U.S. Opens First-Ever Commercial Service Office in Zambia to Boost Trade and Investment
The United States has launched its first-ever Commercial Service office at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, aiming to strengthen trade and investment ties between the U.S. and Zambia.
The new office, inaugurated by U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets Arun Venkataraman and Zambian Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry Chipoka Mulenga, is set to boost bilateral economic opportunities for U.S. businesses in Zambia.
Located within the U.S. Embassy, the office will be led by Senior Commercial Officer Kully Nelson and will facilitate direct business connections between U.S. and Zambian companies, offering tailored export-support expertise, market information, and business matchmaking services.
U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales highlighted the office’s potential to transform the U.S.-Zambia relationship from one centered on aid to one based on “trade, investment, business ties, and commerce.”
The establishment of the Lusaka Commercial Service office, the Department of Commerce’s 13th office in Africa, also comes as both nations celebrate 60 years of bilateral relations.
Assistant Secretary Venkataraman remarked on the “opportune moment” to deepen the commercial relationship between the United States and Zambia, reaffirming the U.S. government’s commitment to bolstering economic partnerships across Africa.
The new office will strengthen Zambia’s position as a regional trade hub in Southern Africa, advancing opportunities in sectors ranging from agriculture to energy and infrastructure.
The U.S. Commercial Service operates in over 100 countries and has 122 global offices, focusing on export promotion and international trade initiatives. For further details about the new Lusaka office, visit the U.S. Commercial Service website at trade.gov/zambia.
