SOUTHERN AFRICA (TMSA)
Mr. Mark Pearson, Programme Director, Trademark Southern Africa, Box 317, Persequor Park,
Pretoria, South Africa, Email: mpearson@trademarksa.org
INTERPRETERS
Dr. Hassan Ali Eissa, Trilingual Conference Interpreter, University of Khartoum, Translation
Unit, P.O. Box 321, Khartoum, Sudan, Tel: +249 912 352897/+249 999 249929, Email:
hassaneissa52@hotmail.com: hassaneissa2004@yahoo.com
Mr. Ali El-Shahir, Freelance Arabic Interpreter, P.O. Box 14699 Hatfield 0028, South Africa, Tel:
+27 82 461 3773/+27 12 362 8123, Email: a.shahir5@gmail.com/shahir@icon.co.za
Dr. Keguro Joe Muhindi, Interpreter, P.O. Box 56061, Nairobi 00200, Kenya, Tel: +254 722
522301, Email: muhindi.k@gmail.com
Ms. Odette Skander Interpreter, Cabinet of the Egyptian Government, 8, Ibrahim Salama,
Mohandessein, Cairo, Egypt, Tel: +20 100 606 3039, Email: ode_999@yahoo.com
Ms. Esther Attallah Rafla, Arabic Interpreter, 115, El Manyal St. Fl 71 Cairo, Egypt, Tel: 202
0111 8469454, Home (02) 236 81904, Email: astoraata@yahoo.com
Mr. C.K. Sokpor-Dufe, Conference Interpreter, Lingua Verbus Consultants, P.O. Box 258100200, Nairobi, Kenya, Tel: +254 -722-707-165, Email: klemdufe@yahoo.com
Mr. Kansongo Mukalay, Interpreter, P.O. Box 231-00606, Nairobi, Kenya, Tel: +254 722
705848, Email: kasongomukalay@yahoo.com
Mr. Gaafar Mudawi El Bushra, Interpreter, 6010 beid Khatim St. Al-Sata Tower - 2nd Floor, Tel:
+249 920 676414, Email: GMBUSHRA@GMAIL.COM
Dr. Esmat Oremsa, Trilingual Interpreter Freelance, Aiic Member, Tel: +20 100 142 20 72/+20
100 11 11 901, Email: onensae@yahoo.fr; khammamy@yahoo.com
Mr. Benoit Mugenzi, Interpreter, Interlingua, P.O. Box 61544-00-200, Nairobi, Kenya, Tel: +254
715 936397, Email: mugenzi.ben@gmail.com
Mr. Canisius Muganza,
pcmuganza@yahoo.com
Conference
Interpreter,
Tel:
250
788503798,
Email:
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Mr. Louis Buras, Interpreter, Tel: +254 79 984 777, Email: louisburas@yahoo.fr
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TRANSLATORS
Mr. Chris Harahagazwe, Conference Translator, P O Box 34 Bujumbura, Burundi, Tel: 257 79
478 763, Email: chrishara2000@yahoo.co.uk
Dr. Ahmad Abdelmoniem, Arabic Translator, The American University, Heliopolis,
Egypt, Tel: +2 0100 2288846 Email: ahmoniem@aucegypt.edu
Cairo,
Ms. Wafaa A. Mohamed
wafaa.engineer@gmail.com
Email:
Ahmed,
Translator,
+Tel:
249
124
885537,