ZDA, TFO Canada create market opportunities for women-led agribusinesses in Zambia, South Africa

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and the Trade Facilitation Office Canada (TFO) have organized a buyer-seller meeting aimed at establishing new export contracts for Zambian women-owned agribusinesses.

The meeting, which brought together Zambian sellers and South African buyers, saw the participation of 13 local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

According to a statement from the ZDA, the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to support women entrepreneurs in accessing international markets.

ZDA Director-General, Albert Halwampa, explained that the meeting was a continuation of the agency’s four-year collaboration with TFO under the Women in Trade for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth (WIT) project.

The project had so far trained over 100 companies through various SME development programmes.

Halwampa’s remarks, delivered on his behalf by ZDA’s Director of Export Promotion, Jessica Chombo, emphasized the importance of expanding market access for Zambian women-led businesses.

Meanwhile, Corry Van Gaal, Head of the Office of the High Commission of Canada in Zambia, highlighted the critical role that Zambian women play in sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, and textiles.

“According to the World Bank, women represent about 70 percent of the agricultural workforce in Africa. Yet, they own only a fraction of the land and face barriers in accessing finance, markets, and training,” Van Gaal stated.

She added: “The journey toward empowering women exporters in Africa is not just a matter of social justice but a strategic economic imperative. By unlocking the potential and confidence of women, we can drive innovation, boost our economies, and create a more inclusive and prosperous Africa for all.”

The ZDA and TFO collaboration seeks to build sustainable trade links that would enhance the economic contributions of women entrepreneurs across Zambia and South Africa.

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