Hichilema Becomes COMESA Vice-Chair as Zambia Offers Land for New Headquarters Hichilema Becomes COMESA Vice-Chair as Zambia Offers Land for New HeadquartersHichilema Becomes COMESA Vice-Chair as Zambia Offers Land for New Headquarters
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NewsLUSAKA — President Hakainde Hichilema has returned to Zambia after attending the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit in Harare, where Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa took over the chairmanship of the regional economic bloc. Hichilema said Zambia had assumed the role of Vice-Chairperson of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), LUSAKA — President Hakainde Hichilema has returned to Zambia after attending the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit in Harare, where Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa took over the chairmanship of the regional economic bloc. Hichilema said Zambia had assumed the role of Vice-Chairperson of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Hichilema returns from the COMESA Summit as Mnangagwa takes the chairmanship, Zambia assumes a leadership role and Lusaka’s new headquarters project advances.
LUSAKA — President Hakainde Hichilema has returned to Zambia after attending the 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit in Harare, where Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa took over the chairmanship of the regional economic bloc.
Hichilema said Zambia had assumed the role of Vice-Chairperson of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), placing the two neighbouring leaders in senior positions within the organisation as member states seek to strengthen regional trade and economic integration.
In a statement after the summit on Thursday, Hichilema said he had urged the bloc’s 21 member states to trade more with one another before looking to markets outside the region.
He argued that stronger regional trade could create jobs and expand business opportunities, echoing COMESA’s broader ambition of building a more integrated and competitive regional market.
The summit was held under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.” <Cite refs={[“turn515136search2″,”turn515136search6”]}/>
Lusaka’s role as COMESA headquarters host
One of the key developments highlighted by Hichilema was the handover of a certificate of title deed for land in Zambia intended for the construction of a new COMESA headquarters in Lusaka.
The move reinforces Zambia’s role as host of the COMESA Secretariat, which is already based in the capital. However, the handover of the title deed should be seen as a step in the headquarters project, rather than confirmation that construction has been completed or that the organisation is relocating.
The project has featured in previous COMESA summit discussions, with member states calling for progress on the new headquarters. <Cite refs={[“turn515136search13″,”turn244275search12”]}/>
For Zambia, the potential significance goes beyond hosting an institution. A stronger regional presence in Lusaka could create opportunities linked to diplomatic engagement, professional services and related economic activity. The scale of those benefits, however, will depend on the project’s implementation and the activities it attracts.
Hichilema calls for more trade within Africa
In his address, Hichilema urged COMESA members to increase trade among themselves, making the case that regional markets should be a greater priority for businesses and governments.
For Zambia, the challenge is turning that ambition into tangible opportunities for local producers, manufacturers, farmers and exporters.
Greater regional trade can help businesses reach more customers, but the benefits depend on practical measures such as reducing non-tariff barriers, improving transport and border efficiency, and making it easier for goods to move between countries.
The summit also saw the launch of COMESA’s Medium-Term Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, setting out priorities for the bloc’s next phase of regional integration. <Cite refs={[“turn515136search8″,”turn515136search11”]}/>
Hichilema said the Grow Zambia Agenda also featured in his discussions and reiterated his call for citizens to contribute to the country’s development.
Mnangagwa takes over as Hichilema becomes deputy
The summit formally transferred the COMESA chairmanship from Kenyan President William Ruto to Mnangagwa.
Hichilema said he witnessed the handover and that Zambia had taken up the vice-chairperson role. The change gives Zambia a place in the bloc’s leadership as it pursues its trade, industrialisation and investment agenda.
The leadership transition also comes against the backdrop of improving relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe following a period of diplomatic strain. Hichilema’s November 2025 state visit to Zimbabwe included the co-chairing of the Zambia–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission with Mnangagwa, creating a platform for cooperation in areas including trade, energy and infrastructure. <Cite refs={[“turn894412search2″,”turn894412search3”]}/>
Their positions within COMESA offer another opportunity for engagement, although the impact will depend on how the two governments and other member states work together on regional priorities.
The test begins after the summit
Hichilema said he had left Harare for Lusaka after the conclusion of the summit, reaffirming his government’s commitment to the development of Zambia.
The summit has produced a leadership transition, renewed calls for stronger intra-regional trade and a further step in the proposed COMESA headquarters project in Lusaka.
The central question now is whether these commitments will translate into measurable gains for ordinary citizens.
For Zambia, that means tracking progress on the headquarters project, identifying practical ways to expand exports into COMESA markets and ensuring that regional integration creates opportunities for businesses and workers.
The summit has ended, but the real measure of its success will be what member states deliver next.
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