Zambia Joins Global SME Summit, Pledges Stronger Support for Local Businesses
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing small and medium enterprise (SME) development after successfully taking part in the first-ever Global SME Ministerial Meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from July 22 to 24, 2025.
Representing Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Hon. Elias Mubanga, the Director General of the Zambia Development Agency, Mr. Albert Halwampa, led the Zambian delegation, with Chief Economist Mr. Chinyanta Chikula also attending high-level sessions of the Ministerial meetings.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Halwampa highlighted Zambia’s resolve to empower SMEs to scale and evolve into major corporations.
“This meeting has provided a valuable platform for Zambia to engage with global partners and stakeholders on promoting SME development. We look forward to implementing the outcomes and recommendations to support our SMEs,” said Mr. Halwampa.
The meeting focused on several key areas critical to SME development:
- Enhancing SME Competitiveness: Including improved access to finance, digitization, sustainable business practices, and efficient technology use.
- Strengthening Global Partnerships: Zambia engaged in bilateral talks with governments and private sector entities to mobilize support for local SMEs.
- Policy Development: Insights from the meeting will inform Zambia’s review and implementation of SME-related policies.
- Coordinated Action Plan: Zambia will work with global partners to execute strategies that foster market access, digital transformation, and green innovation.
- Adoption of the Johannesburg Call to Action: Zambia joined other nations in endorsing a collective roadmap aimed at bolstering global SME ecosystems.
The Zambian delegation took the opportunity to articulate the government’s vision and ongoing programmes that support local enterprise growth, signaling readiness to attract international collaboration and investment.
