This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
On October 2, 2019, Zambia's Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo announced a major trade agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Under the deal, Zambia will export 600,000 metric tonnes of maize to the DR Congo from 2020, with the option to export other commodities as well.
According to Minister Katambo, the exports will start in 2020 due to Zambia's current maize stock shortage, which was exacerbated by a bad season.
The agreement also aims to address concerns over export restrictions and earn foreign exchange for Zambia, while capturing statistics for planning purposes.
For his part, Congolese Minister of National Trade and Commerce Jean Lucien Bussa emphasized the potential for increased trade between the two countries, citing their vast border as a key opportunity.
Both Zambia and the DR Congo are members of the SADC and COMESA trading blocs, and the DR Congo market has already shown significant demand for Zambian products, with $574.8 million worth of exports recorded in 2015, compared to $802.6 million in 2014.
