27/05/2026
The long-awaited Business-to-Business (B2B) Forum is finally underway in Francistown, where the Zambia Mission Staff, led by Her Excellency the High Commissioner, Ms. Pamela M. Chisanga are actively participating in this important bilateral engagement platform.
The B2B Forum, facilitated by the Mission in partnership with Business Botswana and held on the sidelines of the Northern Trade Fair, has brought together a diverse range of stakeholders from both Zambia and Botswana.
The gathering serves as a strategic platform for businesses, investors, and policymakers to deliberate on strengthening commercial partnerships and enhancing regional economic cooperation.
The forum highlighted the critical role of the private sector in driving economic growth, trade expansion, job creation, and industrial development within the two neighbouring countries. Participants emphasized the importance of creating stronger business linkages, improving market access, and promoting investment opportunities that can contribute to sustainable economic transformation for both Zambia and Botswana.
The first half of the forum featured insightful presentations and remarks from several distinguished speakers, including Mr. Jito Kayumba, who is the Assistant to his Execellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, the President of Business Botswana Mr. Neo Nwako, Her Excellency the High Commissioner Ms. Pamela Chisanga, and Botswana Stock Exchange CEO Mr. Aupa Monyatsi. Representatives from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) also delivered presentations outlining investment prospects and collaborative opportunities available in both countries.
The speakers collectively underscored the need to deepen bilateral trade relations, encourage cross-border investments, and leverage the strong historical and economic ties between Zambia and Botswana. They further noted that enhanced collaboration between the private sectors of both nations would stimulate innovation, facilitate knowledge exchange, increase competitiveness, and contribute to regional economic integration under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The B2B Forum is expected to unlock new opportunities for partnerships in sectors such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, energy, and financial services, while also strengthening networks among entrepreneurs and business leaders from the two countries.