The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has called on the country’s business community to position itself to take advantage of export financing opportunities as a pathway to expanding into regional and international markets.
Speaking during a one-day stakeholder engagement on export financing, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa, in a speech read on his behalf by Acting Director for Export Promotion Ernest Chirwa, said access to finance remains one of the most critical factors for businesses seeking to compete beyond the domestic market.
Mr. Halwampa noted that businesses aspiring to export must go beyond identifying market opportunities by demonstrating sound financial management, operational efficiency, adequate production capacity, credible markets, and the ability to meet financing obligations.
He explained that the workshop was organised to equip businesses with the knowledge and requirements for accessing export financing through the Zambia Export Development Fund (ZEDF).
“The Zambia Export Development Fund provides affordable financing that enables businesses to strengthen working capital, expand production, undertake value addition, and fulfil export orders,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zambia Export Development Fund (ZEDF) Manager David Chewe said Zambian businesses have enormous potential to expand their footprint in regional and international markets through increased access to export financing.
Dr. Chewe said the engagement was designed to provide businesses in Lusaka Province with practical information on accessing export financing and unlocking opportunities in export markets.
He described Lusaka as Zambia’s leading commercial and business hub, with a diversified economy driven by manufacturing, agro-processing, trade, logistics, technology, and professional services. Unlike regions whose economies are largely dependent on mining or seasonal agricultural activities, Lusaka’s economy operates throughout the year, positioning it as a strategic driver of the country’s export growth.
Dr. Chewe further observed that many locally produced goods still require greater value addition and improved standards to enhance their competitiveness in regional and international markets. He urged businesses to prioritise quality, innovation, and value addition to increase Zambia’s export potential and drive sustainable economic growth.
