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The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) has emphasized the significant benefits Zambia will gain from the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) coordination framework aimed at accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Following Zambia’s recent completion of gazetting the Tariff Concessions under the AfCFTA Agreement, the country has officially begun trading under the framework.
ZACCI Chief Executive Officer, Elvin Nasilele, explained that the coordination framework would streamline trade processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance efficiency, allowing Zambian businesses to export goods to other African countries more quickly.
This is expected to boost trade volumes and revenue.
“With the AfCFTA, Zambia will have access to a market of over 1.3 billion people. The coordination framework will enable Zambian businesses to capitalize on this opportunity, increasing exports and driving economic growth,” Nasilele stated.
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He also highlighted that the framework would encourage competition among Zambian businesses, fostering innovation and product improvement, which would enhance their competitiveness in both regional and continental markets.
Moreover, the framework aims to strengthen regulatory systems, reduce non-tariff barriers to trade, and create a more conducive business environment—ultimately attracting investment and promoting economic growth.
Nasilele stressed that the SADC coordination framework would be instrumental in accelerating AfCFTA’s implementation, unlocking trade opportunities for Zambia.
By enhancing trade facilitation, market access, competitiveness, and the regulatory environment, it is expected to drive economic growth, job creation, and regional integration.
With these initiatives in place, Nasilele envisioned Zambia’s business community leveraging the framework for increased trade, fostering economic development within the region and across the continent.
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