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Issue #126 - Friday 19 October 2007 newsletterIssue 293 - 6th May 2011 newsletter

This bulletin is published by the COMESA Secretariat Public Relations Unit but does not necessarily represent views of the Secretariat.For Feedback: pr@comesa.int

Contact Address : COMESA SECRETARIAT, COMESA Center , Ben Bella Road P.O. Box 30051, 260 1 229 725, 260 1 225 107

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America.

He pointed out that the history of the East African Community for example can be traced as far back as1900, when Customs collection centre for uganda was established in Mombasa, Kenya due to the fact that Kenya and Uganda were all British colonies. In order to achieve efficiency it did not make sense to the colonial power to have different institutions in the two countries setting up their own administrative institutions to administer common programmes.

Mr. Ngwenya added that following the establishment of this Custom collection centre the institutions bellow; were established to serve the two countries at different period as indicated: 1905 the East African Currency Board was set up to issue currency for Kenya and Uganda; in 1917 a Custom Union was established between Kenya and Uganda- Tanganyika [a former Germany colony] joined in1922 after the second world war as a Protectorate of the League of Nations administered by the British; later The East African High Commission and The East African Common Services organization were established.

He further pointed out that, other examples of regional co-operation influenced by the colonial masters include the establishment of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland which was established in 1953, comprising what was then Northern Rhodesia[now Zambia] ,Nyasaland [now Malawi] and Southern Rhodesia[ now Zimbabwe].

He said the Second wave of Regional integration came after the launching of the Organisation of African Union[OAU] in 1963 which witnessed intense debates between two schools of thought of how to realise African political and economic unity as a basis for sustainable development.

The third wave according to Secretary general Ngwenya, can be discerned from the late 1980’s when bilateral donors and most importantly the Breton Woods Institutions[World Bank and International Monetary Fund] started paying attention to

Regional Cooperation and integration started way back-Ngwenyaefforts by African countries through regional organisations to address the historical legacy of fragmentation and small economies through regional integration.

Finally the Secretary General told the meeting that the Fourth Wave of Regional Integration in Africa can be traced to the mid 1990’s and the first decade of the twenty first century, which has witnessed the implementation of regional integration, programmes in the form of Free Trade Area’s, Customs Unions and Common Markets. “ There is also progress in sub-regions, such as, East Africa towards the establishment of a political federation,” Ngwenya said.; “The prospects for regional integration have never been as good as now, not only in Africa but globally”. He added

In conclusion Secretary General Ngwenya, said that there is evidence that the prospects of regional integration as a vehicle for the structural transformation of African economies are better than at any time since independence.

He identified the following factors as the current key drivers to integration :

• Evidence of increased cross-border investments by investors in manufacturing and services sectors within and between regional economic communities.

• Investments in infrastructure interconnectivity between and among countries are taking place and will facilitate intra-African trade and investments.

• Evidence for the first time that Africa and the eastern and southern Africa region in particular is attracting investment in green field investments in manufacturing.

• The inclusion of industrial strategies and policies in regional integration programmes to complement trade driven integration is a refreshing departure from the concentration on trade policy as a catalyst for national development and regional integration.

COMESA Secretary General Sindiso Ngwenya says that Regional cooperation and integration traces

way back to the colonial era as evidenced by the various schemes and arrangements that were put in place then.

Speaking when he presented a Key Note Address on “Regional Integration in African Context and Global Perspective” during the 2nd EAC Symposium, held in Arusha, Tanzania on 28th April, 2011 Mr. Ngwenya, said that Regional integration in Africa has undergone four phases.

He identified the ironical colonial attempt to govern some countries together despite having balkanised them, as the first wave of regional cooperation and integration. The second wave as the one that took place immediately during the post independence where African tried to come together including the formation of OAU; the third wave Mr Ngwenya adds , is closely intertwined with the second wave and can be traced to the 1990’s after the collapse of the Soviet empire .This period witnessed the end of ideological polarisation and bi-polar world in that capitalism had triumphed over socialism and communism which also witnessed the beginning of the process of rapid and intense globalisation that is aided by information , and communication technology ICT) . The fourth wave of regional integration is the shift in political and economic power that we are witnessing with the shift from the West to the East and Latin

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The COMESA Monetary Institute (CMI) housed at the Kenyan School of Monetary Studies in Nairobi, Kenya, recently organized a training for senior experts from Member States’ Ministries of Finance and Central Banks on Macroeconomic Modeling and Forecasting. The training that took place on 2-6 May, 2011 was attended by 27 participants from 13 member countries. The training is one of the work programmes of the Institute which was approved by the 15th Meeting of the COMESA Committee of Central Banks Governors, which was held in November in 2010 in Khartoum, Sudan.

The main objective of the training is to help participants have hands on capacity on the use of quantitative analytical methods of macroeconomic modeling and forecasting which would enable the formulation and implementation of better-informed and more consistent development policies. It will also enable the development of consistency frameworks for policy coherence and harmonization among COMESA Member States.

CMI strongly believes that capacity building in policy oriented research is crucial to foster regional integration, monitor convergence criteria, harmonise development policies of Member States and to create an adequate environment for private investment, value addition, export promotion and macroeconomic stability.

Cape Town, South Africa – At the World Economic Forum on Africa, the leaders of South

Africa, Gabon and Kenya pledged to work together and take a united stance at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban, South Africa, in November. “The question for us leaders is how committed we are to be a little less selfish and to think of the community as a whole,” said Gabon’s President Ali Bongo Ondimba, in a session on the second day of the meeting. “It is important for us as Africans to get together. We will be determined to speak with one voice.” COP 17 will aim to shape a legally binding agreement on global warming to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to end next year.

“There are parts of the world where the challenge [of climate change] is very severe,” explained South African President Jacob G. Zuma. “For some, it is a question of life or death. The question that faces all of us is how we respond: Are we ready to have a legally binding agreement that would try to accommodate all of us?”

Failure at Durban is not an option, warned Raila Amolo Odinga, Prime Minister of Kenya. Rising food and energy prices due in part to climate conditions are adding to the urgency. “There is a need to act now; there is no need to wait,” Odinga declared.To succeed in Durban and in the broader fight against global warming, governments must work with both business and civil society, the leaders agreed. “It is important to get the business community on board because financing is important,” Ondimba observed. “Government cannot shoulder the whole burden.”The business community is prepared to play its part, said Pat Davies, Chief Executive of Sasol. “We need

African Leaders Pledge to “Speak with One Voice” at Durban Climate Change Talks

a Team Africa approach to make this a success.” But, he added, “Whatever agreement is reached by governments must not compromise competitiveness, growth and the alleviation of unemployment and poverty.” It is important to balance mitigation and adaptation efforts with economic development and growth, he said, warning against setting hard targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions without a clear understanding of their impact.South Africa should lead the talks in Durban with the principle of putting people first. “We have to look at the social dimensions of climate change,” Sheila Sisulu, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), stressed, underscoring the need to address the impact of global warming on women and children. “If Team Africa fails to fight for the inclusion of people, it would be more than unfortunate.” Said Sisulu, “The point is to act now – not to act after Durban and an agreement is reached. This is not about what will happen. It is happening now.”

Noting that Africa’s potential as a global breadbasket could be compromised by climate change, Anand Sharma, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, told participants that, as the international community aims to agree on a post-Kyoto framework, “equity is vitally important.” There must be equitable sharing of technology and resources, he declared. “Responsibilities cannot be compartmentalized. It has to be a team effort, a global partnership. No country or group of countries can address a problem of this magnitude.” He concluded: “Those with the technology must share them with the rest of humankind

Source: Richard Elliott: World economic Forum

COMESA Monetary Institute (CMI) conducts Training on Macroeconomic Modeling and Forecasting

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Senator Jabulile Mashwama, the COMESA Council of Minsters Chairperson and Minister of

Commerce, Industry and Trade in the Kingdom of Swaziland, has joined the Israeli Diamond Institute’s (IDI) League of Honour. The IDI League of Honour was established as a symbol of tribute and appreciation to Heads of State and Government ministers who have acted to promote mutual cooperation between their nations and the Israeli Diamond Industry.

The Minister was presented with the League of Honour certificate during a visit to the Israeli Diamond Centre on 24th April, 2011, where she headed a 7 member delegation from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA),which promotes regional economic integration through trade and investment.

COMESA Council of Ministers Chair Person joins Israel Diamond Institute League of Honour

Moti Ganz, Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute, President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association and President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association, welcomed the Minister and her delegation to the Israeli diamond centre. “We are very pleased to welcome you to the Israeli Diamond Industry,” he said, in the presence of the leaders of the Israeli diamond sector. During her visit, the Minister was given a presentation by diamond industry analyst Chaim-Even-Zohar, who focused on Swaziland’s place in the diamond sector. Diamonds were first discovered in Swaziland in the 1970s, and while diamond production in the kingdom has largely ceased, there are plans that diamond production there will recommence later this year in the Dokolwayo region. Even-Zohar estimates

diamond production in Swaziland will reach about 80,000 carats per year, and that the diamonds will be of a good quality. The kingdom’s admittance to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, initiated in 2010 when Israel chaired the process, is also proceeding and will be complete when the local legislation is finalized. “We expect a decision shortly regarding the Kimberley Process,” explained the Minister, who provided further insight into the progress regarding the recommencement of diamond production in Swaziland. The issue of the marketing of the kingdom’s diamonds was also raised during the visit. Zizwe Vilane, the Director of Foreign Direct Investments at the Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority, gave an overview of the investment climate - and investment potential – in the Kingdom, which excels in various sectors such as coal, energy and sugar production. Others in the delegation led by the Minister included Dr. Chungu Mwila, COMESA Director of Investment, Promotion and Private Sector Development; Mr. Andrew Ngone, COMESA Senior Trade Advisor; Mr. Willis .W. Osemo, COMESA Webmaster, Mr. Nathaniel .H. Mahluza, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology, Kingdom of Swaziland and Mr. Dorrington Matiwane, CEO, SME Development, Kingdom of Swaziland.

Among the representatives of the Israeli diamond sector were Avi Paz, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the Israel Diamond Exchange, who invited the Minister to the upcoming WFDB meeting, and Shmuel Schnitzer, Honorary President of the WFDB and Chairman of the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum, who led the delegation on a tour of the museum. Other recipients of the IDI League of Honour include, Vice President of Sierra Leone Samuel Sam-Sumana, Dr. Eugene H. Shannon, Minister of Lands, Mines & Energy in Liberia, Mr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Minister of Minerals Energy & Water Resources in Botswana, Minister of Mines and Energy in Namibia Erkki Nghimtina and Mr Ricardo Martinelli, President of the Republic of Panama.

Hon. Jabulile Mashwama, Chair of COMESA Council of Ministers and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade in the Kingdom of Swaziland being conferred upon the League of Honour certificate by Eli Avidar, Managing Director of the Israel Diamond Institute, and Moti Ganz, Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute, President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association and President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association. Photo courtesy of the Israel Diamond Institute Photographer: Chen Willner; Three Photographers Ltd

Leaders of the Israeli diamond industry with Hon. Jabulile Mashwama, COMESA Council of Ministers Chairperson and Dr. Chungu Mwila, COMESA Director, Investment Promotion & Private Sector Development. Photo courtesy of the Israel Diamond Institute Photographer: Chen Willner; Three Photographers Ltd

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The Israeli Government is willing to support COMESA initiatives in the field of

science & technology, agriculture, mining and small and medium enterprises development. This was revealed by the Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor, Shalom Simhon, when he received a 7 member delegation from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) , and from the Kingdom of Swaziland, which paid him a courtesy call at his office in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The Minster Simhon noted that the Government of the State of Israel has deep interest in extending its cooperation with African states and cooperating with COMESA will definitely enhance this.

The Minister emphasized that, “One of the problems that hinders the leap forward is finding the right partner. The State of Israel would be an appropriate partner in the field of telecoms and other fields as well, and COMESA being a regional organization, is

suitable partner in this venture. I have no doubt that we will join forces to achieve common goals that require a common denominator”

Mr Simhon also pointed out that Israel had learnt from experience, that building advanced telecom infrastructure and linking into it is a big boost to development. “In Israel you can find the world’s leading telecom companies that specialise in telecom solutions appropriate to Africa, especially in accessing remote areas.” In this regard, he underscored that Africa has a lot to learn from Israel since it is the only country in the world that has managed to conquer the desert. “More than half of Israel’s exports in agriculture originate from the desert areas and 70% of the fruits and vegetables are grown in the desert.” He pointed out.

The Minister also expressed his country’s interest in pursuing mining in Africa, especially in the area of jewellery and gem stones mining. He looked forward to detailed discussion on the mining

Israel commits to support COMESA in different development fields sector.”

Elaborating on the issues of SMEs, the Minister said that the Israeli government will be pleased to assist in the areas of marketing and financing of the sector. The Israeli Government, he said, will share its’ knowledge and assist in setting up structures that will help SMEs in the COMESA region to thrive.

Minister Simhon assured the delegation that the support agreement to COMESA will be signed a before October, this year. “I will instruct my technical team to move with speed to ensure that this support agreement is signed on time”.

Speaking at the same function, Senator Mashwama who si the Chairperson of the COMESA Council of minister, thanked the Israel Government for its willingness to support not only science & technology but also SMEs, agriculture and mining . “We are glad that you are willing to support SMEs. We have learnt that here in Israel, SMEs are well groomed and supported by the government. We have also learnt and seen that there are other initiatives that Israel has and from MATIMOP we have learnt of some existing relationships and agreements with non-African countries and similar relationships and agreements can be beneficial to Africa and COMESA in particular; in terms of capacity building and exchange of expertise in information and technology.

Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor, Hon. Shalom Simhon (third from left) with the delegations from COMESA and the Kingdom of Swaziland

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COMESA and the Indian Ocean Community gender divisions have agreed on three areas of

collaboration.

The three areas are violence against women, women entrepreneurs and women in climate change.

Speaking in an interview with e-comesa news, after a consultative meeting at the COMESAE secretariat on the 6th May 2011, Charges d’ affaires responsible for Gender at the Indian Ocean Community, Mrs Fatoumia Bazi said that IOC finds it best to work with COMESA because of the long standing relationships between the two RECS.

“ This relationship we are building started way back, but it is the first time that my organization is working with the gender division and I am very excited to work with this division “, Mrs. Bazi said.She said that her organization will spearhead some projects dealing with women entrepreneurship because of the organization’s vast knowledge and experience in the field.

“ As you may know, Mauritius is leading in women entrepreneurship

because they have a national programme which makes it very easy for us (IOC) to implement any project of that nature’” She said.

Mrs. Bazi further said that her organization hopes to learn a lot in climate change related programmes because COMESA has made tremendous achievements and is currently leading way in the field. “ We hope to learn from you in the area of climate change because we realize that you have workable examples of the climate change projects that involve women”.

Mrs Bazi expressed hope that the joint effort will yield the desired results especially that the two secretary-generals from both COMESA and IOC are spearheading the programme.

And speaking later the Director of Gender and Social affairs at the COMESA Secretariat Mrs. Emiliana Tembo said that the collaboration will help enhance regional integration especially that OIC and COMESA have cross membership states in both RECS.

Mrs. Tembo revealed that both the IOC and COMESA Gender Divisions

have lapses and therefore there is need for the two RECS to learn from each other’s weaknesses and strengths.

“ We have notices that our colleagues have certain weaknesses and strengths that we can learn from and they too can learn form ours” Mrs. Tembo Said.

She said that there is need for COMESA to strengthen advocacy in the gender programmes in terms of resource mobilization and capacity building.“ We need to be very aggressive when it come to advocacy, we need to find money for capacity building so that we learn how to tackle some of the challenges we are facing as gender division’” Mrs. Tembo added.She said that COMESA is very optimistic about the collaboration and that COMESA will share information in areas where it is strong like female farmers and climate change.

Mrs. Tembo retaliated the importance of women’s involvement in climate change programmes, as they are the most affected by challenges that come with climate change.

“ Women are the one who go to look for food, look after the sick and so on, and so you can see just how they come face to face with climate change challenges”, she echoed.Mrs. Tembo r employed Women from the IOC and COMESA to take centre stage and build their capacity to know how to adapt and adopt the challenges that Climate change brings.

“ As women in the two RECs, we need to know the new technological advances that will help mitigate these challenges so that we can apply the them” she gave, conservation agriculture as an example that could enhance food security in the two regions.

COMESA and IOC Gender Divisions to collaborate in three areas

From left: Ms.Maria D. Phiri, Gender Focal Person for Agriculture and Climate Change, Mrs Fatoumia Ali Bazi, IOC Gender Unit Officer in Charge, Mrs Tembo COMESA Gender Director and Mrs. Aline Wong, Consultant for IOC,