Zambia Commences Consultations on Domestiocation of AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth

By Pauline Ngozoh

Zambia has commenced consultations on the domestication of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, with a call for practical and evidence-based actions to unlock opportunities for Zambian women and youth.

Speaking during the official opening of the Technical Workshop on the domestication of the Protocol taking place from 21st to 23rd September 2026, Permanent Secretary in charge of Trade and Commerce Lillian Bwalya said the workshop is a critical step in translating continental commitments into tangible economic benefits.

The three-day workshop brings together stakeholders to develop tools for assessing Zambia’s readiness, including an assessment framework and matrix, consultation tools, a domestication action plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework.

Mrs. Bwalya, in a speech delivered on her behalf by Malala Siakalenge Suleman, Senior Bilateral and Regional Trade Officer, cited the UNDP Country Scan Report which shows that Zambia’s business landscape is dominated by SMEs, of which 73 percent are unregistered, 87 percent are women-led, 76 percent are youth-led, and 82 percent lack awareness of trade agreements, with 90 percent having never used AfCFTA provisions.

Meanwhile, Team Leader for the FIRST Project Nadira Bayat said the Protocol is an important milestone in making AfCFTA more inclusive, noting that expanding markets alone is not enough and that trade policy must address distinct barriers faced by women and youth traders.

The workshop is expected to conclude with a clear understanding of what is already in place, gaps requiring attention, and a roadmap with defined responsibilities.