The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) team leading the Zambia–Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Trade Mission paid a courtesy call on the Consulate of the Republic of Zambia in Lubumbashi to discuss strategies to strengthen bilateral trade and expand market opportunities for Zambian businesses.
The visit comes ahead of the trade mission scheduled for today, 28th to 30th October 2026, which seeks to promote Zambian products and services, facilitate business partnerships and increase exports to the DRC market.
ZDA Director – Exports Promotion, Mrs. Chileshe Wagner, commended the Consulate for its support and assistance in facilitating the trade mission.
Mrs. Wagner highlighted the significant trade and investment opportunities in the DRC, particularly in the Katanga region, noting that the mission gives Zambian companies a platform to engage directly with potential buyers, identify market opportunities, and establish mutually beneficial business partnerships.
She said the mission brings together companies from diverse sectors, including processed foods and beverages, fast-moving consumer goods, manufacturing, energy, beef and livestock, agriculture, maize and mealie meal, financial technology (fintech) and other services.
“DRC presents huge opportunities for Zambian businesses, and this mission provides an opportunity for our companies to partner and trade with businesses established in DRC,” Mrs. Wagner said.
Meanwhile, Consul General of the Republic of Zambia in Lubumbashi, Steward Nchimunya, reaffirmed the importance of Zambia’s trading relationship with the DRC, describing Zambia as one of the DRC’s major trading partners.
Mr. Nchimunya highlighted emerging opportunities in the beef sector, revealing that the Ministry of Trade in Lubumbashi had approached the Consulate to facilitate the establishment of cold-storage facilities to preserve the safety, quality and commercial value of temperature-sensitive products, particularly beef.
Consul General encouraged Zambian businesses and relevant stakeholders to explore opportunities beyond Lubumbashi by considering a dedicated trade mission to Kolwezi, where growing demand presents further prospects for commercial engagement and market expansion.
He further pointed to opportunities in the milling industry, particularly through investment in milling facilities closer to the Zambia–DRC border.
The Zambia–DRC Trade Mission, running from 28th to 30th October 2026, brings together Zambian businesses seeking to explore business opportunities, establish strategic partnerships and increase exports to the DRC. The mission reflects ZDA’s continued efforts to connect local businesses to regional markets and promote export-led economic growth.
