THE Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has expressed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Commerce in the areas of trade and investment.
This development came to light during a courtesy call by Rwanda’s Minister of Commerce and Trade, Prudence Sebahizi, on ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa in Lusaka.
Mr Halwampa noted that the two countries have much to share, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with growing opportunities in the digital economy.
“We are eager to learn from Rwanda’s progress in trade and investment. By leveraging the Memorandum of Understanding between ZDA and RDB, the two countries can organise a trade mission or business forum, either in Rwanda or Zambia.
“ZDA remains open to providing information and support to further strengthen the friendship between our nations,” Mr Halwampa said.
He also outlined Zambia’s vast investment opportunities in the energy, mining, agriculture, and tourism sectors.
In his remarks, Mr Sebahizi observed that the roles of ZDA and RDB share many similarities, given their aligned mandates.
He emphasised the importance of regional cooperation, especially through AfCFTA, to establish value chains for Africa’s abundant mineral resources.
“Africa must prioritise beneficiation and value addition to its minerals to develop industries capable of exporting finished products,” Mr Sebahizi stated.
He also highlighted agriculture as a vital sector, pointing out that while Africa possesses sufficient resources to feed itself, it remains a net food importer.
He called on African nations to enhance collaboration along the agricultural value chain to achieve food security and self-sufficiency across the continent.
Mr Sebahizi was accompanied by His Excellency Emmanuel Bugingo, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to Zambia.
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