Canada reportedly funds CA$9.7 million trade initiative for Zambia, DRC, Mozambique

Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mozambique will reportedly benefit from a CA$9.7 million trade initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada.

The Facilitating Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Trade (FIRST) Project, officially launched in Lusaka on Tuesday, is set to be implemented by Cowater International over a five-year period (2024–2029).

The initiative claims to strengthen small-scale cross-border trade by providing policy and institutional support to help implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including its Protocols on Women and Youth in Trade and Digital Trade.

It also seeks to expand economic opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities by reducing trade-related discrimination and barriers in trade policy implementation.

The project reportedly aims to improve access for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led by these groups to the benefits of inclusive and environmentally sustainable trade.

Additionally, FIRST is said to strengthen the institutional capacity of Ministries of Trade and key stakeholders in the three countries to collect and disseminate trade-related data.

Speaking at the launch, Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce and Trade Permanent Secretary, Lillian Bwalya, claimed the initiative would significantly improve the trading environment for small-scale cross-border traders, especially those from marginalized groups.

“The FIRST project is built on three core pillars designed to create a more inclusive and accessible trading environment, “Bwalya said.

DRC’s Ministry of Trade Permanent Secretary, Jules Muilo, acknowledged the project’s impact, stating that it was creating an enabling environment for small-scale traders in his country, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Cindy Kanungwe, Secretary of the Association of Women in Regional Cross-Border Trade of Kasumbalesa, expressed optimism about the initiative, noting that her organization looked forward to collaborating with the FIRST project to address barriers faced by women in cross-border trade and promote economic empowerment.

Corry van Gaal, Head of Office at the High Commission of Canada in Zambia, stated that despite the challenges faced by small-scale cross-border traders, including unsafe trading conditions, the resilience of women and youth in trade remained inspiring.

“The FIRST project, funded by the Government of Canada, is supporting women, youth, and persons with disabilities in DRC, Mozambique, and Zambia to leverage new trade and economic opportunities created through the AfCFTA,” she said.

A representative from Mozambique’s Ministry of Economy emphasized the country’s readiness to partner with the initiative, pledging to work towards implementing a gender-responsive and inclusive trade policy.

Through targeted capacity building and training, FIRST is said to aim at benefiting approximately 300,000 small-scale cross-border traders, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, particularly at the Kasumbalesa border crossing between Zambia and the DRC.

The project is expected to play a crucial role in fostering inclusive economic growth and improving trade facilitation for marginalized groups in the three participating countries.

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