PROJECT UPDATE
Project Overview
This initiative supported Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry (MCTI) in building capacity for sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) requirements in Zambia for trade facilitation.
Project Profile
The Technical Assistance Partnership – Expert Deployment Mechanism (TAP-EDM) and Canadian experts Yvon Bertrand, Brian McKay, and Bill Anderson collaborated with the Zambian Ministry of Commerce to identify Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) gaps in Zambia’s food and agricultural trade regulations and strengthen the ability of the country’s experts to manage them. The Agreement on the Application of SPS Measures of the World Trade Organization (WTO) sets out the basic rules for food safety and protecting human, animal, and plant health in international trade.
The initiative, focused on capacity development, strengthened and improved Zambia’s application of SPS measures that complied with the international requirements for participating in and benefiting from food exports and agricultural commodities to global markets.
In consultation with the Ministry, Yvon, Brian, and Bill assessed Zambia’s application of SPS measures in line with the WTO SPS Agreement and international market standards. They recommended reforms to facilitate trade and regional harmonization and ensured guidelines supported priority commodity trade. Additionally, Yvon, Brian, and Bill evaluated SPS agencies’ coordination with border agencies and trained Zambian experts on risk-based border control, standards, and trade guidelines development.
Key Deliverables
- Capacity Support and Training
- Conducted on-site engagement and informal coaching
- Delivered a three-day train-the-trainer workshop
- Facilitated a field-based supervisory review validation exercise
- Held a participatory workshop to develop a 3–5-year strategy roadmap
- Technical Support and Knowledge Products
- Produced a diagnostic mission report with recommendations for improvements
- Designed and piloted supervisory review procedures and methodology
- Developed supervisory review training materials
- Prepared a strategy roadmap with an action plan that included recommendations
Project Outcomes and Lessons Learned
The initiative strengthened the Ministry of Commerce and Zambian SPS entities’ understanding of issues affecting agricultural exports and supported the development of an SPS reform agenda. Key lessons learned include the importance of clear and timely communication, the added value of in-country collaboration for targeted support, and the need for strong inter-agency coordination to ensure effective policy implementation.
Direct Project Reach:
- 31 participants engaged through activities conducted and project deliverables
Public Engagement Activities:
- Canadian experts Yvon Bertrand, Brian McKay, and Bill Anderson published multiple social media posts.
