The Republic of Zambia and the United Republic of Tanzania have convened their Second Bilateral Meeting on the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) for the Nakonde/Tunduma Border Post, aimed at strengthening the participation of small cross-border traders. The three-day engagement will focus on addressing operational challenges and developing implementable decisions to enhance trade cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting began with the Joint Technical Meeting running from December 17 to 18, 2025, and will be followed by the Joint Steering Committee Meeting on December 19. The Technical Committee is tasked with reviewing progress, addressing challenges, and providing strategic guidance for implementing the STR, thereby laying the groundwork for the Steering Committee.
The meeting is co-chaired by Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chief Economist, Mr. Billy Malijani, and Acting Assistant Director – Regional Integration from Tanzania’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mr. Frank K. Kibika. Mr. Malijani highlighted the importance of translating STR commitments into practical actions. He urged delegates to identify operational challenges and agree on actionable solutions, emphasizing the regime’s role in supporting small-scale traders, particularly women and youth, through predictable, transparent, and simplified procedures.
“For Zambia, this STR is an important tool to support small-scale cross-border trade through predictable, transparent, and simplified procedures,” Mr. Malijani said. He assured participants that Zambia is ready to implement technical actions and support the Steering Committee with actionable recommendations. The anticipated outcomes are expected to enhance the STR’s effectiveness and improve trade facilitation for small-scale traders.
Mr. Kibika commended the Zambian delegation for their cooperation and spirit of partnership, noting that the meeting builds on the foundation established during the first bilateral engagement. He emphasized that the dialogue provides an opportunity to take stock of progress, address outstanding challenges, and provide strategic guidance for the way forward.
“Through open dialogue, mutual understanding, and constructive engagement, the meeting is expected to further enhance trade facilitation, improve coordination among institutions, and deepen regional integration between Tanzania and Zambia,” Mr. Kibika said.
The outcomes of the meeting are anticipated to translate policy commitments into practical benefits for traders, border communities, and the broader economies of both countries. The engagement underscores the shared resolve of Zambia and Tanzania to promote cross-border trade, strengthen regional integration, and support inclusive economic growth.