Zambia and Tanzania Reinforce Commitment to Simplified Trade Regime
Zambia and Tanzania have convened their Second Bilateral Meeting on the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) at the Nakonde/Tunduma border post, underscoring both countries’ commitment to supporting small-scale cross-border traders.
The three-day meeting, running from 17 to 19 December 2025, began with a Joint Technical Committee session and will be followed by a Joint Steering Committee meeting. The discussions aim to review progress, address operational challenges, and provide strategic guidance for effective STR implementation.
Co-chairing the Technical Committee, Zambia’s Chief Economist in the Department of Foreign Trade, Mr Billy Malijani, highlighted the importance of translating STR commitments into practical actions.
“For Zambia, this STR is an important tool to support small-scale cross-border trade, especially for women and youth, through predictable, transparent, and simplified procedures,” he said.
Mr Malijani assured participants that Zambia is ready to implement technical actions and provide actionable recommendations to support the Steering Committee.
Acting Assistant Director – Regional Integration in Tanzania’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mr Frank K. Kibika, praised Zambia’s cooperation and partnership, emphasising that the meeting builds on the solid foundation laid during the first bilateral engagement.
He noted that open dialogue and constructive engagement will further improve trade facilitation, institutional coordination, and regional integration.
The meeting is expected to convert policy commitments into tangible benefits for traders, border communities, and the broader economies of both countries, demonstrating their shared resolve to promote cross-border trade and strengthen regional economic integration.
