New Training Modules to Boost SME, Cooperative Trade Capacity
Thirteen specialized training modules have been developed to support over 40 agriculture sector Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in North-Western Province under the Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project.
The modules, finalized during a one-week workshop in Chisamba, are aimed at boosting SME competitiveness and market readiness at local, regional, and international levels.
The modules focus on: Honey Production, Principles of Food Hygiene, Packaging and Labelling, Aquaculture, Legumes and Pulses, SME Competition, Cassava Production, Good Agricultural Practices, Milk Production, Stock Feed, Cereal Processing, Confectionery Products, and Timber and Wood Processing.
Training sessions are set to take place in the second half of 2025. The modules were designed and adopted by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry in collaboration with four statutory bodies — Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA), Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA), and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
Director of Technical Regulations at the Ministry, Brian Moonga, highlighted that the modules are critical for enhancing the quality of SME products.
“Sometimes farmers and SMEs get low income because of poor processing, storage, packaging and labelling. This project will assist producers to comply with technical requirements and secure better returns,” said Mr Moonga.
Humphrey Nkobeni, ZMA Executive Director and Chairperson of the SME Training under the Lobito Corridor project, emphasized the importance of confidence-building alongside skills training.
“SMEs must have the confidence to navigate trade processes, meet standards, and innovate. These modules will improve business competence, financial literacy, and market access,” he stated.
Nkobeni further noted that the training will reduce operational costs, improve productivity, and increase SME adaptability in competitive markets.
The Chisamba workshop was part of the ongoing implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2024 between the Ministry and NQI institutions — ZCSA, ZABS, ZMA — in partnership with CCPC. This partnership is tasked with training cooperatives and SMEs in Standardisation, Quality Assurance, and Metrology.
The Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project, supported by the African Development Bank, seeks to strengthen domestic and cross-border trade between Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia by equipping local producers to meet quality standards and market demands.
