Business updates

MCCI President Patrice Marie took part in the 19th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition, held from 19 to 21 October 2026 at the Harare International Conference Centre, Zimbabwe. He attended as a member of the Board of Directors of the COMESA Business Council (CBC), to which he was elected in July for the 2026–2028 term. The MCCI is a founding member of the CBC. Hon. Rajen Narsinghen, Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, was also present.

Held under the theme “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA”, the Forum brought together more than 400 exhibitors, along with business leaders, chambers of commerce, investors, development finance institutions and policymakers. The CBC communiqué is presented today, 22 October, to the 25th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government.

The CBC has begun work on a COMESA Business Visa Scheme, recognising that an integrated market requires the movement of people as well as goods and capital. “We are also strengthening our focus on business mobility. As businesses expand across borders, entrepreneurs and business professionals must be able to move efficiently within the region,” said CBC Board President Mucai Kunyiha. For Mauritius, where services account for more than 76% of total exports, easier movement of professionals is a direct concern.

COMESA Secretary General H.E. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe pointed to progress such as one-stop border posts, electronic certificates of origin and the Simplified Trade Regime for small-scale traders. “This is one market in practice,” she said. Intra-regional trade, however, stands at about USD 14 billion for a market of more than 680 million people.

The MCCI continues to work with the CBC on a range of topics, including regional trade intelligence, regional value chains, trade facilitation and professional services. Through its seat on the CBC Board, its partnerships with chambers across the continent and its Joint Business Councils, the MCCI aims to turn regional integration into concrete opportunities for Mauritian businesses.

Caption

Mr. Patrice Marie, President of the MCCI and member of the Board of Directors of the COMESA Business Council (CBC), alongside high-level CBC representatives.