Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary (PS) Lillian Bwalya says Zambia and Uganda must strengthen trade cooperation and create sustainable partnerships that will unlock economic growth and expand opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Speaking in Lusaka today during the Zambia-Uganda Trade and Business Forum, the PS said the two countries have established mechanisms such as the Joint Trade Committee to address trade-related challenges and improve business cooperation.
Ms Bwalya commended Zambia and Uganda for organising the Forum, describing it as an important platform for deepening cooperation in trade and investment at a time when African countries are seeking stronger regional economic integration.
“This forum comes at a pivotal moment as nations across Africa strive to strengthen economic cooperation, expand trade opportunities, and promote sustainable private sector-led growth,” she said.
Ms Bwalya noted that trade remains a key driver of economic development because it stimulates industrial growth, promotes innovation, facilitates technology transfer, and enhances competitiveness.
She highlighted several products Uganda can source from Zambia, including fertilizers, cement, sugar, textiles, and home care among other products.
The Permanent Secretary said Zambia and Uganda share similar development aspirations and possess abundant natural resources that can be leveraged for mutual benefit.
She observed that Uganda has emerged as an oil-producing nation, while Zambia remains rich in copper and agricultural resources, adding that the two countries should focus on exploiting their comparative advantages rather than competing against each other.
“The idea is not for us to compete, but the idea is for us to tap into our comparative advantage and together build and tap into external markets, so that we mutually benefit from our collaboration,” she said.
Ms Bwalya stressed the importance of private sector participation in driving inclusive economic growth and unlocking investment opportunities.
She said Zambia offers investment opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, mining, tourism, energy, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
She stressed that the Zambian government continues to implement reforms aimed at improving the business environment and attracting investment.
Ms Bwalya said Zambia has introduced structures such as the Public Private Partnership Dialogue Forum to address bottlenecks affecting business development and has also rolled out a single window system to streamline trade processes and reduce delays at border posts.
Ms Bwalya further called for stronger cooperation between governments and the private sector in removing barriers to trade, promoting value addition, and advancing regional integration.
She encouraged businesses, investors, and stakeholders attending the forum to take advantage of the platform to network, exchange ideas, and establish practical partnerships that will increase trade and investment flows between Zambia and Uganda.
The Permanent Secretary also welcomed efforts to expand air connectivity between the two countries, noting that collaboration between Uganda Airlines and Zambia Airways could contribute to the growth of the aviation sector.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting private sector development under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.
“Our idea is to make sure that we do come out of this with tangible partnerships,” she said.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Zambia Fred Mwesigye said the Uganda-Zambia Trade and Business Forum is intended to facilitate practical business engagements through business-to-business and business-to-government meetings.
Colonel (Rtd) Mwesigye said Uganda and Zambia should work together to reduce trade barriers, improve logistics and connectivity, strengthen standardisation, and support regional value chains that enable African countries to trade more with each other.
“We’re particularly keen to encourage joint ventures, technology transfer, nurturing cross-border social partnerships, and increasing trade in locally produced goods and services,” he said.
He added that modern economic diplomacy must focus on measurable outcomes such as attracting investment, unlocking markets, supporting exporters, and creating opportunities for citizens, especially women and young people.
The Ugandan Envoy urged participants at the Forum to translate discussions into concrete partnerships, investment commitments, and long-term business relationships.
“To the private sector, Uganda is open for business,” he said.
