Zambia has taken an important step towards strengthening its economic development agenda following the establishment of two dedicated ministries responsible for trade and exports and industrial development. The transition marks a significant change in the country’s approach to managing key sectors of the economy, with a stronger focus on expanding international trade, supporting local businesses and increasing domestic manufacturing capacity. The development follows the restructuring of the former Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, which has resulted in the separation of trade and exports from industry. The move is intended to give each sector dedicated ministerial leadership and a clearer focus on its responsibilities. As the two ministries begin their operations, expectations are growing around their contribution to economic growth, job creation and the competitiveness of Zambian products.
Yesterday, President Hakainde Hichilema swore in Hon. Dr. Caroline Katotobwe, MP, as Minister of Trade and Exports and Noel Nkhoma, MP, as Minister of Industry. Their appointments followed the restructuring of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, creating two separate government institutions with distinct responsibilities. The changes reflect the importance the government places on trade expansion and industrial development as drivers of national economic progress. By separating the two functions, the government aims to provide more focused leadership and improve attention to the specific opportunities and challenges within each sector. The appointments also mark the beginning of a new administrative phase as the ministries establish their operations and prepare to deliver on their respective mandates.
Following their swearing-in, the Minister of Trade and Exports and the Minister of Industry yesterday evening met with senior staff from their respective ministries. The engagement marked an important step in the transition towards full operations for the two institutions. It provided an opportunity for the ministers to engage with senior officials, reaffirm their leadership responsibilities and communicate their commitment to achieving the government’s economic priorities. The discussions also highlighted the importance of coordination, effective administration and teamwork in ensuring that the newly established ministries fulfil their mandates. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to delivering results in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s Grow Zambia Agenda.
The Ministry of Trade and Exports is expected to play a central role in expanding opportunities for Zambian businesses in regional and international markets. Its responsibilities include promoting exports, strengthening trade relations and identifying new markets for locally produced goods and services. For Zambia, expanding international trade offers opportunities to increase demand for domestic products, attract foreign earnings and support businesses seeking to grow beyond the local market. Small and medium-sized enterprises could also benefit from improved access to export opportunities, provided they receive the necessary support to meet international quality standards and market requirements. Through focused trade promotion and stronger commercial relationships with other countries, the ministry will be expected to help position Zambian products more competitively in the global marketplace.
Export development is particularly important for Zambia as the country seeks to broaden its economic base and increase the contribution of different sectors to national growth. Although the country has established export activities in sectors such as mining and agriculture, expanding the range of goods and services sold internationally remains an important economic objective. Stronger export opportunities can help local producers reach larger customer bases, increase production and create additional employment. They can also encourage businesses to improve product quality, adopt better production methods and invest in more efficient operations. The Ministry of Trade and Exports will therefore have an important responsibility in helping businesses identify market opportunities, strengthen trade partnerships and overcome barriers that may limit their participation in international commerce.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry will concentrate on strengthening Zambia’s domestic manufacturing capacity and supporting broader industrial development. Its mandate includes encouraging investment in production, promoting value addition to locally available raw materials and supporting the growth of local industries. These priorities are important because a stronger manufacturing sector can help Zambia produce more goods domestically instead of relying heavily on imported finished products. Increasing local production can also create opportunities for businesses involved in processing, packaging, transportation and other supporting activities. By encouraging investment in manufacturing and industrial enterprises, the ministry is expected to contribute to a more productive economy with greater capacity to generate employment and economic value.
Value addition will be one of the important areas of focus in Zambia’s industrial development efforts. Rather than exporting raw materials without significant processing, the country has opportunities to develop industries that transform locally available resources into finished or semi-finished products. This approach can increase the economic value generated within Zambia while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, manufacturers and workers. Agricultural products, minerals and other natural resources can support different manufacturing activities when businesses have access to investment, technology, reliable infrastructure and appropriate skills. Strengthening these production capabilities could also help Zambian manufacturers supply both domestic and international markets. The Ministry of Industry will therefore have an important role in supporting an environment where local businesses can expand production and compete effectively.
The separation of trade and exports from industry also highlights the relationship between producing goods locally and finding markets for those products. Strong manufacturing capacity alone cannot guarantee economic success if businesses struggle to sell their products. Similarly, access to international markets will have limited benefits if local producers cannot meet demand, maintain consistent quality or supply sufficient quantities. The two ministries will therefore need to maintain effective cooperation despite operating as separate government institutions. Strong coordination between industrial development and trade promotion can help ensure that businesses receive support across different stages of economic activity, from production and processing to marketing and export. Such cooperation will be important in building a stronger connection between Zambia’s productive sectors and its domestic, regional and international markets.
The transition also places greater responsibility on the senior officials and technical staff working within the two ministries. Their experience and institutional knowledge will be important in supporting the ministers as the new structures become fully operational. Effective implementation will require clear priorities, coordinated planning and efficient use of available resources. The ministries will also need to engage with private-sector organisations, manufacturers, exporters and other stakeholders to understand the challenges affecting business growth. These relationships can help government institutions develop practical policies and programmes that respond to the needs of businesses while supporting national economic objectives. The meeting between the ministers and senior staff was therefore an important part of establishing the working relationships needed to move the transition forward.
For local businesses, the success of the new ministries will ultimately depend on the practical opportunities and support they provide. Manufacturers will need an environment that encourages investment, improves access to production facilities and supports the development of skilled workers. Exporters will need assistance in identifying reliable markets, understanding trade requirements and building relationships with international buyers. Small businesses will also need opportunities to participate in wider supply chains and benefit from policies designed to promote local production and exports. Improving the business environment, strengthening institutional support and addressing barriers to growth will be essential in translating the government’s priorities into meaningful economic outcomes.
The establishment of the Ministry of Trade and Exports and the Ministry of Industry represents an important development in Zambia’s economic governance. By assigning dedicated leadership to these two sectors, the government has created an opportunity to give greater attention to export expansion and domestic industrial growth. However, the effectiveness of the restructuring will depend on how successfully the ministries translate their mandates into practical programmes, measurable progress and opportunities for businesses and citizens. Their ability to coordinate, engage stakeholders and support productive economic activities will be central to achieving their objectives. As Hon. Dr. Caroline Katotobwe and Noel Nkhoma take up their responsibilities, attention will increasingly turn to the results delivered by their respective institutions.
The transition towards full operations marks the beginning of an important phase in Zambia’s efforts to strengthen its economy under the Grow Zambia Agenda. A stronger export sector can help local businesses access new markets, while a more developed industrial sector can increase domestic production, promote value addition and create employment opportunities. Together, these priorities can contribute to a more diversified and competitive economy. The commitment reaffirmed by the two ministers provides a foundation for the work ahead, but consistent implementation and effective collaboration will determine the impact of the new structures. The focus now shifts to turning the restructuring into tangible progress that supports Zambian businesses, strengthens local industries and expands the country’s participation in regional and international trade.