Government has challenged Zambian businesses to organise themselves and take full advantage of market opportunities created under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Lillian Bwalya says while Zambia has successfully…

Government has challenged Zambian businesses to organise themselves and take full advantage of market opportunities created under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Lillian Bwalya says while Zambia has successfully negotiated market access under AfCFTA, the country has yet to fully translate those opportunities into increased exports, job creation and sustainable incomes.

Ms. Bwalya says there is a need to move beyond securing market access and focus on ensuring Zambian products reach regional and continental markets.

She says achieving this will require stronger collaboration among producers, financiers and professionals with the technical expertise needed to support exports and value addition.

Ms. Bwalya has also urged the private sector to report non-tariff barriers and other challenges encountered in export markets so that Government can intervene and facilitate smoother trade.

She was speaking in Livingstone during the 2026 Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) Annual Business Conference.

Meanwhile, ZICA President Joseph Matimba has called on business leaders and professionals to position themselves to drive economic growth by investing in emerging opportunities across key sectors of the economy.

Mr. Matimba says the private sector has an important role to play in supporting Zambia’s development and maximising opportunities presented by regional and international markets.