COVID-19: COMESA hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe says the COVID-19 pandemic has dented economic prospects by increasing youth unemployment rate in the region while limiting movements for those involved in business.

Speaking during a virtual meeting hosted by the African Union Office of the Youth Envoy on Youth Consultations on COVID -19, Kapwepwe said it is worrying that the pandemic has disrupted economic activities in the region and beyond.

She added that COMESA would hold virtual workshops for continuous youth engagements and support innovations that could enhance digital solutions in the COVID-19 era. She has since urged member states to invest in building strong institutions of governance that will enhance youth participation in national development.

Speaking earlier, Former President of the Republic of Malawi, Joyce Banda urged countries not to side-step other pressing issues such as maternal health and poverty, as leaders seek ways to find solutions for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Humanitarian activist, Gracia Machel said the post-COVID-19 agenda must not be structured without the involvement of the youth. She said many African countries had no technological capacity to offer e-learning to its citizenry.

Former President for the Republic of Ireland Mary Robinson said countries must align their fight against COVID 19 to climate change as the impacts of climate change had not slowed down because of the pandemic.