Zambia is taking significant steps toward greening its textile and wood value chains, positioning itself for sustainable growth and competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The country hosted a two-day workshop from October 8 to 9, 2024, in Lusaka to validate the “Green Supplement to the Strategy for the Implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement,” aimed at developing climate-resilient value chains in the cotton and wood sectors.
Speaking on behalf of Permanent Secretary Ms. Lillian Saili Bwalya, Simmy Chapula, Director of Coordination and Delivery at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry (MCTI), highlighted the critical role these sectors play in Zambia’s export strategy. He emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable farming, eco-friendly manufacturing, and renewable energy to reduce carbon footprints and build resilience against climate change.
The workshop, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in collaboration with the MCTI, gathered key stakeholders from various government ministries, development agencies, and educational institutions to review and provide recommendations on Zambia’s Cotton and Textiles Value Chain and Wood Value Chain Strategies.
Mzwanele Mfunwa, Acting Chief of UNECA’s Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa, noted UNECA’s commitment to integrating green policies into AfCFTA implementation strategies, while Souleymane Abdallah, ECA Economic Affairs Officer, presented the objectives of the Green Supplement. The strategy aims to promote long-term competitiveness and sustainability in Zambia’s export sectors while fostering climate adaptation.
The participants’ recommendations will be incorporated into Zambia’s National AfCFTA Implementation Strategies, aligning them with the country’s national development priorities. The Green Supplement will be finalized by the end of 2024, incorporating stakeholder feedback.
This initiative is part of UNECA’s broader technical assistance program, funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), to identify green value chain opportunities and climate adaptation needs across 19 African countries, including Zambia.
