LUSAKA, August 30, 2024 – The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa [ COMESA ] and International Institute for Sustainable Development [IISD] recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] to cooperate in areas of common interest in pursuing their respective mandates and strategic objectives of contribution towards sustainable economic growth and development.
Under the partnership, the two organisations will bolster their collaboration in support of the responsible and sustainable agriculture and industry investments by strengthening technical and institutional capacities of COMESA Member States.
The MoU coverage is focused on the fields of amongst others; Responsible investment in agriculture and food systems, policy to attract sustainable investment, Sustainable production, consumption and trade of agri-food products, Sustainable industrialisation through research and development and climate change support.
These efforts are guided by the Medium-Term Strategy Plan (2021-2025) for Development Cooperation of the Slovak Republic [2019-2023] and the IISD Strategic Plan [2020 – 2025].
Vice President, Global Strategies and Managing Director, Europe Natalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder, and COMESA Secretary General, Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations.
“This MoU represents a critical step forward in our shared commitment to fostering sustainable development in the region. By combining our expertise and resources, we will strengthen the capacities of COMESA Member States, ensuring that investments in agriculture and industry are not only responsible but also sustainable,” said Europe Natalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder.
COMESA and IISD will leverage on innovate research, analysis, knowledge sharing and technical assistance to promote food security, responsible agriculture investments. This partnership between COMESA and IISD will contribute to efficient and effective development and implementation of COMESA programmes that will enhance regional trade and investment in agri-food systems.
“This partnership is poised to contribute significantly to the efficient and effective development and implementation of COMESA programmes, which will, in turn, enhance regional trade and investment in agri-food systems,” Kapwepwe stated adding that “By working together, we can achieve our shared vision of a more sustainable future for the region. This MoU is just the beginning of what I believe will be a fruitful and impactful partnership,” said Kapwepwe.
Further, the two organisations will organise will provide technical assistance, capacity building and sensitization workshop to COMESA Member States.
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