PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has emphasised the need for African countries, especially those in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) grouping, to harness science and technology for them to develop.

Mr Banda said Africans could not develop as fast as they wanted until the science and technology was put in perspective.

The president was speaking in an interview with ZNBC news on arrival at Matsapha International Airport in Swaziland yesterday where he was attending the 14th COMESA Heads of State and Government summit.

The theme of the summit is "Harnessing Science and Technology for Development".

Mr Banda said development in agriculture; industry, law and other sectors must be accompanied by proper policies, which can transform Africa through scientifically based development.

Swazi Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini and the country's Foreign Affairs Minister Lutfo Dlamini welcomed President BANDA at the airport.

And King Mswati III who officially opened the summit as the new COMESA Chairperson praised Zambia, Sudan, Malawi and Egypt for attainting food security.

The King said he would do his best to promote the ideals of COMESA.

Meanwhile Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika who is also the chairperson of the African Union said COMESA had a bright future.

And The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) described as encouraging the response of show goers visiting the Zambian stand at the 2010 Swaziland International Trade Fair.

The Swaziland Trade Fair was being held on the sidelines of the COMESA Heads of State summit, which Swaziland was hosting.

ZDA communications and public relations manager Margaret Chimanse said a number of people have been to the Zambian stand to make enquiries about Zambia's products, which are on display.

Ms Chimanse said the 11 Zambian companies taking part in the Swaziland International Trade Fair had received overwhelming support.