About the Event
To support the implementation of Zambia's National AfCFTA Strategy, particularly in advancing the empowerment and capacity building of the local private sector, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI), in collaboration with the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), is developing a Step-by-Step Guide for Trading Goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The initiative is being undertaken with technical support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and financial support from the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and GIZ, with the aim of equipping Zambian businesses, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with practical guidance to effectively access and benefit from opportunities under the AfCFTA.
AfCFTA as a Market Access Tool
The AfCFTA is creating a single continental market for goods and services, encompassing an estimated 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of approximately US$3 trillion. This presents significant opportunities for Zambian businesses to expand into regional and continental markets and benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Goods. However, realizing these opportunities requires a clear understanding of applicable trade procedures, rules of origin, and market requirements. A significant number of MSMEs, particularly women-owned and youth-owned businesses, continue to face challenges in accessing reliable and user-friendly trade information, limiting their ability to compete effectively and take full advantage of opportunities under the AfCFTA.
The Step-by-Step Guide and Trade Information Portal
The Step-by-Step Guide, based on a methodology developed by ECA, is a practical tool that sets out the requirements for trading goods under the AfCFTA. It covers the full process, from product classification and rules of origin to customs documentation, clearance and settlement, and Zambia's licensing and certification requirements. It draws on extensive consultations with public and private sector stakeholders.
Overall objective
The main objective is to validate the draft Guide with national stakeholders to ensure that it is accurate, relevant and easy to use. The workshop builds on two Core Group of Stakeholders meetings (9 June and 10 September 2026), whose comments have been incorporated to shape the current draft.
Specific objectives
- Present the draft Guide to public and private sector stakeholders.
- Collect feedback on its content, clarity and completeness.
- Confirm that the regulatory and procedural requirements, institutions and documents are correct.
- Assess how useful and accessible it is for large businesses, MSMEs, and women- and youth-led businesses.
- Agree how the Guide will be disseminated and evaluated, so stakeholders own and use it.
Take away
-A validated Guide that reflects stakeholder input
-Clear next steps for finalising and distributing it
-A better understanding of AfCFTA trading processes
-Stronger interface between government and the private sector
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 24 September 2026
Venue: Lusaka, Zambia
Participants: Business entities
Organizers: Government of the Republic of Zambia, through MCTI, in collaboration with the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI)
Technical Support: Technical support from the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA); financial assistance from the Kingdom of Denmark and GIZ
Contacts
Further information and queries on the meeting and other should be addressed to:
Mr Wells Banda, Bilateral and Regional Trade Officer, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry
Email: wells.banda@mcti.gov.zm
Ms. Bineswaree Bolaky, Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Subregional office for Southern Africa
Email: bineswaree.bolaky@un.org
Media Contact:
Lavender Degre, Communication Officer
ECA Sub Regional Office for Southern Africa, Lusaka, Zambia.
Email: lavender.degre@un.org