TRADE FACILITATION

GOAL: Streamline trade corridors for the movement of goods and people.

PROGRESS SO FAR: Zambia is forging trade partnerships, hosting the COMESA summit, and engaging in regional infrastructure projects. It's also expanding international trade relations and attracting investments in various sectors, including clean energy and mining, with support from the UK and Huawei. 

  • Zambia hosted the 22nd annual summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in June, positioning itself strategically for future inter-African trading.

  • Regionally, Zambia has been actively involved in the construction of the Lobito Corridor, a crucial trade route across Angola, the DRC, Zambia, and Tanzania, aiming to harmonise regulations and develop the necessary infrastructure.

  • Zambia signed the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency Agreement with Angola and the DRC in January, solidifying their partnership within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

  • Zambia is part of the SADC e-certificate of origin pilot phase, designed to boost intra-regional trade. An August 2023 customs agreement with Zimbabwe is also set to enhance customs and border agency operations at shared border posts.

  • The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry has procured modern equipment, including biometric web cameras and permit card printers, to improve efficiency at border posts.

  • Under President Hichilema, Zambia has been fostering international trade agreements, including upgraded economic ties with China, focusing on mining, agriculture, clean energy, and infrastructure.

  • Collaboration is in progress on projects like the TAZARA Railway line and Mulungushi textiles.

  • An MoU with Huawei Technologies aims to enhance Zambia's digital platforms as part of Zambia's "smart economic transformation agenda."

  • President Hichilema's meeting with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in August led to discussions on strengthening bilateral ties through the Zambian economy, particularly in mining, energy, and agriculture.

  • The UK announced a £3 billion fund to support Zambia's green energy and green minerals mining infrastructure sectors, forming a clean energy partnership. 

  • In September 2023, work to repair sections of the Great North Road from Lukulu Bridge Mpika District commenced. The road is considered a main artery for goods from the Tanzanian border to reach the rest of the country. Repairs are progressing well and are expected to be completed in August 2024