The closing statement of the third COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit highlighted the launching of the free trade zone among the three African blocs.

The free trade zone, grouping 26 states, will provide 58% of the gross domestic product in Africa.

It will help promote the common market and investment in the continent, the statement said on Wednesday.

The free trade zone will further encourage development of the African infrastructure, the statement noted.