The Regional Integration Support Mechanism (RISM) is a programme under the 9th European Development Fund (EDF) and was finalized through a Contribution Agreement (CA) signed between the European Union (EU) Delegation in Lusaka and COMESA in November 2007. The objective of the RISM is to support the economic integration process of the Eastern Southern Africa-Indian Ocean region (ESA-IO) through the consolidation of the COMESA FTA and implementation of COMESA and EAC Customs Unions and Common Markets.
International Economics undertook a mid-term evaluation of the RISM, providing stakeholders with an overall assessment of the programme and concrete recommendations for follow-up. The project was involved eight COMESA countries – Zambia, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Djibouti, Tanzania, Uganda, Seychelles, and Mauritius.