I accept the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) with deep humility, as we convene for the 25th Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden. We gather under the powerful and progressive theme: "One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA." On behalf of our nation, I extend my profound gratitude to the outgoing Chairperson, President William Ruto of Kenya, for steering COMESA with immense purpose, clarity, and a steadfast focus on digitization and robust value chains. I also commend the COMESA Secretariat for their sterling work. My warmest congratulations go to my brother, His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, on his appointment as the new Vice Chairperson of COMESA. Together, Zimbabwe and Zambia stand ready to lead our regional bloc toward unprecedented economic growth. The theme of our summit brings to the fore the urgent need for the interconnectivity of our markets to accelerate modernization and industrialization. To reach new customers and achieve collective progress, we must expand our horizons. The tangible growth of intra-COMESA projects demonstrates the undeniable value of our cooperation, and it is through this unity that we will uplift more of our people. COMESA remains a vital platform to promote trade, and the ultimate success of this conference rests upon our collective shoulders. To unlock our full potential, we must decisively address transportation bottlenecks. Furthermore, the financial challenges faced by our youth, women, and SMEs require new strategies and bold decisions. By driving the wider use of digital trade systems, we can bridge these gaps. During our tenure, we aim to work closely with all member states to fast-track value addition and beneficiation. The lessons from our policy decisions are clear: we must see the true value of our natural resources. Zimbabwe will champion the development of agro-processing industrial parks and the climate-proofing of our agriculture to guarantee regional food security. To support this industrial drive, our roads and rail systems require long-term financing. We must think outside the box on financing models, working hand-in-hand with our development partners. Integration is only a success when it benefits the ordinary citizen. The challenge has been set upon us. We must align our skills training and education systems to produce goods and services that directly impact and improve the lives of our people. Our private sector is highly commended for actively involving itself in these debates; their partnership is crucial. As we chart our own destination, we remind the world that Zimbabwe remains a friend to all and an enemy to none, exercising our amenable rights to self-determination. With unity of purpose, let us deliver a better, more prosperous future for the people of Africa. #COMESA2026 #OneMarketOneFuture #Industrialisation #Investment #RegionalIntegration #Zimbabwe #Zambia