Thirteen (13) modules have been developed to train more than 40 targeted agriculture sector Cooperatives as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in North-Western Province under the Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation project.

The modules are in the areas of Honey Production, Principles of Food Hygiene, Packaging and Labelling, Aquaculture, Legumes and Pulses, SME Competition, Cassava Production, Good Agriculture Practices, Milk Production, Stock Feed, Cereal Processing, Confectionary Products, Timber and Wood Processing.

This training, which will take place in North-Western Province during the second half of 2025, is aimed at enhancing the capacity of Cooperatives and SMEs to produce competitive products for the local, regional and international markets.

The modules were developed and adopted by officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry as well as statutory bodies namely the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA), Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), and the Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) at the end of one-week workshop in Chisamba.

Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Director-Technical Regulations, Brian Moonga, said the training is important for Cooperatives and SMEs as it will enhance their capacity to take advantage of market opportunities for their products in the identified sectors.

Mr. Moonga said quality products will assist farmers and other producers in the region to sustain their production and assure them of a good income.

“Sometimes farmers and SMEs get low income because of poor processing, storage, packaging and labelling of their products. This project will assist producers to comply with technical requirements and have a good income for their products,” he said.

Chairperson of the SME Training under Lobito Trade Facilitation Project, Humphrey Nkobeni, said there is need to equip SMEs not only with knowledge but with confidence.

Mr. Nkobeni, who is ZMA Executive Director, SMEs must have confidence to navigate trade processes, comply with standards, compete in regional markets, and innovate without fear.

He said the modules developed will lead to improved business competence and productivity and enhance entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and business management of SMEs.

“These modules will help increase efficiency in SME business operations, leading to cost savings and higher productivity. Further, the modules will facilitate the promotion of innovation, adaptability in competitive markets and increase access to markets,” he said.

Mr. Nkobeni said the modules will enhance competitiveness by empowering SMEs to meet regional and international standards.