The 2016-2020 Strategic Plan aims to drive structural transformation in the economies of COMESA Member States by enhancing trade facilitation and promoting investment. The Plan adopts a developmental approach to regional integration, focusing on market integration, industrialization (including support for small and medium enterprises and regional industrial clusters), and infrastructure development to achieve public policy objectives such as job creation, income growth, and economic transformation for improved livelihoods, as well as institutional and regulatory policy improvements, capacity building, and resource mobilization. Moreover, the Plan will enhance communication of priorities, improve management of strategic initiatives, and foster cooperation among stakeholders. It serves as a valuable tool for engaging strategic partners in regional integration efforts and mobilizing both financial and non-financial resources. Furthermore, it will provide a framework for developing detailed annual work programs and budgets. This aligns with the COMESA Vision of establishing a fully integrated, internationally competitive regional economic community with high living standards for all its citizens, poised to integrate into the African Economic Community. In line with this vision, the 2016-2020 COMESA Medium Term Strategic Plan is structured around the Balanced Scorecard framework, aiming to boost organizational productivity and effectiveness by focusing on sustainability, internal processes, financial stewardship, and customer satisfaction. The Medium Term Strategic Plan (MTSP) delineates the following key objectives: (i) Enhancing Market Integration by promoting the seamless flow of goods, services, capital, and people to facilitate trade through simplification and harmonization of procedures, aiming to reduce cross-border trade costs and foster balanced economic growth among member states; (ii) Attracting Increased Investments by improving Member States' investment climates through capacity-building programs for Investment Promotion Agencies, fostering cross-border initiatives, and maintaining promotional activities; (iii) Strengthening the Blue/Ocean Economy in alignment with the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on aquatic and marine resources to drive structural transformation and inclusive economic growth in COMESA countries; (iv) Harnessing the Benefits of Strategic Partnerships by actively collaborating with national, regional, and international partners to maximize interdependence advantages for Member States, the private sector, academia, and other stakeholders, including sharing technical assistance, training, information, and resources; (v) Strengthening Development of Economic Infrastructure (Energy, Transport, and ICTs) to reduce business costs, enhance competitiveness, and foster regional connectivity, with special attention to addressing environmental constraints and climate risks; (vi) Promoting Industrialization to diversify economies and promote sustainable growth, employment creation, and poverty reduction, with a focus on agricultural productivity and agro-processing as key intervention areas; (vii) Fostering Gender Equality and Social Development to enhance citizens' living standards through inclusive, participatory, and sustainable development interventions, particularly through initiatives promoting gender equality, women's and youth empowerment, and protection of vulnerable groups' rights; (viii) Ensuring Regional and Secretariat Readiness by implementing risk management practices, fostering good governance, and preparedness to recognize and address global and regional threats, including minimizing business disruptions and upholding organizational sustainability; (ix) Strengthening Regional Knowledge and Skills Capacity by enhancing institutional and human capacity through continuous improvement of expertise in both public and private sectors, innovative approaches by research and training institutions to adapt to evolving issues and technologies, and reinforcing COMESA Secretariat and institutions, while leveraging dedicated capacity building institutions' efforts.
2016-01-01