President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi has urged African countries to keep their doors wide open to enhance intergration.
However, Burundi maintains a closed border to Rwanda which is a Comesa member accusing it of hosting a rebel group.
Maintaining a closed border since January, effectively “violates principles of regional cooperation and integration of the East African Community,” according to Rwanda.
During the 23rd COMESA summit, this October, Ndayishimiye announced the exemption from short-stay visa for nationals of COMESA member countries.
“I invite you all to prioritize trade and regional relations, and to keep the doors of your countries wide open,” he said.
In his speech, Ndayishimiye encouraged member states to open their borders to foster the sharing of information and technology.
Burundi was handed the COMESA presidency during the Summit during which President Ndayishimiye, pledged will continue the regional initiatives undertaken to strengthen economic integration and sustainable development.
COMESA member States’ exports to the world have recorded an increase reaching U$219 billion in 2023, compared to U$100 billion in 2020.
Experts argue that this 210% growth underlines the importance of regional economic openness. Intra-regional trade, trade between COMESA countries has increased by 40%, now reaching U$14 billion.
The Tripartite Free Trade Area, adopted in July 2024, marks a decisive step towards African integration. The zone aims to “establish a unified continental market and improve customs and trade facilitation.
This progress has been supported by the European Union, which has allocated 20 million euros to modernise customs infrastructure, simplify import-export processes and strengthen border management systems.
