The Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) has developed a COVID19 information sharing platform aiming to connect suppliers to buyers.

COMESA Secretary-General Ms Chileshe Kapwepwe says that the online portal will be accessible to member states where they can exchange information on the availability of essential products. The agency hopes that the platform will boost local production and address shortages in supplies.

In this case, manufacturers and suppliers in member states will share information on their products and their potential to produce and supply. In a report Adoption of ICT is Critical in Post COVID-19 trade facilitation, the agency believes that embracing technology in various trade facilitation instruments can unlock and accelerate cross border trade and investment during the pandemic.  

Comesa secretary general says that measures implemented by member states such as closing of borders to contain the spread of the virus have slowed down economic activity and negatively impacted cross border trade. These measures threaten to retract the gains already made in strengthening trade and economic integration in the region.

COMESA has 21 members and a market base of 560 million people.

In early July, COMESA announced the implementation of an automation program targeting government agencies systems to support full implementation of coordinated border management systems. This will enhance trade driven by upgraded border crossings and efficient cross-border clearance processes.