• Identify products that will be floated on the CFTA market.
• Prioritize sectors where Zambia has comparative advantage and build domestic production capacity.
• Manufacturing industries must be strategically considered by promoting value addition.

Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) has urged the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, to build capacity of Zambian firms to compete in the continental market.
Organization Executive Director Bernadette Zulu told Money FM News in statement that Manufacturing industries will need to be strategically considered by promoting value addition, as this is the only way Zambia can benefit from the continental market.
“In view of this, Government must implement strategic policies to encourage investment in the manufacturing sector. Special focus should be given to Industrial policy, Trade policy and other policies related to cost and ease of doing business,” Ms. Zulu said.
She further urged Government to prioritize sectors where Zambia has comparative advantage and build domestic production capacity such as Agro-processing and Mining.
Ms. Zulu also stressed the need to increase sensitization on the CFTA and promote building consensus and understanding the impact of Zambia joining.
“This would also adequately equip businesses and manufacturers to strategically position themselves and benefit from CFTA. There is need to identify products that will be floated on the CFTA market,” she added.
Trading under the historic trade regime began on January 1 this year and is seen as significant stride towards continental economic integration.