Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Chipoka Mulenga MP has stressed the critical role of joint ventures and partnerships in accelerating economic growth across Africa. Speaking at the African Trade Conference 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, Hon. Mulenga engaged in a high-level panel discussion with Trade Ministers from Botswana and Ghana, focusing on policy harmonization for continental trade. He outlined a five-point policy mantra aimed at fostering collaboration among African nations, emphasizing the need for countries to invest, produce, process, market, and sell collectively. According to the Minister, these strategies are designed to promote revenue sharing, facilitate skills transfer between foreign and local investors, and strengthen the private sector’s capacity to contribute to national development. Hon. Mulenga highlighted that partnerships of this nature are essential to creating jobs, particularly for the continent’s youth, while boosting industrial growth and regional competitiveness.
Hon. Mulenga noted that strengthening intra-African trade is crucial for unlocking the continent’s economic potential. He underscored the importance of investing in trade-enabling infrastructure, including transport networks, logistics hubs, and digital platforms, to facilitate seamless cross-border commerce. The Minister also emphasized policy harmonization, calling for alignment of regulatory frameworks, standards, and customs procedures to remove barriers and streamline the movement of goods and services. He explained that coordinated efforts would enable African countries to act collectively, enhancing their bargaining power in global markets and fostering stronger regional supply chains. By integrating production, processing, and marketing strategies, African nations can capture greater value from local resources and promote sustainable economic development.
The conference, sponsored by Access Bank Africa, has drawn senior decision-makers from 28 countries, alongside representatives from the private sector. Notable attendees included Kennedy Mbekeani, Director General for the Southern Africa Region at the African Development Bank, and Kwabena Ayirebi, Managing Director for Banking Operations at the African Export-Import Bank. Discussions during the panel highlighted the role of strategic partnerships in driving investment and industrial growth, with a particular focus on empowering young entrepreneurs. Participants examined how collaborative projects can strengthen skills development, enhance market access, and create employment opportunities. The emphasis on joint ventures reflects a broader vision of building a self-sustaining, interconnected African economy capable of competing on a global scale.
Hon. Mulenga concluded by urging African nations to deepen cooperation, remove trade obstacles, and implement policies that encourage private sector participation in joint ventures. He reiterated that partnerships between countries, investors, and businesses are vital for translating Africa’s economic potential into tangible results. By investing collectively in production, processing, marketing, and trade infrastructure, the continent can achieve higher productivity, create jobs, and foster inclusive growth. The Minister emphasized that strategic collaborations not only strengthen individual economies but also enhance regional integration, making Africa more resilient to global economic shocks. The African Trade Conference 2026 has provided a platform for actionable dialogue, with insights from the panel expected to guide policies and initiatives that promote sustainable economic development across the continent.
Minister Chipoka Mulenga’s remarks underscore the transformative power of partnerships in driving Africa’s economic agenda. His focus on joint investment, production, and trade highlights the need for coordinated efforts to unlock the continent’s potential. Strengthening intra-African cooperation, harmonizing policies, and investing in trade infrastructure are essential steps toward creating jobs, empowering the private sector, and promoting industrial growth. By embracing these strategies, African nations can build a more integrated, productive, and competitive economy. The conference has reinforced the importance of collaborative action, demonstrating that strategic partnerships are central to Africa’s long-term development and prosperity.