The Commonwealth has launched a trade portal to provide businesses with access to information on products, markets, trade requirements and investment opportunities, across 15 African member countries to participate in its pilot phase.

The Commonwealth in a statement on Wednesday in Lusaka, Zambia, said the trade portal was launched during a side event at the Commonwealth Business Forum held on the margins of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2026) in Antigua and Barbuda.

The statement read, “Zambia is among 15 countries selected to participate in the pilot phase of the Commonwealth Trade Portal, a digital initiative aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities for businesses across Commonwealth member states.

“The digital platform is designed to provide businesses with access to information on products, markets, trade requirements and investment opportunities across Commonwealth countries. It will enable enterprises to identify potential buyers and suppliers, explore new markets and better understand the requirements for trading within the Commonwealth.

“The launch also comes amid renewed Commonwealth efforts to expand trade among member states and strengthen economic partnerships in an evolving global trading environment.”

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey, stressed the importance of increasing intra-Commonwealth trade as a means of diversifying trading relationships and reducing dependence on traditional markets.

Mr Botchwey noted that intra-Commonwealth trade currently valued at approximately $900 billion dollars yearly, was targeted to reach $2 trillion by the next Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

The Commonwealth explained that the trade portal was expected to contribute to the ambition by addressing information gaps and reducing barriers that prevent businesses, particularly smaller enterprises, from accessing opportunities in other Commonwealth markets.

The CHOGM 2026 communiqué said the portal called for reforms to the multilateral trading system, including the World Trade Organisation’s dispute settlement system, as well as the reduction of unnecessary non-tariff barriers among Commonwealth countries.

It stated, “Its focus on MSMEs is particularly significant, given the important role these enterprises play in employment creation, innovation and economic development. By improving access to market information and business opportunities, the portal could help address challenges faced by local businesses in identifying buyers, understanding export requirements and accessing international markets.

“To maximise the benefits of the initiative, collaboration between Government and the private sector will be essential in raising awareness of the portal and preparing local businesses to take advantage of available opportunities. This will include strengthening enterprise capacity to meet international standards, comply with export requirements and supply competitive products to international markets.”