COMESA Meets to Advance Circular Value Chains
The Second Green Industry Connect Meeting in Harare focuses on sustainable industrial transformation across the region.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Manufacturing
Live Poll
Do you believe circular economy business models effectively drive long-term regional economic growth?
The UN Economic Commission for Africa joined private sector leaders and policymakers at the Second COMESA Green Industry Connect Meeting in Harare. The gathering focused on scaling circular business models to drive industrial growth across member states.
Why it matters
Promoting a circular economy is intended to serve as a primary engine for sustainable economic development and industrial modernization in the region. By integrating these practices, stakeholders aim to shift away from traditional production methods toward more resilient value chains.
The Second Green Industry Connect Meeting took place as part of the 19th COMESA Business Forum. This iteration focused on advancing circular value chains within the organization's member states.
The players
UN Economic Commission for Africa
This regional commission works to promote economic and social development, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development.
COMESA
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa is a free trade area consisting of 21 member states stretching from Tunisia to Eswatini.
The details
Participants including financiers, innovators, and development partners explored strategies to strengthen production systems in leather, textiles, plastics, and electronic waste. The discussions sought to identify actionable ways to attract investment while fostering inclusive industrialization.
Timeline
The Second COMESA Green Industry Connect Meeting was held in October 2026.
Market Landscape
This regional coordination initiative aligns with the COMESA Treaty provisions on industrial cooperation by formalizing cross-border value chains. It positions the trade bloc to better compete with global manufacturing hubs by standardizing circularity requirements.
These policy developments may eventually alter product availability and pricing in the leather, textile, and electronics sectors as manufacturers adopt circular standards. Consumers should monitor for shifts in supply chain regulations that could impact the cost of goods imported from the region.
The takeaway
Adopting circular economic models allows industries to reduce resource waste while creating new investment opportunities in emerging markets. Businesses and policymakers are encouraged to prioritize sustainability to ensure long-term industrial viability.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industrial developments at the Manufacturing hub.
Live Poll
Do you believe circular economy business models effectively drive long-term regional economic growth?
