The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Bureau of the Authority of Heads of State and Government has extended the contract of the Secretary General Sindiso Ngwenya, until his successor assumes duty.

This is according to a letter signed by the current Chair of the Authority, President Hery Rajaonarimampianina of Madagascar.

According to the letter, the extension of the Secretary General’s Mandate is in the interest of ensuring the continuity of COMESA’s activities.

This comes at a time when COMESA Secretariat is preparing to host 20th COMESA Summit in Lusaka, Zambia from 09 - 19 July 2018.

The new SG is expected to be appointed and sworn-in during the Summit following the completion of the recruitment process.

The name of the successful candidate will be submitted to the COMESA Council of Ministers for endorsement and subsequently to the Heads of State and Government attending the Summit, for appointment and swearing.

The SG is the Chief Executive of COMESA and serves for a maximum of two 5-year terms.

Ngwenya’s two-year term lapses on June 30, 2018 hence the decision of the Authority to extend his mandate until his successor is appointed.

The authority consist of the Heads of State or Government of the Member States and is the supreme Policy Organ of the Common Market.

It is responsible for the general policy and direction and control of the performance of the executive functions of the Common Market and the achievement of its aims and objectives.

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