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The Canadian government has urged Zambia to fully utilise its trade agreements with various countries to create opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive and drive economic growth.
Corry Van Gaal, Head of Office at the Canadian High Commission in Zambia, highlighted that access to finance continues to be a major challenge for MSMEs in the country.
Speaking at the close-out event for the Exporters Competitiveness Project on Thursday at Urban Hotel in Lusaka, Van Gaal emphasized the importance of MSMEs, particularly those in the manufacturing sector, adhering to international quality standards.
She expressed optimism that ongoing dialogue with policymakers and industry stakeholders would help create a trade ecosystem that allows MSMEs to engage in regional markets.
“By advocating for reforms that simplify export procedures, improve financing mechanisms, and strengthen regulatory frameworks, we can collectively pave the way for a more dynamic and competitive industrial sector,” Van Gaal said.
The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), in collaboration with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, had been implementing the MSME Exporters’ Competitiveness Project since June last year.
Through the initiative, 35 manufacturers were empowered with essential skills in standard compliance, access to finance, and trade facilitation.
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“The insights gained from this initiative will serve as a foundation for future policy dialogue, particularly in addressing barriers that limit MSMEs from fully leveraging regional trade opportunities,” Van Gaal added.
In her closing remarks, Bernadette Mwakacheya, Director of Business Development in the Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development, noted that the project came at an opportune time as Zambia prepares to trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mwakacheya revealed that the government recently announced plans to domesticate AfCFTA provisions into national law, which would help Zambia integrate into the broader African market.
“This will set the stage for Zambia to join much of the rest of the continent in readiness for a unified African market,” she stated.
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