The Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA), is participating in the 2026 Zambia Seed Trade Association Congress in Livingstone, Zambia, where regional and national seed companies have convened to shape the future of the seed industry in Zambia.
The Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Mulongoti, officiating as guest of honor, highlighted the seed sector as a Foundation of sustainable agricultural productivity and increased global trade in agriculture, translating to opportunities for economic growth, investment, and food security.
The Ps reaffirmed governments' commitment to supporting enabling policy environments and regulatory standards for an innovative, competitive, resilient seed sector.
In a high-level panel discussion on the COMESA Seed Harmonisation Implementation Programme (COMSHIP), which fosters standardisation of seed laws and regulatory frameworks across COMESA’s 21 Member States, the ACTESA Chief Executive Officer, Dr John Mukuka, highlighted the COMSHIP initiative as crucial to driving the reduction of regulatory seed fragmentation that has historically constrained regional seed production, access to improved seed varieties and enhanced regional seed trade.
Together with other speakers, Mr Christopher Simuntala of the National Biosafety Authority; Mr. Musa Muyatwa of Bayer Zambia; and Mr. Ndavi Muia of Advanta Seeds highlighted; ✅ Seed counterfeiting as a key threat to agricultural productivity and food security across the region.
✅ Certification and harmonisation of seed trade laws as crucial to advancing intra-agriculture trade and food security.
✅ Leveraging technologies, innovation, and strategic partnerships to mitigate the effects of climate change for enhanced resilience.
✅ The seed sector as an engine for driving economic growth.
The highly engaging session demonstrated that advancing seed production requires concerted collaborations from stakeholders in the public and private sectors to foster enhanced agricultural production and productivity.
On the sidelines of the session, ACTESA Agri-business and Policy Advisor Mr John Chambamakasa highlighted the COMESA Seed Information System as a crucial digital platform to improve the collection, management, and accessibility of seed information among the COMESA Member States.
As the region works towards sustainable seed production, it's more prominent that seed production is not simply an agricultural issue; it's fundamental to peace, stability, job creation, and economic resilience. Held under the theme; Sustainable, Resilient and Viable Seed Industry, Enhancing National Prosperity Through Local and Transboundary Trade”, this year's congress brings together a wide spectrum of leaders, innovators, researchers, policymakers, development partners, and industry experts from across the agricultural and seed sectors.
✈️ 🗞️Transitioning from the Vision Board to Practical Action!! Yesterday, CABISouthern Africa, led by its Regional Director Dr. Natasha Mwila paid a courtesy call on the ACTESA Chief Executive Officer, DrJohn Mukuka, at the ACTESA Secretariate in Lusaka, Zambia.
Discussions underscored the exigency of advancing progress of our Joint Action Plan, which among other issues focuses on, trade facilitation and market access, research and innovation, women and youth inclusion in Agriculture, value chain upgrading and capacity building, climate resilience and strengthening SPS compliance to enhance market competitiveness.
The meeting reinforced the need for coordinated and actionable initiatives as a springboard for accelerating progress in our partnerships. The engagement also provided a valuable platform for exploring other potential areas of collaboration, such as, complimenting efforts in ensuring regional alignment and adoption of bioprotectant standards.
🎉 Together, we are driving agriculture resilience and enhanced intra-regional and global trade through improved market access, competitiveness and regulatory alignment.
Grants management training is crucial for ensuring compliance, fostering trust with development partners, and successfully delivering on project milestones. We are proud to join other COMESA divisions in the Grants Management Training towards strengthening transparency and accountability.
The initiative focuses on closing gaps and developing a more robust, impact-driven Grants Management Manual and is spearheaded by the Director of Budget and Finance, Mrs Auleria Olunga, in collaboration with @SteadmanGlobal.
The two-day training held from 14-15 April, in Lusaka, Zambia, is a significant step forward beyond driving grant management to practical delivery and sustained investments.
🎊ACTESA has joined other COMESA institutions at the 3rd COMESA Awareness Week and Trade Fair, in TUNIS, Tunisia convening from 29th of June to – 3rd July 2026, bringing together COMESA Institutions, Member States, development partners, the private sector, and regional stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and advance regional integration.
In his remarks, Tunisian Minister of Commerce and Trade H.E Mr. Samir Abid, underscored the need for COMESA to leverage regional integration to enhance resilience, drive growth and mitigate global shocks. Reflecting on Tunisia’s growing role in regional integration and intra-African trade, COMESA Secretary General, H.E. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, commended the Tunisian Government's vision for economic modernization and integration into African markets, in alignment with the COMESA agenda.
In his intervention, ACTESA CEO, Dr John Mukuka, highlighted, low agricultural productivity, uncoordinated markets, lack of harmonized policies, access to finance, and poor infrastructure as critical challenges for smallholder farmers requiring strategic public private partnerships. What next !!!!!!Strategic dialogue, high-level presentations, and multi-stakeholder discussions will define the days ahead as we drive transformative partnerships for a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable future for COMESA region. Stay tuned as we unlock more exciting conversations.
Today’s sessions at the COMESA Institutional Awareness Week convening in Tunis, Tunisia unpacked meaningful and impactful dialogues, while highlighting key milestones, achievements and strategic initiatives on accelerating regional integration. Together, Ms. Heba Salama, CEO of the Regional Investment Agency; Dr. Willard Mwemba, CEO of the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission; Mr. Calvin Mutyavaviri, CEO of the Council of Bureaux; and Mr. Alexander Amonmiyang of African Trade & Investment Development Insurance demonstrated commitment, innovation, and strengthened collaborations crucial for driving regional integration, resilience, and economic transformation. Key highlights focused on; ✅The importance of mobilizing investment to accelerate industrialization and sustainable development across COMESA Member States.
✅ The critical role of effective competition policy in fostering innovation, attracting investment and ensuring inclusive economic growth.
✅ Strategic initiatives aimed at facilitating the movement of goods and people across borders.
✅ How risk mitigation solutions are helping governments and private sector investors unlock capital, support infrastructure projects, and stimulate trade and investment throughout Africa. Presentations and impulse statements reflected the regional ecosystem crucial in strengthening regional cooperation, facilitating trade and investment, and advancing the COMESA integration agenda. Stay tuned as we unpack more exciting updates and explore partnerships!!!!