Commonwealth Launches Trade Portal, with Zambia Among 15 Pilot Countries Set to Benefit From Expanded Market Access

Zambia is among 15 countries selected to participate in the pilot phase of the Commonwealth Trade Portal, a digital initiative aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities for businesses across Commonwealth member states.

The Commonwealth officially launched the Trade Portal during a side event at the Commonwealth Business Forum, held on the margins of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2026) in Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative underscores the Commonwealth’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation, expanding intra-Commonwealth trade and creating greater opportunities for businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The digital platform is designed to provide businesses with access to information on products, markets, trade requirements and investment opportunities across Commonwealth countries. It will enable enterprises to identify potential buyers and suppliers, explore new markets and better understand the requirements for trading within the Commonwealth.

Zambia’s inclusion in the pilot phase presents an opportunity for local businesses to access international markets, establish trading partnerships and strengthen their participation in regional and global value chains. The launch also comes amid renewed Commonwealth efforts to expand trade among member states and strengthen economic partnerships in an evolving global trading environment.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Honourable Shirley A. Botchwey, has emphasised the importance of increasing intra-Commonwealth trade as a means of diversifying trading relationships and reducing dependence on traditional markets. Currently valued at approximately US$900 billion annually, intra-Commonwealth trade is targeted to reach US$2 trillion by the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The Trade Portal is expected to contribute to this ambition by addressing information gaps and reducing barriers that prevent businesses, particularly smaller enterprises, from accessing opportunities in other Commonwealth markets.

The CHOGM 2026 communiqué also welcomed the launch of the portal and called for reforms to the multilateral trading system, including the World Trade Organisation’s dispute settlement system, as well as the reduction of unnecessary non-tariff barriers among Commonwealth countries.

For Zambia, participation in the pilot phase comes at an opportune time as the Government advances the Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic growth through increased production, industrial development, export expansion, investment and job creation.

The Commonwealth Trade Portal provides an additional platform for advancing these priorities by connecting Zambian producers, entrepreneurs and exporters with potential international customers, investors and strategic business partners.

Its focus on MSMEs is particularly significant, given the important role these enterprises play in employment creation, innovation and economic development. By improving access to market information and business opportunities, the portal could help address challenges faced by local businesses in identifying buyers, understanding export requirements and accessing international markets.

This presents opportunities for youth-led enterprises, women-owned businesses and emerging entrepreneurs in Zambia to expand beyond the domestic market, increase sales and contribute to national economic growth.

The platform could also support Zambia’s export diversification and value addition ambitions by enabling businesses in sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing and manufacturing to explore new markets and develop cross-border commercial partnerships.

To maximise the benefits of the initiative, collaboration between Government and the private sector will be essential in raising awareness of the portal and preparing local businesses to take advantage of available opportunities. This will include strengthening enterprise capacity to meet international standards, comply with export requirements and supply competitive products to international markets.

Ultimately, the success of Zambia’s participation will be measured by the extent to which local businesses translate access to the platform into increased exports, sustainable commercial partnerships, investment and employment opportunities.

With effective participation and strong public-private sector collaboration, the Commonwealth Trade Portal has the potential to become an important instrument in advancing Zambia’s trade ambitions and supporting the realisation of the Grow Zambia Agenda.

For Zambia, expanding production must go hand in hand with expanding markets. The Commonwealth Trade Portal offers an opportunity to connect local producers and entrepreneurs to the wider Commonwealth market, positioning Zambian businesses to compete, grow and contribute to the country’s economic transformation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation – Zambia.