Overview

COMSHIP is a framework that describes the implementation plans and modalities required to effectively implement, monitor and ensure compliance and execution within member-states of the COMESA Seed Trade Harmonisation Regulations. The implementation plans and actions are intended to bring about consistency in domestication, application, monitoring and improvement across 21 Member-States.

Launch Year

April 11, 2026

Funding Partners

AATF-AfDB, EU, FCDO, USAID

Target Countries

COMESA Member States

Target by 2031

1.2 million MT

Current Seed Trade

350,000 MT

Strategic Objectives

Prepare for and support phased domestication of COMESA Seed Trade Harmonisation Regulations across member states.

Create awareness of the COMESA Seed Trade Harmonisation Regulations among stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Monitor and improve the implementation of the strategy through regular evaluation and feedback mechanisms.

Build capacity in the production of quality seed and support smallholder farmers in accessing quality planting materials.

Key Activities

Regulatory Harmonization

Supporting phased domestication of COMESA Seed Trade Harmonisation Regulations to ensure consistent application across all 21 member states and facilitate cross-border seed trade.

Awareness and Communication

Creating widespread awareness of the harmonised seed regulations among government officials, seed companies, farmers, and other stakeholders through workshops, training programs, and communication campaigns.

Quality Assurance Programs

Building capacity in seed quality production, certification systems, and quality control mechanisms to ensure that farmers have access to high-quality, certified seeds.

Smallholder Support

Providing targeted support to smallholder farmers through improved access to quality seeds, training on proper seed selection and handling, and linking them to formal seed systems.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track implementation progress, measure impact, and identify areas for continuous improvement in seed trade harmonization.

Expected Outcomes

Increased regional seed trade from 350,000 MT to 1.2 million MT by 2031

Consistent domestication and application of seed trade regulations across member states

Enhanced capacity for production and distribution of quality seeds

Improved access to certified seeds for smallholder farmers

Reduced non-tariff barriers to seed trade in the region

Strengthened national seed certification and quality control systems

Programme Structure

COMSHIP operates through a multi-stakeholder approach involving national governments, regional seed trade associations, seed companies, research institutions, and farmer organizations. The implementation is coordinated by ACTESA in collaboration with national focal points in each member state, ensuring alignment with national seed sector strategies while maintaining regional harmonization objectives.

COMESA Seed Harmonisation Implementation Plan

COMSHIP

Overview

Strategic Objectives

Key Activities

Expected Outcomes

Programme Structure