Chisanga says Zambia’s trade bloc membership expands market reach but industrial gaps remain

Economist Kelvin Chisanga says Zambia’s participation in regional trade blocs has improved market access, export growth, and regional trade integration across Africa.

Chisanga noted that the country had benefited from increased exports of copper, cement, electricity, sugar, and agricultural products into neighbouring markets such as the DRC, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Chisanga said Zambia’s trade composition, however, continues to favor raw materials over processed goods.

He said high logistics costs, non-tariff barriers, and low manufacturing competitiveness continue affecting trade performance.

“Zambia still exports mostly raw materials while importing manufactured goods, exposing weak industrial capacity and limited value addition,” Chisanga said.

He said that addressing structural weaknesses was critical to realizing full benefits from regional integration.

Chisanga argued that to maximize benefits from these trade blocs, Zambia would need to strengthen industrialisation, promote local processing, improve trade infrastructure, and support regional value chains.

“AfCFTA presents yet a major opportunity for Zambia to become a regional manufacturing and processing hub if supported by strong local content policies and export diversification,” he said.

Chisanga said without industrial growth, trade bloc participation alone could not deliver long-term economic stability.

“Regional integration alone is not enough without productive industrial growth capable of creating jobs, improving trade balances and strengthening long-term economic resilience,” he said.

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