Maximizing Market Access



... Gaps Assessment and Training for SMEs Launched in North-Western Province to Empower Local Businesses under the Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia – A Gaps Assessment and Training Workshop for Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has officially been launched in North-Western Province under the Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of local businesses to meet national, regional, and international standards.

Crusivia C. Hichikumba, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry responsible for Investment and Industrialisation, opened the workshop, underscoring the project’s critical role in unlocking market access for SMEs within the Lobito Corridor.

“The Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project is more than a trade route; it is a gateway to economic transformation. SMEs are the backbone of Zambia’s economy, and through this initiative, we aim to strengthen their competitiveness, promote industrial growth, and create sustainable jobs,” said Hichikumba.

The Lobito Corridor, which connects Zambia to the Atlantic Ocean via Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, presents vast opportunities for regional trade.

However, to fully capitalize on these opportunities, SMEs must overcome challenges related to skills gaps, quality standards, and market access.

Speaking at the event, Humphrey Nkobeni, Executive Director of the Zambia Metrology Agency, highlighted these challenges, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to support SMEs.

“Many SMEs struggle with meeting quality requirements, which limits their ability to compete regionally and internationally. This workshop is designed to address those gaps by equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive,” Nkobeni stated.

Nkobeni further stressed the importance of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) in supporting SMEs to achieve compliance with national and international quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

The NQI framework, he noted, plays a pivotal role in helping businesses integrate into global value chains.

The Consumer and Competition Protection Commission (CCPC) is also contributing to the workshop by offering guidance on fair competition practices and consumer protection.

This aligns with the broader goal of fostering sustainable economic growth through ethical business practices and regional integration.

The training focuses on practical areas such as measurement standards, quality assurance, and best practices across key sectors including agriculture, cassava production, construction, and mining.

By strengthening capacity in these industries, the workshop aims to position SMEs for success in both local and international markets.

“The Lobito Corridor is not just about moving goods—it’s about moving businesses forward,” Nkobeni added.

“For SMEs to fully benefit, they must address critical gaps in skills, standards, and quality assurance.”

The workshop, which runs through Friday, provides a platform for collaboration between SMEs, industry stakeholders, and National Quality Infrastructure Institutions.

As part of the broader Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project, this initiative is set to empower SMEs in North-Western Province, driving Zambia’s economic growth, fostering regional integration, and preparing local businesses to compete on the global stage.

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