An Egyptian trade mission, with the participation of 15 Egyptian companies, has visited Zambia with the aim of increasing exports to the African market and better identifying the needs of the Zambian market. The mission comprised representatives of several industries, including household appliances, tableware, kitchenware, electrical and cable industries, metal forming industries, automotive components, and agricultural machinery. The Engineering Export Council of Egypt (EECE) said the mission met with a number of Zambian officials, including Mukala Makasa, head of the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA); Jesica Shambu, head of the investment Jessica sector in Zambia; and representatives of the Zambian government. The meeting was also attended by Moataz Anwar, the Egyptian ambassador to Zambia; Mohamed Abdullah, head of the Egyptian commercial office in Zambia; and Mai Helmy, Executive Director of EECE. EECE said that the Zambian market is one of the important markets for engineering industries, and engineering products are witnessing a high demand within the Zambian market, pointing out that the high cost of shipping from China gives greater opportunities for Egyptian engineering exports. The council revealed that the volume of Egyptian exports to Zambia was $8m in 2020, compared to $160m imports, which does not suit the needs of the Zambian market or capabilities or Egyptian exports. The engineering industries sector accounts for 15% of Egyptian exports to the Zambian market. Moreover, Egyptian exports enter the Zambian market without customs duties due to the COMESA agreement, and a 16% tax is imposed on the Zambian market. This is why Zambia is considered one of the most important markets that must be focused on during the coming period.
