• Zambia currently trades in two regional economic communities namely; COMESA and SADC.
• Zambia recorded a trade surplus of US$846 billion within COMESA.
• Access to export markets still remains a challenge for most manufacturers.

Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has observed an improvement in Zambia’s participation on the SADC and COMESA trade areas over the last 10 years.
Speaking during a Zoom meeting on how Zambia can utilize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Association President Ashu Sagar revealed that the country recorded a trade surplus of US$846 billion within COMESA and a reduced deficit of around US$783 million in SADC in 2020.
Mr. Sagar said manufacture exports occupy significant proportion of exports of the country’s total exports, adding that the export market for local products is expected to grow and present manufacturers with an opportunity to grow their businesses.
“Zambia currently trades in two regional economic communities namely COMESA and SADC. The performance of Zambia in these regional trade areas has been improving over the last 10 years.”
“Manufactured exports in 2020 were reported to be around 15 percent of total exports from Zambia. It is noted that Non-Tradition Exports will hold the key to Zambia’s growth in the future in achievement of our goals, in increased employment and value addition,” Mr. Sagar said.
He however noted that access to export markets still remains a challenge for most manufacturers because of non-tariff barriers imposed by most countries such as none availability of import permits, unauthorized check points and road blocks among others.
“Accessing export markets still remains a daunting task for most manufacturers. Some export markets set up non-tariff barriers which are hindering exports,” he noted.
Mr. Sagar stressed the need to resolve some of tariff barriers in order for Zambia to actively participate in African Continental Free Trade Area.