About The Summit
24th Summit of COMESA Heads of States and Government
The COMESA Summit is also known as the COMESA Authority and is made up of the 21 Heads of State and Government of Member States.
Background of the Summit
It is the supreme Policy Organ and is responsible for the general policy, direction and control of the performance of COMESA’s executive functions. The Authority is concerned with the strategic trajectory of the region as well as the bloc’s achievement of its aims. Decisions and directives of the Heads of State are by consensus and are binding on all subordinate institutions, except the Court of Justice
The current Chairman of the just-ended 23rd COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government is H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, who will be handing over to H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya.
Decision Making Process
COMESA has evolved a comprehensive decision making structure at the top of which is the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the 21 member countries. There is then a Council of Ministers responsible for policy making, 12 technical committees and a series of other advisory bodies (including specific relations with partner countries and the business community). In addition each member state appoints liaison persons in their appropriate ministries who form part of the day-to-day communication process. Overall co-ordination is achieved through the Secretariat, based in Lusaka, Zambia.s responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of COMESA in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty. It also takes policy decisions on COMESA programmes and activities, including the monitoring and reviewing of its financial and administrative management. As provided for in the Treaty, Council decisions are made by consensus, failing which they are made by a two-thirds majority of the Council members.