COMESA Launches Strategic Capacity-Building Programme to Strengthen Foreign Direct Investment Promotion Across Member States
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is a prominent regional economic union comprising 21 Member States, with a combined population exceeding 600 million people. Representing approximately 3% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and facilitating trade flows valued at over USD 250 billion annually, COMESA plays a critical role in advancing economic integration and cooperation across Eastern and Southern Africa.
COMESA operates through a network of institutions and specialised agencies, including the COMESA Regional Investment Agency (COMESA RIA). Established to champion investment promotion within the region, COMESA RIA has been instrumental in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), thereby fostering sustainable economic growth and development among Member States.
The COMESA RIA has been at the forefront of promoting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the region, achieving significant success in facilitating sustainable investment flows that drive economic growth. In line with its mission to strengthen investment promotion capabilities across Member States, COMESA RIA is implementing a comprehensive capacity-building programme targeting COMESA diplomats, commercial attachés, and National Investment Promotion Agencies (NIPAs) across all 21 COMESA Member States.
The Programme Background
FDI remains a cornerstone of economic progress by providing capital inflows, technology transfer, employment opportunities, and integration into global value chains.
In recognition of the pivotal role that FDI plays in economic development and acknowledging the strategic importance of skilled diplomatic engagement in investment promotion, the programme targets diplomats, commercial attachés, and representatives from National Investment Promotion Agencies (NIPAs) across all 21 COMESA Member States. It is designed to enhance the 2capabilities of these key stakeholders, who are critical links between host countries and potential foreign investors.
The programme underscores the essential role diplomats and commercial attachés play through their international engagement, which can profoundly influence the investment attraction strategies of their respective countries. Moreover, the programme emphasises the collaborative mechanisms among stakeholders involved throughout the FDI cycle, including NIPAs, to foster a cohesive and effective investment environment.
The Training Coverage
The training curriculum offers comprehensive coverage of the significance of FDI from both an economic and investor perspective. It guides participants through practical methodologies for identifying impactful investment projects that enhance their home country's economic development as well as executing effective promotional strategies on positioning their home country as an investment location globally. Furthermore, participants will be equipped with the necessary tools and resources to leverage the competitive advantages offered by the COMESA region as a preferred destination for global investment.
This initiative marks a significant advancement in building the investment promotion capacities of COMESA Member States, positioning the region more effectively within the global investment ecosystem. By equipping diplomats, commercial attachés, and Investment Promotion Agencies with enhanced skills and knowledge, the programme seeks to unlock new investment opportunities, stimulate sustainable economic growth, and contribute to the broader development ambition of the COMESA region.
Through this initiative, COMESA RIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Heba Salam, expresses their commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and enabling COMESA Member States to position themselves more competitively on the global investment stage.
“By investing in the knowledge and capabilities of key investment stakeholders,” the CEO affirmed, “this programme is designed to unlock long-term opportunities, deepen regional cooperation, and advance the broader vision of inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.”
Upon conclusion of the training programme, a comprehensive summary will be released featuring key outcomes, participant feedback, and strategic recommendations derived from the programme.
Contacts
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Mahmoud Mahgoub: mmahgoub@comesaria.org
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Engy Abdel Hady: eabdelhady@comesaria.org
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Omar Eleish: eleish@integrating-economies.de
