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The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) has called for enhanced collaboration among governments, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and the private sector to foster inclusive and sustainable economic development across Africa.
ZACCI Chief Executive Officer, Elvin Nasilele, made the call during the opening of the 13th African Union Multi-Stakeholder Experts Retreat and the 4th Africa SME Development Program Partnership Platform (ASMED 3P), currently underway in Lusaka from May 12 to 16, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Business Council, Nasilele underscored the critical role of the private sector in driving Africa’s industrial transformation agenda.
“There is need to align private sector initiatives to leverage opportunities that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) avails,” he said.
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He also stressed the importance of aligning private sector efforts with SADC’s industrialization strategy, and commended the African Union Commission (AUC) for maintaining momentum on the continent’s industrial transformation and for its commitment to implementing the outcomes of the 17th Extraordinary Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification.
Nasilele emphasized that structurally integrating the private sector into policy formulation and implementation is essential to unlocking Africa’s industrial potential.
“The private sector must not just be consulted—it must be an active partner in shaping Africa’s industrial future,” he said.
He reaffirmed the SADC Business Council’s commitment to working with the AUC, RECs, and member states in building a more industrialized, diversified, and resilient African economy.
Nasilele also extended gratitude to the Zambian government and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretariat for convening the high-level meetings.
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