Zambia has officially finalised the gazetting of its Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions (PSTC) under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), signalling that the country is now ready to trade under this landmark agreement.
For entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, this presents huge opportunities and challenges. If you’re looking to export products, source raw materials affordably, or scale your business across Africa, understanding AfCFTA could be a game-changer.
What is AfCFTA & Why Does It Matter?
AfCFTA is the world’s largest free trade area, covering 54 African nations with a combined population of over 1.3 billion people and an estimated $3.4 trillion market. Its goal is to eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers between African countries, making trade easier and more cost-effective.
For Zambian businesses, this means:
✅ Lower tariffs on exports to other African countries
✅ Easier access to regional supply chains
✅ Increased business partnerships within Africa
✅ Better market access for locally made products
How Zambian Startups & SMEs Can Benefit
1. Expand Your Market Beyond Zambia
With lower trade barriers, Zambian businesses can sell to more customers across Africa, beyond the local market. This is particularly beneficial for:
- Agribusinesses exporting processed foods, grains, and fresh produce
- Manufacturers producing furniture, textiles, and construction materials
- Tech startups offering software, fintech, and e-commerce solutions
2. Cheaper Raw Materials & Supplies
If you’re a manufacturer or reseller, AfCFTA allows you to source raw materials and finished goods at lower prices from African countries. Instead of relying on expensive imports from Asia or Europe, you can now get materials from nearby markets at reduced costs.
3. Opportunities for Value Addition
Zambia has abundant natural resources (copper, agriculture, timber), but much of it is exported raw. AfCFTA makes it more profitable for businesses to process raw materials locally before exporting. For example:
- Instead of exporting raw maize, a business can process and package mealie meal for the African market.
- Instead of selling timber, companies can produce finished furniture and export within Africa.
4. Increased Funding & Business Support
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is helping local businesses navigate AfCFTA and start exporting. They offer:
- Export readiness training
- Funding opportunities for businesses looking to scale
- Networking & trade fairs to connect with African buyers
Challenges & Risks for Zambian Businesses
1. Competition from Other African Countries
While Zambian businesses will get access to bigger markets, they will also face stronger competition from cheaper imports. This means that businesses need to differentiate their products through quality, branding, and value addition.
2. Compliance & Documentation
To trade under AfCFTA, businesses must meet certain standards and regulations. This includes:
- Rules of origin (proving that goods are made in Zambia)
- Product quality standards for export
- Export permits & trade licenses
3. Logistics & Infrastructure Gaps
Even with reduced tariffs, poor transport infrastructure and high shipping costs can still increase the price of Zambian exports. Entrepreneurs need to strategically plan logistics to keep costs low.
How to Get Started with AfCFTA
1️⃣ Register your business with PACRA & ZRA – Ensure you have all the legal documents to trade.
2️⃣ Contact the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) – Get export training and funding opportunities.
3️⃣ Identify your target African markets – Research which countries need your product.
4️⃣ Meet AfCFTA requirements – Understand trade documentation, tariffs, and logistics.
5️⃣ Build partnerships – Connect with suppliers, distributors, and customers across Africa.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Zambian Entrepreneurs
AfCFTA is a game-changer for Zambia’s business community, especially for startups and SMEs looking to scale beyond borders. While challenges exist, the opportunities for growth, affordability, and expansion outweigh them.
Zambian businesses that act now, get export-ready, and position themselves strategically will be at the forefront of Africa’s economic revolution.
