The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry says the Zambian Government is investing heavily in trade and investment facilitation infrastructure such as roads, airports, energy and smart communication technologies.
Speaking during the Egypt – Zambia Business Forum in Lusaka, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Christopher Yaluma says such infrastructure investments have begun to pay dividend by opening up new areas for investment in the country that were previously difficult to reach by the private sector.
“The vision of the Zambian Government is clear regarding our emphasis on facilitating private sector led economic growth through sustainable industrialization that creates equitable jobs and wealth for our people. We are investing heavily in trade and investment facilitation infrastructure such as roads, airports, energy and smart communication technologies. Such infrastructure investments have begun to pay dividend by opening up new areas for investment in the country that were previously difficult to reach by the private sector,” said Mr. Yaluma.
He added that as a result of the heavy investment in trade and investment facilitation infrastructure Zambia has begun to see more private sector driven value chains being developed and transforming rural areas into peri-urban areas.
“We are seeing high value exportable products being produced utilizing readily available raw materials in rural areas and being delivered to markets in cities within Zambia and across our borders to neighboring countries,” he said.
“Both Zambia and Egypt are members of COMESA and we are both fully committed to taking advantage of trade and investment opportunities that exist. Besides our political and other bilateral commitments that our two countries have, my considered view is that trade and investment is one of the most effective instruments to deepen our relations bilaterally and integrate further as a region.”
He said it is for this reason he has called on the private sector representatives from both countries to take advantage of the political good will and attractive policies that the two governments have in place to establish mutually beneficial business relations.
He suggested that the best way is for the two countries to evaluate the respective strengths in terms of competitive and comparative advantages as a basis to forge business relations.
Mr. Yaluma stated that both Zambia and Egypt can also learn from each other on how to develop certain key sectors and utilize earnings from those key sectors to stimulate growth in other growth sectors.
“As Government, we are delighted to note the growing interest from Egypt to invest in Zambia as evidenced by the number of inward missions that are being undertaken to explore opportunities for investing and trading with Zambia. I am also reliably informed that in the spirit of creating a strong platform for investment and trade between the two countries, Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry on behalf of the Zambian business community will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federation of Egyptian Industries, this is a welcome move and l can assure you that as Government, we will give you all the necessary support you require. As l conclude, let me re-iterate the fact that despite growing interest for our two countries to do business, both trade and investment numbers remain low,” he said.
“We do have a few Egyptian Companies such as Hawai Real Estates Limited, Imex Stardarn Limited, Nuba Homes Limited and Elsewedy Cables that have invested in Zambia, but we do not have any Zambian Company investing in Egypt. Our desire therefore is that with an improved investment and trade climate in both countries supported by the Memorandum of Understanding that will be signed here today, we will see more investment moving in both directions and as well as increased trade in value added goods and services.”
The Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister indicated that in Zambia, the country has opportunities for investment in sectors such as Engineering, Energy, Agriculture and Agro-processing, Pharmaceutical and Aquaculture.
He said opportunities also exist in Tourism, ICT, Manufacturing, Education and Health.
“I therefore encourage you to positively explore these opportunities and ensure that you create lasting business partnerships that will benefit our two peoples,” said the minister.

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