Zambia and DRC Deepen Trade Ties Through New Investment and Business Drive
Zambia and DRC Strengthen Trade Relations as Businesses Pursue New Investment Opportunities in Lubumbashi
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are reinforcing their economic partnership through a high-level trade mission in Lubumbashi aimed at expanding cross-border commerce, attracting investment and creating new business opportunities for companies in both countries.
The mission has brought together entrepreneurs, investors and industry representatives to explore commercial partnerships, identify new markets and strengthen supply chains between two of Central and Southern Africa’s most interconnected economies.
Speaking during the official opening of the event, officials from Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry emphasized the importance of fostering stronger business relationships and creating an enabling environment for increased bilateral trade and investment.
The initiative builds on the success of a previous trade mission to Lubumbashi in 2025, which generated commercial opportunities valued at more than US$47.5 million.
The results highlighted the significant potential for deeper economic collaboration between Zambia and the DRC, particularly in sectors such as mining, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and services.
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) said the trade mission is designed to promote Zambia’s non-traditional exports, expand market access and connect local enterprises with buyers and investors from across the region.
Participants have been encouraged to use business-to-business meetings, exhibitions and networking sessions to establish supply agreements, distribution partnerships and long-term investment relationships.
Officials stressed that the success of the mission will ultimately be measured by the value of deals concluded, investments secured and sustainable partnerships created, rather than simply the number of meetings held during the event.
To maximize outcomes, the Zambia Development Agency has committed to tracking business leads generated through the engagements and supporting follow-up discussions to ensure opportunities translate into tangible economic benefits, including increased trade volumes, business growth and employment creation.
Business leaders from the DRC also called for stronger economic integration between the neighbouring countries.
They urged companies to move beyond traditional trading activities and pursue joint ventures, industrial partnerships and value-addition projects that can create greater economic value within the region.
Particular attention was given to the strategic importance of the Lobito Corridor, which is expected to improve regional connectivity, reduce transportation costs and strengthen trade links between Zambia, the DRC and international markets.
Improved infrastructure and logistics networks are increasingly viewed as critical to unlocking regional industrialization and enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses.
Early indications from the trade mission suggest strong interest from participants, with companies already reporting productive business engagements, follow-up discussions on existing commercial relationships and new sales opportunities generated through exhibition activities.
As Zambia and the DRC continue to position themselves as key economic partners in Africa’s Copperbelt region, initiatives such as the Lubumbashi trade mission are expected to play a vital role in driving trade, attracting investment and supporting long-term economic growth on both sides of the border.
