The Judges and staff members of the COMESA Court of Justice (CCJ) are undertaking a workshop to validate the Draft CCJ Strategy (2026 – 2030) held at Lake Kariba Inns, Siavonga, Zambia from 08 to 09 March 2025. The workshop is being facilitated by a Consultant, Dr. Margaret K. Chemengich, who presented the Draft CCJ Strategy (2026 – 2030).

Dr. Margaret K. Chemengich highlighted the effectiveness and achievements of the strategic interventions under the CCJ Mid-Term Strategic Plan (2021-2025) which included the expeditious dispensation of justice; the implementation of the COMESA Court Digital Evidence Management Systems (CCDEMS) that has streamlined and supported Court procedures; the expansion of the organisational structure of the CCJ which has enhanced its human resources; revised terms and conditions of service of Judges’; and the temporary relocation to Lusaka, Zambia which has stabilized the operations of  Court.

In addition, the Consultant raised the challenges faced by the Court when implementing the CCJ Mid-Term Strategic Plan (2021-2025). This entailed funding delays due to Member States’ irregular contributions which strained budget execution; Treaty limitations on the jurisdiction of the Court; and limited outreach mechanisms which have hindered stakeholder awareness of the Court.

Accordingly, the Draft CCJ Strategy (2026 – 2030) leverages the lessons learned from the CCJ Mid-Term Strategic Plan (2021-2025) to enhance the effectiveness of the Court in order to navigate its mandate within a rapidly changing regional landscape.