Ghana is scheduled to host a Fugu and Kente Trade Exhibition in Zambia next month, following growing interest in the Ghanaian traditional attire among Zambians, sparked by President Hakainde Hichilema’s public expression of interest in placing orders.
The planned exhibition is part of a broader package of agreements reached during President John Dramani Mahama’s recent state visit to Zambia, which culminated in the signing of a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries.
The partnership covers trade, investment, security, technology and people-to-people relations, with both governments committing to measures to enhance economic integration and cultural exchange.
Under the agreement, Ghana and Zambia will introduce visa-free travel for their nationals, allowing citizens of both countries to stay for up to 30 days without a visa. The two countries also secured fintech contracts valued at more than 50 million dollars in the short term, a move expected to create about 8,000 jobs.
The cooperation framework further includes strengthened collaboration in natural resource management to promote value addition and environmentally sustainable practices. Ghana will provide technical assistance to support the establishment of a Minerals Commission and Goldbod in Zambia, while Zambia will offer technical support to Ghana in solar energy regulation and the production of scientifically improved seedlings.
In the area of security, both countries signed a defence cooperation agreement to expand collaboration between their armed forces and explore new areas of joint engagement.
To boost trade, the partnership aims to establish new trade corridors that would position Ghana and Zambia as hubs for the wider West and Southern African markets. Both countries also agreed to standardise product certification to ease cross-border trade.
Additionally, a Bilateral Air Services Agreement was signed to enhance aviation cooperation and pave the way for direct flights between the two countries.
The growing interest in Ghana’s traditional attire, which dominated social media discussions in recent weeks, will be harnessed through the upcoming Fugu and Kente Trade Exhibition in Zambia as part of an expanding cultural and commercial exchange.
Officials say the initiative is expected to boost Ghana’s creative economy while strengthening Zambia’s retail and cultural markets, as both countries seek to translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic benefits.
