Zambia and Brazil Deepen Trade and Investment Ties at Lusaka Business Forum

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA — Zambia and Brazil have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation during the Zambia–Brazil Business Forum held in Lusaka under the theme “Cooperation, Trade and Investments.”

The forum brought together government officials, business leaders and private-sector representatives to explore opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism and logistics.

Speaking at the forum, ApexBrasil President Laudemir Müller said trade between Brazil and Africa had grown significantly over the past two decades, rising from approximately US$5 billion in 2002 to US$28 billion in 2013. However, he noted that trade had subsequently declined to about US$11.5 billion in 2020.

Mr. Müller said Brazil was now working to rebuild its commercial engagement with Africa, adding that total trade had reached US$24 billion in 2025.

“Africa is a priority because of the deep cultural ties that unite us and for strategic reasons,” said Mr. Müller, describing the continent as essential to addressing global challenges, including food security, energy transition and industrial development.

He also said that Africa’s youthful population, agricultural potential and reserves of critical minerals made it an important partner for Brazil. According to Mr. Müller, Africa is expected to account for approximately one quarter of the world’s population by 2050 and possesses around 60 percent of the world’s uncultivated agricultural land.

Mr. Müller also highlighted ApexBrasil’s growing support for commercial engagement with African countries. Since 2023, the agency, in partnership with Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has undertaken eight business missions to 20 countries involving more than 600 companies.

He said ApexBrasil had conducted 92 trade initiatives in Africa, including 50 trade missions, and participated in 31 international trade fairs involving approximately 700 companies.

In 2025, more than 1,000 companies supported by ApexBrasil exported to African markets, while 200 companies began exporting to Africa with the agency’s assistance. A further 600 companies reportedly expanded into new African destinations.

Turning specifically to Zambia, Müller said bilateral trade remained far below its potential. Trade between the two countries stood at approximately US$7.5 million in 2025, a figure he described as inadequate given the size and capabilities of the two economies.

He further identified agriculture as a key area for cooperation, saying Brazil could support Zambia’s efforts to raise productivity and modernise the sector through the supply of agricultural machinery, bio-inputs, animal genetics and tropical farming technologies.

“Zambia seeks to raise productivity and modernise its agriculture, and Brazil is the natural partner for this jump,” Mr. Müller said.

He added that Brazilian companies could also provide specialised machinery and technical expertise to support local processing and increase value addition in Zambia.

Mr. Müller said Brazil could share its experience in renewable energy, biomass and biofuels to help Zambia diversify its energy mix and expand access to power for industries and rural communities.

He further pointed to the Lobito Corridor as a potential area of cooperation, saying the regional logistics project could create new opportunities for trade, investment and industrial development.

During the forum, ApexBrasil and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at bringing Brazilian and Zambian companies closer together and promoting commercial partnerships.

And Speaking at the same forum ZDA Director General Mr. Albert Halwampa said Zambia welcomed Brazil’s continued interest in deepening economic relations with the country.

He said the two nations shared common interests in sustainable development, agricultural transformation, energy, mining, manufacturing and infrastructure.

“Zambia’s stable political environment, abundant natural resources and strategic location in the SADC region make it an ideal destination for Brazilian capital and expertise,” Mr. Halwampa said.

He said the Zambian Government is committed to improving the ease of doing business, facilitating trade, promoting value addition in agriculture and mining, and supporting skills transfer and innovation.

Mr. Halwampa urged businesses from both countries to take advantage of the forum and convert discussions into concrete projects and investments.

Officiating the forum Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Ms. Lillian Saili Bwalya said the forum had been convened at a critical time as Zambia pursued trade expansion and industrialisation as drivers of economic growth.

She described the gathering as an important milestone in strengthening commercial and investment relations between Zambia and Brazil.

Ms. Bwalya said the forum would enable Brazilian businesses to explore the Zambian market and identify opportunities for joint ventures with local companies, particularly in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and value-added industries.

She identified agricultural processing, manufacturing, minerals beneficiation, healthcare, infrastructure, renewable energy, plastic products, light engineering and information and communications technology as sectors with significant potential.

Ms. Bwalya said Zambia was implementing reforms to reduce the cost of doing business, simplify registration procedures and improve the regulatory environment in order to attract investment.

She also emphasised Zambia’s strategic position as a gateway to markets in Southern and Central Africa.

According to Bwalya, Zambia provides important trade routes to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi and Zimbabwe, while also supporting trade flows linking Tanzania, South Africa and the southern DRC.

“These linkages make Zambia a strategic access point for regional trade and investment,” she said.

Ms. Bwalya encouraged Brazilian companies to use the forum to connect with Zambian enterprises and establish long-term partnerships.

She expressed confidence that the meeting would lay the foundation for increased trade, investment, knowledge sharing, business matchmaking and cooperation in the small and medium-sized enterprise sector.

The Zambia–Brazil Business Forum concluded with calls for stronger private-sector engagement and practical follow-up to ensure that the memorandum of understanding results in increased investment, job creation, technology transfer and shared economic benefits for both countries.

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