At the opening of the 45th meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) on Thursday, Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango issued a compelling call for substantial investment in climate-resilient technologies. The vice president underscored the critical need to address the mounting challenges posed by climate change to the region’s key economic sectors—agriculture, mining, and tourism.
COMESA, a regional economic community encompassing 21 member states, convened under the theme: “Accelerating regional integration through the development of regional value chains in climate-resilient agriculture, mining, and tourism.” The gathering aimed to foster collective strategies for economic resilience amidst escalating climate vulnerabilities.
Nalumango articulated the urgency for preparedness through diversification, innovation, and sustainable value-chain development. “Climate change preparedness, diversification, innovation, and developing climate-resilient value chains are some of the options we should adopt to protect the region and member states from the adverse effects of climate change,” she declared, cautioning that inaction could exacerbate the precarious conditions already undermining livelihoods across the region.
The vice president called on COMESA nations to enhance value addition in their industries to bolster economic output and fortify resilience. She emphasised the necessity for shared commitment among member states, advocating for the integration of innovative solutions to address climate challenges. In particular, Nalumango urged member nations to collaborate in sharing technological advancements, pooling resources, and investing in regional infrastructure such as transport, energy, and digital systems.
Agriculture, mining, and tourism—sectors pivotal to the economies and livelihoods of millions within the region—are acutely vulnerable to climate shocks, including prolonged droughts and catastrophic floods. The dual impact of economic dependency and environmental volatility has compounded pressures on these industries, necessitating urgent intervention.
Chileshe Kapwepwe, Secretary-General of COMESA, echoed these sentiments, noting the severe repercussions of climate-induced adversities, including food and nutrition insecurity exacerbated by erratic weather patterns. Kapwepwe highlighted the imperative of sustainable investment in agri-food systems, stressing the role of transformative policies to mitigate the cascading effects of climate shocks on vulnerable populations.
The regional bloc faces a critical juncture, grappling with the intertwined challenges of climate change and economic integration. Despite the mounting urgency, COMESA’s collective efforts present an opportunity to build resilient economies capable of withstanding the climate crises that increasingly define the modern era. Nalumango’s impassioned plea for innovation and shared responsibility underscored the region’s resolve to meet these challenges head-on, though the road ahead remains fraught with complexity.
As the conference proceeds, member states are tasked with translating rhetoric into actionable strategies, with an emphasis on forging partnerships and leveraging shared resources to create a sustainable and equitable future for the region.
