The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, in partnership with the Facilitating Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Trade (FIRST) Project, has initiated a review of Zambia’s National Trade Policy 2018 and National Export Strategy 2018. The exercise comes as Zambia’s trade environment evolves, reflecting both opportunities and emerging challenges.
While copper continues to dominate Zambia’s export profile, non-traditional exports such as agriculture, sugar, cement, and lime are steadily growing. Rising imports mirror the country’s expanding economy and increasing domestic demand. New policy frameworks, including the Border Management Act (2025), E-Commerce Strategy (2023-2027), and Digital Transformation Strategy (2023-2027), highlight the need to modernize trade frameworks to support economic diversification and inclusive development.
A recent WTO Trade Policy Review commended Zambia’s resilience and trade reforms but pointed out areas for improvement. Key challenges include over-reliance on copper, low agricultural productivity, and limited participation of women, youth, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These findings are guiding the current review to ensure policies address gaps and strengthen Zambia’s trade competitiveness.
Consultations for the review emphasize the inclusion of women and youth, who represent more than 70% of cross-border traders. Stakeholders are encouraged to focus on inclusive participation, trade facilitation, export diversification, and integration into regional and global markets. The process seeks to create a trade environment that is accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all economic actors.
The updated National Trade Policy and Export Strategy aim to position Zambia as a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable trading nation. By leveraging its strategic location, abundant natural resources, and human capital, Zambia seeks to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance prosperity for all citizens. The review reflects the government’s commitment to building a resilient trade sector that supports long-term development goals.