Rwanda will be represented by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, at the upcoming 23rd COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit in Bujumbura, Burundi, on October 31.
Taarifa has confirmed with trusted sources that President Paul Kagame will not attend, contrary to rumors suggesting otherwise.
The summit will bring together leaders and representatives from the 21-member Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) bloc to discuss significant issues impacting the region. This year’s theme, “Accelerating Regional Integration through the Development of Regional Value Chains in Climate Resilient Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism,” underscores a shared commitment to fostering resilience and economic growth across multiple sectors.
Key agenda items include reviewing COMESA’s integration efforts, advancing priority programmes, and receiving reports from the Council of Ministers and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, the COMESA Business Forum will present a declaration aimed at driving regional business collaboration.
Despite some unresolved diplomatic issues, such as the closed border between Rwanda and Burundi, Rwanda remains fully engaged in regional integration efforts. By sending its Trade Minister, Rwanda is actively participating in discussions that shape economic and trade policies within the region, reflecting its ongoing commitment to strengthening ties and advancing shared goals across COMESA.
