ZDA Empowers MSMEs for International Trade Expansion
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is actively working to expand the country’s export capabilities by providing training to growth-oriented businesses.
Recently, over 35 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from various sectors underwent training to assess their readiness to enter the international market with competitive products or services.
Jessica Chombo, the Director of Export Promotion at ZDA, expressed the agency’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for private sector growth in Zambia.
She highlighted the government’s efforts in signing bilateral and multilateral agreements aimed at boosting trade regionally, across Africa, and globally.
Chombo emphasized ZDA’s role in supporting the government’s initiatives by building the capacity of exporters and facilitating market access through various programs.
Beyond training sessions like the export readiness workshop, ZDA provides additional support such as disseminating market information, organizing trade missions, participating in international trade fairs, arranging business-to-business meetings, and creating networking opportunities.
Following the government and ZDA’s efforts, Chombo stressed the importance of the private sector’s role in meeting export market demands. She urged businesses to focus on producing high-quality goods and services while collaborating with each other to meet volume requirements.
Chombo encouraged participants to engage with one another, identify areas for collaboration, and explore opportunities for collective action. Collaboration among businesses, including the formation of aggregators, was highlighted as a strategy to effectively address the demands of the export market.
The training took place from March 26th to 28th, 2024, at the ZDA premises in Lusaka, providing valuable insights and resources to MSMEs aiming to expand their presence in the global market.
