The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA), convened the 2nd Zambia National Oversight Committee (NOC) meeting to advance trade facilitation and regional integration. The gathering brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for boosting trade and driving economic growth across Zambia and the wider region. The meeting emphasized the need to leverage strategic initiatives that can enhance both domestic and cross-border trade. Participants focused on identifying challenges in the trade environment and exploring actionable solutions to address them. The event reinforced Zambia’s commitment to strengthening its role in regional and continental trade networks.
Permanent Secretary for Trade and Commerce, Mrs. Lillian S. Bwalya, who also serves as NOC Chairperson, stressed the importance of monitoring and implementing regional programs effectively. She highlighted the committee’s role in ensuring that trade facilitation measures are not only planned but fully executed. According to Mrs. Bwalya, tackling trade challenges requires a coordinated approach that addresses both policy and operational issues. She emphasized that facilitating the movement of goods and services is critical to achieving sustainable economic growth. Her remarks underscored the government’s focus on creating a predictable and supportive trade environment for businesses and investors.
TMA Southern Africa Regional Director, Ms. Hope Situmbeko, reinforced the need for collaboration among regional partners to promote integration. She noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides opportunities that require a unified approach to trade policies and practices. Situmbeko emphasized that coordination across borders is essential to reduce trade barriers and enhance competitiveness. She also highlighted the role of digital systems in supporting efficient trade processes and ensuring transparency. According to her, aligning national activities with regional frameworks will facilitate smoother movement of goods and services, benefiting all stakeholders involved.
The meeting highlighted several focus areas, including enhancing trade and investment environments, improving the quality and value of traded goods, and strengthening digital systems for trade facilitation. Participants discussed strategies to align Zambia’s trade initiatives with regional frameworks to promote seamless operations. Emphasis was placed on creating an environment that attracts investment while supporting local producers to access broader markets. By focusing on these areas, Zambia aims to increase trade efficiency and competitiveness. The discussions marked a significant step toward fostering inclusive trade and regional cooperation, which are key to sustaining long-term economic growth.