Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade, investment and private-sector partnerships.
Giving remarks during the official opening ceremony, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Lilian Bwalya, in a speech delivered by Consul General of Zambia in Lubumbashi, Steward Nchimunya, said the Zambia Trade Mission in Lubumbashi provides a platform for businesses from both countries to explore markets, identify potential buyers and suppliers, and unlock investment opportunities.
Ms. Bwalya highlighted that the previous Zambia Trade Mission to Lubumbashi in 2025 generated business opportunities valued at over US$47.5 million, demonstrating the growing opportunities for increased trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa, in a speech read on his behalf by Director of Exports, Chileshe Wagner, said the mission was organised to promote Zambia’s non-traditional exports, expand market access and connect Zambian businesses with international buyers.
Mr. Halwampa urged participating companies to maximise the business-to-business (B2B) meetings, exhibitions and networking sessions to establish supply agreements, distribution partnerships and investment linkages that would translate into tangible economic benefits.
Mr. Halwampa emphasised that the success of the mission would not only be measured by the number of meetings conducted, but also by the actual business deals, investments and sustainable partnerships established beyond the engagements.
He further assured that ZDA would monitor business leads generated during the mission to facilitate follow-ups and ensure that the engagements translate into increased trade, investment, enterprise growth and job creation for the mutual benefit of Zambia and the DRC.
And Vice President of the Fédération des Entreprises du Congo (FEC) in Lubumbashi, Guy Kimenyembo, called for deeper economic integration between Zambia and the DRC, urging businesses to move beyond conventional trade towards joint ventures, local value addition and regional industrialisation.
He further pointed out the Lobito Corridor as a strategic opportunity to strengthen regional supply chains, improve connectivity and reduce transportation costs, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of businesses operating in the region.
Following the official opening, participating businesses have already recorded progress through business-to-business engagements, follow-ups on existing business relationships and direct sales at exhibition stands, signalling positive prospects for strengthened commercial ties between the two countries.
The Zambia Trade Mission to the DRC is expected to provide a platform for Zambian enterprises to access new markets, strengthen cross-border business relationships.
