By Derrick Silimina

Zambia has been awarded the prestigious Best Design Pavilion Award in the Country/Organisation category at the Fourth Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF 2025), held in Algiers, Algeria.

In a statement, the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) said the award recognizes Zambia’s outstanding exhibition that effectively showcased the country’s cultural heritage, industries, and investment opportunities, setting it apart among 55 countries participating under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Winning this Award is also evidence that investor confidence in Zambia is at its highest, creating the necessary conditions as the natural hub of choice from across the globe for trade and investment,” said ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa.

Halwampa noted that the recognition is seen as a reflection of strong leadership policies aimed at boosting economic growth through increased trade and investment, and it is poised to enhance Zambia’s reputation as a prime destination for investors across Africa and beyond.

He highlighted that the event, organized by Afreximbank in partnership with the AU Commission and AfCFTA Secretariat, serves as a key platform for fostering intra-African trade and strategic partnerships adding that the AfCFTA is a continental market with 1.4 billion consumers and a GDP of $ 3.4 trillion.

“Zambia’s recognition at the trade fair is expected to enhance investor confidence and further position the country as a competitive and attractive destination for investment in Africa.”

Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, IATF 2025 is Africa’s premier trade and investment event. It brings together businesses, policymakers, investors, and innovators from across the continent to foster intra-African trade and strategic partnerships.