Oliver Kazunga , Senior Business Reporter
PLAYERS in the agro-industry sector have developed a strategic roadmap for implementation within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), starting this year.

As part of the initiative, member States within the trading bloc are expected to strengthen national regulations and enforcement mechanism to curb counterfeit seed trade.

Comesa said on its part, it was expected to develop a regional regulation on anti-illicit trade to provide a cross border framework for engagement and collaboration.

“Stakeholders in the agro-industry in collaboration with the Comesa Business Council (CBC) have developed a road map to be implemented from this year aimed at promoting the industry,” said the bloc in a latest statement.

“Among the activities identified is the development of a regional anti-illicit policy and implementation framework, which will include sensitisation of industry players on the need to establish a track and trace system at national and/or regional level.”

Furthermore, the CBC will seek funds or technical assistance to undertake a study on the development of a mutual recognition framework for pre-packaged food in the Comesa region.

The economic bloc said the above were part of the output of a one-day workshop for the CBC agro-industry workgroup held last week.

A regional beverages association is also planned to strengthen regional industry coordination, supply chain partnerships, and represent the industry’s position in engagements with the public sector.

CBC chairperson, Mr Guillaume Hugnin, who is also Mauritius Chamber of Commerce president has said strong pursuit of key advocacy issues in support of the industry was crucial amidst the challenges brought forth by Covid-19.

“Continuous collaboration with the public sector and also strengthening public-private dialogue to address the emerging issues in the agriculture sector is crucial,” he was quoted as saying.

CBC chief executive officer, Ms Sandra Uwera, highlighted the important role of women as a link within the chain of agriculture, industry, and trade.

“Agriculture is the backbone of the economy in Comesa. It provides livelihoods for about 80 percent of the region’s labour force, and accounts for about 65 percent of foreign exchange earnings in the region,” said Ms Uwera.

During the virtual workshop several targets were agreed upon, which included the need for the CBC to review the regulatory regime for plastic waste management for the Comesa member States.

It is hoped this will help determine the impact of environmental degradation on the businesses. Formation of an aquaculture sub- workgroup of agro-industry was also discussed.

Participants were drawn from the agriculture sector comprising of dairy farmers, commercial grain farmers, tobacco leaf growers and manufactures from across the region. — @okazunga