Comesa Update - Issue 293 - May 6th 2011

1. newsletter
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Issue 293 - 6th May19 October 2007
Issue #126 - Friday 2011 newsletter
Regional Cooperation and integration started way back-Ngwenya
America. efforts by African countries through regional
organisations to address the historical legacy
He pointed out that the history of the East of fragmentation and small economies
African Community for example can be through regional integration.
traced as far back as1900, when Customs
collection centre for uganda was established Finally the Secretary General told the
in Mombasa, Kenya due to the fact that meeting that the Fourth Wave of Regional
Kenya and Uganda were all British colonies. Integration in Africa can be traced to the
In order to achieve efficiency it did not make mid 1990’s and the first decade of the
sense to the colonial power to have different twenty first century, which has witnessed
institutions in the two countries setting the implementation of regional integration,
up their own administrative institutions to programmes in the form of Free Trade Area’s,
administer common programmes. Customs Unions and Common Markets.
“ There is also progress in sub-regions, such
Mr. Ngwenya added that following the as, East Africa towards the establishment of
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establishment of this Custom collection a political federation,” Ngwenya said.; “The
OMESA Secretary General Sindiso centre the institutions bellow; were prospects for regional integration have never
Ngwenya says that Regional established to serve the two countries at been as good as now, not only in Africa but
cooperation and integration traces different period as indicated: 1905 the East globally”. He added
way back to the colonial era as evidenced by African Currency Board was set up to issue
the various schemes and arrangements that currency for Kenya and Uganda; in 1917 a In conclusion Secretary General Ngwenya,
were put in place then. Custom Union was established between said that there is evidence that the prospects
Kenya and Uganda- Tanganyika [a former of regional integration as a vehicle for
Speaking when he presented a Key Note Germany colony] joined in1922 after the the structural transformation of African
Address on “Regional Integration in African second world war as a Protectorate of economies are better than at any time since
Context and Global Perspective” during the League of Nations administered by independence.
the 2nd EAC Symposium, held in Arusha, the British; later The East African High
Tanzania on 28th April, 2011 Mr. Ngwenya, Commission and The East African Common He identified the following factors as the
said that Regional integration in Africa has Services organization were established. current key drivers to integration :
undergone four phases.
He further pointed out that, other examples • Evidence of increased cross-
He identified the ironical colonial attempt of regional co-operation influenced by the border investments by investors in
to govern some countries together despite colonial masters include the establishment manufacturing and services sectors
having balkanised them, as the first wave of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland within and between regional
of regional cooperation and integration. which was established in 1953, comprising economic communities.
The second wave as the one that took place what was then Northern Rhodesia[now • Investments in infrastructure
immediately during the post independence Zambia] ,Nyasaland [now Malawi] and interconnectivity between and
where African tried to come together Southern Rhodesia[ now Zimbabwe]. among countries are taking place
including the formation of OAU; the and will facilitate intra-African trade
third wave Mr Ngwenya adds , is closely He said the Second wave of Regional and investments.
intertwined with the second wave and can integration came after the launching of the • Evidence for the first time that
be traced to the 1990’s after the collapse of Organisation of African Union[OAU] in 1963 Africa and the eastern and southern
the Soviet empire .This period witnessed the which witnessed intense debates between Africa region in particular is
end of ideological polarisation and bi-polar two schools of thought of how to realise attracting investment in green field
world in that capitalism had triumphed African political and economic unity as a investments in manufacturing.
over socialism and communism which also basis for sustainable development. • The inclusion of industrial strategies
witnessed the beginning of the process and policies in regional integration
of rapid and intense globalisation that is The third wave according to Secretary programmes to complement trade
aided by information , and communication general Ngwenya, can be discerned from driven integration is a refreshing
technology ICT) . The fourth wave of regional the late 1980’s when bilateral donors departure from the concentration
integration is the shift in political and and most importantly the Breton Woods on trade policy as a catalyst for
economic power that we are witnessing with Institutions[World Bank and International national development and regional
the shift from the West to the East and Latin Monetary Fund] started paying attention to integration.
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2. COMESA Monetary African Leaders Pledge to “Speak with One
Institute (CMI)
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conducts Training on Voice” at Durban Climate Change Talks
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Macroeconomic Modeling ape Town, South Africa – At a Team Africa approach to make
and Forecasting the World Economic Forum this a success.” But, he added,
on Africa, the leaders of South “Whatever agreement is reached by
The COMESA Monetary Institute Africa, Gabon and Kenya pledged governments must not compromise
(CMI) housed at the Kenyan School to work together and take a united competitiveness, growth and the
of Monetary Studies in Nairobi, stance at the 17th Conference of alleviation of unemployment and
Kenya, recently organized a training the Parties (COP 17) of the United poverty.” It is important to balance
for senior experts from Member Nations Framework Convention on mitigation and adaptation efforts with
States’ Ministries of Finance and Climate Change in Durban, South economic development and growth,
Africa, in November. “The question he said, warning against setting
Central Banks on Macroeconomic
for us leaders is how committed we hard targets for greenhouse gas
Modeling and Forecasting. The are to be a little less selfish and to emission reductions without a clear
training that took place on 2-6 think of the community as a whole,” understanding of their impact.
May, 2011 was attended by 27 said Gabon’s President Ali Bongo South Africa should lead the talks in
participants from 13 member Ondimba, in a session on the second Durban with the principle of putting
countries. The training is one of the day of the meeting. “It is important people first. “We have to look at the
work programmes of the Institute for us as Africans to get together. social dimensions of climate change,”
We will be determined to speak with Sheila Sisulu, Deputy Executive
which was approved by the 15th
one voice.” COP 17 will aim to shape Director of the United Nations World
Meeting of the COMESA Committee a legally binding agreement on Food Programme (WFP), stressed,
of Central Banks Governors, which global warming to replace the Kyoto underscoring the need to address
was held in November in 2010 in Protocol, which is set to end next year. the impact of global warming
Khartoum, Sudan. on women and children. “If Team
“There are parts of the world where Africa fails to fight for the inclusion
The main objective of the training the challenge [of climate change] is of people, it would be more than
very severe,” explained South African unfortunate.” Said Sisulu, “The point is
is to help participants have
President Jacob G. Zuma. “For some, to act now – not to act after Durban
hands on capacity on the use of
it is a question of life or death. The and an agreement is reached. This
quantitative analytical methods question that faces all of us is how is not about what will happen. It is
of macroeconomic modeling and we respond: Are we ready to have a happening now.”
forecasting which would enable the legally binding agreement that would
formulation and implementation try to accommodate all of us?” Noting that Africa’s potential as
of better-informed and more a global breadbasket could be
Failure at Durban is not an option, compromised by climate change,
consistent development policies. It
warned Raila Amolo Odinga, Prime Anand Sharma, India’s Minister
will also enable the development of
Minister of Kenya. Rising food and of Commerce and Industry, told
consistency frameworks for policy energy prices due in part to climate participants that, as the international
coherence and harmonization conditions are adding to the urgency. community aims to agree on a post-
among COMESA Member States. “There is a need to act now; there is Kyoto framework, “equity is vitally
no need to wait,” Odinga declared. important.” There must be equitable
CMI strongly believes that capacity To succeed in Durban and in the sharing of technology and resources,
broader fight against global warming, he declared. “Responsibilities cannot
building in policy oriented
governments must work with both be compartmentalized. It has to be
research is crucial to foster regional
business and civil society, the leaders a team effort, a global partnership.
integration, monitor convergence agreed. “It is important to get the No country or group of countries can
criteria, harmonise development business community on board address a problem of this magnitude.”
policies of Member States and to because financing is important,” He concluded: “Those with the
create an adequate environment Ondimba observed. “Government technology must share them with the
for private investment, value cannot shoulder the whole burden.” rest of humankind
The business community is prepared
addition, export promotion and
to play its part, said Pat Davies, Source: Richard Elliott: World economic
macroeconomic stability.
Chief Executive of Sasol. “We need Forum
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3. COMESA Council of Ministers Chair Person joins
Israel Diamond Institute League of Honour 3
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.
Hon. Jabulile Mashwama, Chair of COMESA Council of Ministers and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade in the Zizwe Vilane, the Director of Foreign
Kingdom of Swaziland being conferred upon the League of Honour certificate by Eli Avidar, Managing Director of the Direct Investments at the Swaziland
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 Investment Promotion Authority,
Diamond Institute Photographer: Chen Willner; Three Photographers Ltd 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,
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 Kingdom of Swaziland and Mr.
Diamond Institute Photographer: Chen Willner; Three Photographers Ltd Dorrington Matiwane, CEO, SME
S
enator Jabulile Mashwama, the Moti Ganz, Chairman of the Israel Development, Kingdom of Swaziland.
COMESA Council of Minsters Diamond Institute, President of the
Chairperson and Minister of International Diamond Manufacturers Among the representatives of the Israeli
Commerce, Industry and Trade in the Association and President of the Israel diamond sector were Avi Paz, President
Kingdom of Swaziland, has joined the Diamond Manufacturers Association, of the World Federation of Diamond
Israeli Diamond Institute’s (IDI) League welcomed the Minister and her Bourses (WFDB) and the Israel Diamond
of Honour. The IDI League of Honour delegation to the Israeli diamond centre. Exchange, who invited the Minister
was established as a symbol of tribute “We are very pleased to welcome you to to the upcoming WFDB meeting, and
Shmuel Schnitzer, Honorary President
and appreciation to Heads of State the Israeli Diamond Industry,” he said, in
of the WFDB and Chairman of the Harry
and Government ministers who have the presence of the leaders of the Israeli
Oppenheimer Diamond Museum, who
acted to promote mutual cooperation diamond sector.
led the delegation on a tour of the
between their nations and the Israeli
museum.
Diamond Industry. During her visit, the Minister was given
a presentation by diamond industry Other recipients of the IDI League of
The Minister was presented with the analyst Chaim-Even-Zohar, who Honour include, Vice President of Sierra
League of Honour certificate during a focused on Swaziland’s place in the Leone Samuel Sam-Sumana, Dr. Eugene
visit to the Israeli Diamond Centre on diamond sector. Diamonds were first H. Shannon, Minister of Lands, Mines
24th April, 2011, where she headed a 7 discovered in Swaziland in the 1970s, & Energy in Liberia, Mr Ponatshego
member delegation from the Common and while diamond production in the Kedikilwe, Minister of Minerals Energy &
Market for Eastern and Southern Africa kingdom has largely ceased, there are Water Resources in Botswana, Minister
(COMESA),which promotes regional plans that diamond production there of Mines and Energy in Namibia Erkki
economic integration through trade and will recommence later this year in the Nghimtina and Mr Ricardo Martinelli,
investment. Dokolwayo region. Even-Zohar estimates President of the Republic of Panama.
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4. Israel commits to support COMESA in different development fields
sector.”
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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
Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor, Hon. Shalom Simhon (third from left) with the delegations from
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COMESA and the Kingdom of Swaziland delegation that the support
he Israeli Government is suitable partner in this venture.
agreement to COMESA will be
willing to support COMESA I have no doubt that we will
signed a before October, this year.
initiatives in the field of join forces to achieve common
“I will instruct my technical team
science & technology, agriculture, goals that require a common
to move with speed to ensure
mining and small and medium denominator”
that this support agreement is
enterprises development. This
signed on time”.
was revealed by the Israeli Mr Simhon also pointed out that
Minister of Industry, Trade Israel had learnt from experience,
Speaking at the same function,
and Labor, Shalom Simhon, that building advanced telecom
Senator Mashwama who si the
when he received a 7 member infrastructure and linking into it
Chairperson of the COMESA
delegation from the Common is a big boost to development.
Council of minister, thanked
Market for Eastern and Southern “In Israel you can find the world’s
the Israel Government for its
Africa (COMESA) , and from the leading telecom companies that
willingness to support not only
Kingdom of Swaziland, which specialise in telecom solutions
science & technology but also
paid him a courtesy call at his appropriate to Africa, especially
SMEs, agriculture and mining .
office in Tel Aviv, Israel. in accessing remote areas.” In this
“We are glad that you are willing
regard, he underscored that Africa
to support SMEs. We have learnt
The Minster Simhon noted that has a lot to learn from Israel since
that here in Israel, SMEs are well
the Government of the State it is the only country in the world
groomed and supported by the
of Israel has deep interest in that has managed to conquer the
government. We have also learnt
extending its cooperation with desert. “More than half of Israel’s
and seen that there are other
African states and cooperating exports in agriculture originate
initiatives that Israel has and
with COMESA will definitely from the desert areas and 70%
from MATIMOP we have learnt
enhance this. of the fruits and vegetables are
of some existing relationships
grown in the desert.” He pointed
and agreements with non-
The Minister emphasized that, out.
African countries and similar
“One of the problems that hinders
relationships and agreements
the leap forward is finding the The Minister also expressed his
can be beneficial to Africa and
right partner. The State of Israel country’s interest in pursuing
COMESA in particular; in terms of
would be an appropriate partner mining in Africa, especially in the
capacity building and exchange
in the field of telecoms and area of jewellery and gem stones
of expertise in information and
other fields as well, and COMESA mining. He looked forward to
technology.
being a regional organization, is detailed discussion on the mining
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5. COMESA and IOC Gender Divisions to collaborate in three areas
have lapses and therefore there
is need for the two RECS to learn 5
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
From left: Ms.Maria D. Phiri, Gender Focal Person for Agriculture and Climate when it come to advocacy, we need
Change, Mrs Fatoumia Ali Bazi, IOC Gender Unit Officer in Charge, Mrs Tembo to find money for capacity building
COMESA Gender Director and Mrs. Aline Wong, Consultant for IOC, so that we learn how to tackle some
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OMESA and the Indian Ocean because they have a national of the challenges we are facing as
Community gender divisions programme which makes it very easy gender division’” Mrs. Tembo added.
have agreed on three areas of for us (IOC) to implement any project She said that COMESA is very
collaboration. of that nature’” She said. optimistic about the collaboration
and that COMESA will share
The three areas are violence against Mrs. Bazi further said that her information in areas where it is
women, women entrepreneurs and organization hopes to learn a lot in strong like female farmers and
women in climate change. climate change related programmes climate change.
because COMESA has made
Speaking in an interview with tremendous achievements and is Mrs. Tembo retaliated the
e-comesa news, after a consultative currently leading way in the field. importance of women’s involvement
in climate change programmes,
meeting at the COMESAE secretariat “ We hope to learn from you in the
as they are the most affected by
on the 6th May 2011, Charges d’ area of climate change because
challenges that come with climate
affaires responsible for Gender at we realize that you have workable
change.
the Indian Ocean Community, Mrs examples of the climate change
Fatoumia Bazi said that IOC finds it projects that involve women”.
“ Women are the one who go to
best to work with COMESA because
look for food, look after the sick and
of the long standing relationships Mrs Bazi expressed hope that the
so on, and so you can see just how
between the two RECS. joint effort will yield the desired
they come face to face with climate
results especially that the two change challenges”, she echoed.
“ This relationship we are building secretary-generals from both Mrs. Tembo r employed Women
started way back, but it is the first COMESA and IOC are spearheading from the IOC and COMESA to take
time that my organization is working the programme. centre stage and build their capacity
with the gender division and I to know how to adapt and adopt
am very excited to work with this And speaking later the Director the challenges that Climate change
division “, Mrs. Bazi said. of Gender and Social affairs at the brings.
She said that her organization will COMESA Secretariat Mrs. Emiliana
spearhead some projects dealing Tembo said that the collaboration “ As women in the two RECs, we
with women entrepreneurship will help enhance regional need to know the new technological
because of the organization’s vast integration especially that OIC and advances that will help mitigate
knowledge and experience in the COMESA have cross membership these challenges so that we
field. states in both RECS. can apply the them” she gave,
conservation agriculture as an
“ As you may know, Mauritius is Mrs. Tembo revealed that both the example that could enhance food
leading in women entrepreneurship IOC and COMESA Gender Divisions security in the two regions.
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