By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia and Tanzania have emphasized the importance of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) at the Nakonde/Tunduma Border Post as a key tool for strengthening small-scale cross-border trade.
The two countries have convened the Second Bilateral Meeting on the STR, aimed at reaffirming bilateral commitments to enhance the participation of small cross-border traders, particularly women and youth.
The bilateral engagement begins with a Joint Technical Committee Meeting running from 17th to 18th December, followed by the Joint Steering Committee Meeting on 19th December, 2025.
Over the three days, delegates from Zambia and Tanzania are expected to hold focused discussions to address key issues and develop clear, implementable decisions to improve the effectiveness of the STR.
The Joint Technical Committee Meeting is being co-chaired by Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chief Economist in the Department of Foreign Trade, Billy Malijani, and Tanzania’s Ministry of Industry and Trade Acting Assistant Director for Regional Integration, Frank Kibika.
According to a statement issued by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Principal Public Relations Officer, Everness Nankala, the outcomes of the meeting are expected to enhance the effectiveness of the STR by promoting predictable, transparent, and simplified procedures for small-scale traders.
Ms. Nankala said the Joint Technical Committee Meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for the Steering Committee by enabling delegates to review progress made so far, address existing challenges, and provide strategic guidance on the implementation of the Simplified Trade Regime to further strengthen cross-border trade cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Malijani emphasized the importance of translating STR commitments into practical actions, identifying operational challenges, and agreeing on actionable solutions.
He encouraged both countries to engage openly and practically, fostering a shared commitment to follow through on agreed actions.
“For Zambia, this STR is an important tool to support small-scale cross-border trade especially for women and youth through predictable, transparent, and simplified procedures,” Mr. Malijani stated.
Mr. Malijani assured the meeting that Zambia stands ready to implement technical actions and support the Steering Committee with actionable recommendations.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kibika applauded the Zambian delegation for its continued cooperation and spirit of partnership, which he said reflects the strong and historic relations between the two sister countries.
He noted that the meeting builds on the solid foundation established during the first bilateral engagement, where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade facilitation and regional integration.
“The gathering aims to take stock of progress achieved, address outstanding challenges, and provide strategic guidance on the way forward.”
“Through open dialogue, mutual understanding, and constructive engagement, the meeting is expected to further enhance trade facilitation, improve coordination among institutions, and deepen regional integration between Tanzania and Zambia,” he added.
