Zambia

<p>ITC is currently implementing the micro-level pillar of the EU-ACP Business-friendly programme, which aims to support value chains through inclusive policies, investment promotion, and alliances. The program focuses on strengthening value chain governance and investment, as well as increasing the competitiveness of small farmers and MSMEs. A recently signed top-up agreement extends the implementation duration of the existing EU-ACP Business Friendly programme (B807) by 48 months, integrating additional funding and outputs into the existing initiative. The top-up aligns with the programme&apos;s objectives and will enhance access to value chain finance and sustainable investment. Three new outputs include enhancing access to agribusiness Value Chain finance and a Capacity Building Mechanism to support Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence, CSR &nbsp;and accompanying measure implementation, tailored to OACPS Member States. An initial six-month inception phase define the scope of intervention in the rum/sugar sector and advanced the selection of additional countries that will be included in the ongoing project across all value chains, namely coffee, cocoa, coconuts, cotton/fashion, kava, and rum/sugar sectors.</p>

<p>Project to build and demonstrate new training and coaching approaches toward entrepreneurs and MSMEs in Zambia. A new e-commerce training programme will be developed for the Digital Trade hubs in Zambia. In addition, a new support programme will be tested for entry-level entrepreneurs on social media and innovation in Zambia. <span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Tech start-ups and digital freelancers will be empowered with market-essential digital skills.</span></span><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">&nbsp;BSOs will receive technical training to improve their service offering to support digital trade for their client MSMEs. Policy consultations on the potential and implications of new digital trade agreements will form a template from which we can propose similar work in other African countries.</span></span></p>