Addis Ababa, October 10, 2025 (HornCurrent) — Ethiopia’s Advisor to the Prime Minister on East African Affairs, Getachew Reda, underscored the importance of advancing deeper regional integration during the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit held today in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Summit of the COMESA Authority of Heads of State and Government brought together leaders from across the region, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, to deliberate on strategies to boost trade, cooperation, and economic growth among member states.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the meeting, Getachew Reda emphasized that such platforms go beyond trade liberalization and the creation of free trade zones — serving instead as vehicles for broader continental integration.
“This includes not only the trade of goods but ultimately the free movement of people — where one country’s development becomes that of another. It is a partnership based not on competition but on cooperation and solidarity,” he said.
Getachew further noted that Africa’s development must be interlinked, stressing that the progress of one nation should positively impact its neighbors. He called for greater collaboration and mutual benefit in regional economic initiatives.
According to him, COMESA has long played a vital role in fostering strong and practical trade integration across Africa, contributing to reduced tensions and increased cooperation among member countries.
“When people can freely trade their goods and services, and also move freely, tensions are reduced, and a relationship based on collaboration rather than conflict is fostered,” he concluded.
The 24th COMESA Summit continues to serve as a pivotal forum for advancing regional unity and collective prosperity across Eastern and Southern Africa.
— HornCurrent English
