COMESA – European Union Strategic Dialogue & Launch of new EUR 40 million regional Circular Economy Programme

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COMESA - European Union Strategic Dialogue & Launch of new EUR 40 million regional Circular Economy Programme

16.08.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to ZAMBIA

© EUROPEAN UNION 2024

On Friday, 26 August 2024 at the COMESA Secretariat, Lusaka, Zambia

This morning, the European Union (EU) and COMESA held a Strategic Dialogue to discuss and align key strategic priorities, and exchange on institutional developments, as well as on ongoing and new cooperation and partnership projects. The Dialogue was co-chaired by COMESA Secretary General, H.E. Chileshe Kapwepwe and by the Ambassador of the European Union, H.E. Karolina Stasiak. Ambassadors and representatives of EU Member States were also present.

The long-standing cooperation and partnership between the EU and COMESA builds on a shared vision regional integration and connectivity, dismantling barriers to regional trade, to increase policy coherence, and to stimulate sustainable economic growth and development.

The EU confirmed that its political priorities for 2025-2029 will continue to champion partnerships promoting sustainability, green, circular and digital transformation, as reflected in the Global Gateway Strategy, the European Green Deal, the Digital Strategy, and the Africa-EU Partnership, which frames our relation as closest neighbors. In view of geopolitical uncertainties, but also of geopolitical challenges and opportunities, the EU will further invest in economic resilience with its closest strategic partners.

EU Ambassador Stasiak emphasized that "Our joint regional programmes have been instrumental in addressing key issues, such as trade facilitation along key transport corridors, the development of regional value chains, facilitating market access, infrastructure development, and capacity building. These regional initiatives have not only strengthened our partnership, but have also contributed to upgrading the lives and increase prosperity in our regions." The Ambassador also congratulated COMESA on the recent entry into force of the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement (TFTA) with SADC and EAC - an important milestone towards the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

COMESA Secretary General Kapwepwe underlined that COMESA is committed to working closely with our EU counterparts to deepen this partnership and ensure its continued success. '"For this purpose, we see dialogue as an essential factor, and this Strategic Dialogue provides an opportunity to review the progress and effectiveness of ongoing EU programmes within the COMESA region, explore potential areas for future cooperation and new programme development, align our strategic goals and ensure that upcoming initiatives are well-coordinated and mutually beneficial".

In the margins of the Strategic Dialogue, the European Union and COMESA signed the Financing Agreement for the EUR 40 million "SWITCH to Circular Economy in East and Southern Africa (SWITCH-2-CE in ESA) programme. The initiative focus on the inclusive transition from a linear to a circular economy, while promoting sustainable business models, impact investments and creating the jobs for the future. SWITCH-2-CE in ESA will contribute to reverse environmental degradation and recover natural capital, improve resource efficiency and reduce waste and pollution. More specifically, the SWITCH-2-CE in ESA programme will target the Packaging & Plastic Waste, as well as the Electronics & E-Waste value chains development within the COMESA region. As such, it establishes also a close link to the sustainable sourcing of critical raw materials in East and Southern Africa.

Contacts: Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Zambia & COMESA, [email protected], Political, Press and Information Section Tel. +260 970007092

COMESA Secretariat, Ben Bella Road, [email protected]www.comesa.int