By Ellen Hambuba
Trade Expert GILBERT NKAMBA says the Grow Zambia Agenda has the potential to position agriculture as a major driver of economic growth.
Mr. NKAMBA says this can be achieved by increasing production, promoting value addition and expanding access to regional markets.
He says Zambia already has a strong foundation to build on, including reduced costs of doing business and local production of agricultural inputs such as fertiliser and improved seed.
Mr. NKAMBA says Zambia’s three ecological zones also provide an opportunity to sustain agricultural production despite varying weather conditions, with areas receiving favourable rainfall helping to offset production losses in drought-affected regions.
He told ZNBC News that the Grow Zambia Agenda should also focus on exploiting regional markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Mr. NKAMBA said Zambian agricultural producers are capable of competing in these markets, but the country should first stimulate domestic demand before expanding further into regional and international markets.
He said value addition must be central to the agenda if Zambia is to maximise the economic benefits of increased agricultural production.
Mr. NKAMBA said processing agricultural commodities locally will create jobs, expand the tax base and enable Zambia to retain more value from its products.
He said the agenda must also ensure that small-scale farmers are effectively connected to markets.
Mr. NKAMBA said expanding one-stop border facilities and ensuring reliable digital systems will be critical to improving Zambia’s export competitiveness.
He said Zambia can then take greater advantage of COMESA, SADC and the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand its markets.
Mr. NKAMBA said successful implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda requires Zambia to move beyond simply increasing production and focus on processing, market access and competitiveness.
