The Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project II (ZATP II) was one of the sponsors of the 16th Proudly Zambia Exposition organized by the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM).
The 2026 Proudly Zambia Expo Event was held from 15-16th September, 2026 at the Arcades Shopping Mall in Lusaka.
Apart from ZATP II, the event attracted participation of local manufacturers, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), financial institutions, chain retailers, mining firms and other players across different sectors.
The official opening of the event was graced by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary for Trade and Commerce Mrs Lilian Saili Bwalya.
Speaking during the official opening, Mrs Bwalya said government through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry was committed to providing a conducive environment for the private sector to contribute to economic development.
Mrs Bwalya said through the Proudly Zambia Campaign, government was happy with the partnership with the private sector adding that one of the key areas of government attention is the promotion of local participation in the economy.
“This will require strengthening of domestics production, promotion of value addition, developing local supply chains and supporting enterprises to compete on the domestic and international market”, she said.
Mrs Bwalya said government will continue to work closely with the private sector to ensure that policies support investment, innovation, productivity, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking earlier, Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) President Mohammed Umar said the Proudly Zambian Exposition was very important for Zambia’s industrialization agenda.
Mr. Umar said the event brings together manufacturers, retailers, distributors and consumers where business relations are created and supply chains are strengthened.
He said over the years, Zambia has witnessed encouraging progress where local products for local manufacturers have registered increased presence in major retail outlets such as Shoprite across the country.
“This has not happened by accident, but is a result of collective effort of local manufacturers who have invested in production capacity, improved packaging and branding as well as strengthened operational systems”, Mr. Umar said.
Speaking at the exhibition stand, ZATP II’s Infrastructure and Asset Evaluation Officer Sharon Mulenga said the event provided a platform for business to business engagements with target beneficiaries such as Small and Medium Enterprises that are engage in value addition.
And ZATP II Agribusiness Specialist-Firms Lizzen Moono said the ZATP II provides a Line of Credit for SMEs that hope to engage in value addition in the agribusiness sub-sector.
