UN Trade and Development 230d ago

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) carried out two missions to Zambia, launching a new initiative to identify high-potential sectors for economic diversification within and beyond critical mineral value chains. Using advanced data analysis, the project supports evidence-based policymaking and promotes value-added export growth. In Lusaka, the team met with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, 16 national and international stakeholders, and the UN Country Team to align efforts with Zambia’s development priorities. They also visited dozens of industries, where partners showed strong commitment to advancing practical solutions and policy design. In September 2025, a series of industry consultations and a policy workshop were held to chart strategic opportunities for high-value products and industries. Government, industry, and development partners mapped out actions to boost value addition – particularly in Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETMs) – highlighting priorities such as trade promotion, regulatory reform, skills development, financing tools, infrastructure, and sustainability for green industrial growth. The findings fed directly into global discussions at the #UNCTAD16 Global Commodities Forum and the latest intergovernmental meeting on mining and sustainable development, reinforcing the call for a fair energy transition that benefits all. With nearly half of UN member States still commodity-dependent – relying on raw materials for over 60% of their export revenue – the message is clear: developing countries rich in critical minerals must move up global value chains to seize the opportunities of renewable energy trade and the momentum toward #COP30. Find out more about the project: ▶️ https://unctad.org/project/critical-energy-transition-minerals-in-southern-africa