ZAMBIA has switched on a new gear in its global trade journey after officially joining the ATA Carnet Convention, a system set to make cross-border business smoother, faster and cheaper.
This move ushers Zambia into an elite network of nations using the ATA Carnet, a global customs document often dubbed the ‘passport for goods.’
The historic milestone was sealed yesterday when Zambia’s ambassador to Belgium, H.E Mary Chirwa deposited the instrument of accession at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) headquarters in Brussels.
According to a statement by First Press Secretary at the Embassy of Zambia in Brussels, Belgium, Aswell Mwalimu, with this tool, Zambian entrepreneurs, exhibitors and manufacturers can now send professional equipment, samples and products abroad for trade fairs and events without paying customs duties or taxes.
Mwalimu said Zambia has gained fast-lane access to world markets.
Witnessing the handover were WCO Secretary General Ian Sanders, and senior officials Michelle Millan and Gael Grooby, who commended Zambia for its commitment to modernising trade systems and boosting regional competitiveness.
This achievement, realised under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, underscores government’s push to transform Zambia into a regional trade powerhouse through efficiency, technology and global partnerships.
“This achievement is more than a technical milestone. It’s a powerful statement that Zambia is ready to compete and collaborate on the global stage,” sais Mwalimu.
He added that development will not only simplify exports but also project Zambia’s growing confidence in the international trade arena.
Also present at the ceremony were First Secretary (Trade and Investment) Melissa Summerton Sylla and other diplomats from the Zambian Mission in Brussels.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba November 9, 2025
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THE Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has clamped down on Coco Manufacturing Foods, arresting the company’s manager, Tang Xiao Pin, for refusing to halt operations after being ordered to stop production.
Acting on a tip-off, ZEMA enforcement officers found the factory still running at full capacity despite a previous shutdown notice issued for operating without the necessary environmental clearance under the Environmental Management Act of 2011.
Upon inspection, officers impounded a large consignment of products, among them include thousands of cases of soft drinks, bottled water, juice and biscuits produced after the ban was imposed.
The agency also seized four production lines and sealed off the plant.
According to ZEMA corporate affairs manager Ruth Kamwi, the company had earlier been fined K100,000 for operating without a decision letter and another K80,000 for continuing without a license, bringing the total penalty to K180,000.
“Coco Foods ignored every directive given to them. This arrest is meant to remind other firms that ZEMA regulations must be respected,” Kamwi said.
“The agency will not hesitate to take firm measures against institutions that endanger public safety and the environment through unlawful operations.”
ZEMA has since sealed off the factory and taken control of the seized products, while investigations continue to determine the full extent of the violations.
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THE Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry has moved to clarify recent remarks made by the Minister Chipoka Mulenga on pricing of essential goods, saying the government is not planning to dictate or control prices but merely advocating for fair pricing.
This follows earlier reports suggesting that the government might introduce uniform prices for items such as fertiliser, cooking oil and sugar, which raised questions among businesses owners.
According to a statement by the Ministry, the government wants businesses to be responsible and fair in setting their prices, in line with the improving economic situation.
“The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, is not calling for price controls,” the Ministry stated.
“What the Minister is advocating for is fair pricing that reflects the current macroeconomic environment.”
Mulenga noted that with the Kwacha stabilising, inflation coming down and fuel prices relatively low, consumers should be able to feel the benefits.
He further urged producers and other industry players to pass on these gains to ordinary Zambians rather than keeping prices artificially high.
Mulenga said the government’s stance is to ensure that businesses are free to operate without government interference, however, with a responsibility to treat consumers fairly.
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