Countdown to April 30: The New Era of Zambia-DRC Trade Begins
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have intensified efforts to operationalise the Simplified Trade Regime (STR), a framework aimed at easing cross-border trade and supporting small-scale traders, particularly women and young people.
The development follows more than seven years of bilateral engagements, with both governments now approaching the final stages of implementing the trade facilitation instrument.
Speaking during the opening of a Technical Meeting in Chingola, Chairperson Patricia Mwela said the discussions were focused on advancing the rollout of the STR between the two countries.
“Last February, DRC and Zambia met to advance this agenda. That meeting set the tone for this engagement, culminating in the planned launch on 30 April. This is now the countdown to implementation,” Ms Mwela said.
She noted that the STR is designed to simplify customs clearance procedures for small-scale traders and enable them to benefit from preferential trade rates, thereby formalising informal trade and improving livelihoods.
Ms Mwela added that Zambia has already made progress in infrastructure development, highlighting the upgraded facilities at Kasumbalesa border as a key enabler for smoother trade.
The three-day Technical and Ministerial Meeting is expected to conclude ahead of the official launch of the Kasumbalesa STR on 30 April 2026.
Co-chairperson of the Technical Meeting, Laurent Mbuyamba, said the Congolese delegation is committed to addressing outstanding issues to ensure the successful rollout of the regime.
“We come with an open mind and are ready to implement key recommendations so that this initiative benefits both countries,” he said.
Representing the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Director of Trade and Customs at the Secretariat said the STR is a practical tool for facilitating small-scale trade and addressing socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and poverty.
He explained that by reducing administrative barriers and streamlining customs procedures, the regime would help formalise trade, enhance revenue collection, and promote economic empowerment.
Meanwhile, Facilitating Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Trade (FIRST) Project Specialist Alex Lesa emphasised the importance of inclusive trade policies, noting that over 70 per cent of small-scale cross-border traders are women and youth.
He said the STR has the potential to strengthen household incomes, improve food security, and build economic resilience among vulnerable groups.
Mr Lesa reaffirmed the project’s commitment to supporting both governments in ensuring that the framework is implemented in an efficient, transparent and inclusive manner.
