Deputy president William Ruto has proposed free movement of goods and services among the COMESA member states.
Addressing the 19th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Ruto said that trade barriers should be removed to achieve meaningful integration.
"To reap the benefits of reduced or non-tariffs, we must have goods and services moving freely among COMESA member states. Meaningful integration of COMESA can only be achieved by removing non-tariff barriers to trade and investment. I urge member states to accelerate the implementation of the COMESA Protocol on eliminating Visas to ease movement of people and goods," said Ruto.
Ruto added that if peace, security, and integration in Africa are prioritized, trade, innovation, and investment will position Africa to take its rightful role on the world stage.
"Africa is home to the fastest growing economies in the world and the continent with the highest return on investment. It is our collective responsibility to think about the opportunities that exist in our continent, work together and use them to drive the progress of our continent," added Ruto.