About
The Cotton Board of Zambia
We are a statutory board under the Ministry of Agriculture and
established under the Cotton Act No.21 of 2005 of the Laws of Zambia.
This act empowers the Board to regulate the Cotton industry as it relates to the production and ginning of seed Cotton; to control the production and marketing of Cotton and to provide with or incidental to the foregoing.
Our Mission
To provide a regulatory and economic environment conducive for the sustainable production, ginning and marketing of high quality cotton for the benefit of the Cotton Industry.
Our Vision
To become a leading promoter of quality and sustainable cotton industry.
We Oversee
Ginners operating
Per Year
WHO WORK WITH
Cotton Farmers
Per Year
WHO PLANT
HECTARES OF COTTON
Per Year
Improve Productivity through Provision of High-Quality Planting
Improve Quality of Cotton from Production to Marketing and develop efficient and effective marketing and pricing system.
Our Services
In accordance with our mandate, We strive to offer the following range of services
Registrations
Registration of buyers and ginners.
Conduct Trainings
Training of farmers and stakeholders along the value chain.
Promotions
Promote use of high quality Cotton seeds by farmers.
Enforcement
Enforcing Seed Cotton Grading Cotton Lint classification.
Inspections
Inspection of seed cotton stores, ginneries and buying centers
Industry Advice
Provision of advisory services to stakeholders and Government on all Cotton related matters.
We are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the cotton industry in Zambia
Latest News
𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐌𝐄 15𝘵𝘩 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘺 2025 (𝘔𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘪 𝘊𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺) 07:000𝐡𝐫𝐬: Mourners gather at the funeral house in Chalala 08:00𝐡𝐫𝐬: Mourners leave the funeral house to Mutumbi Cemetery 09:30𝐡𝐫𝐬: Arrival of mourners and the body at Mutumbi Cemetery 10:00𝐡𝐫𝐬: Opening Prayer & Sermon 10:30𝐡𝐫𝐬: Life History 10:40𝐡𝐫𝐬: Tributes (𝘞𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯, 𝘚𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴’ 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦) 11:00𝐡𝐫𝐬: Body Viewing 11:30𝐡𝐫𝐬: Laying down of the casket 12:00𝐡𝐫𝐬: Laying of Wreaths 12:30𝐡𝐫𝐬: Vote of thanks by family representative 12:35𝐡𝐫𝐬: Closing Prayer 12:40𝐡𝐫𝐬: Mourners depart Mutumbi Cemetery
𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 🕊️ It is with deep sadness that the Cotton Board of Zambia announces the passing of Mr. Sunduzwayo Banda, our former Chief Executive Officer, who peacefully passed away on 13th July 2026 at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. Mr. Banda served with dedication and integrity, and touched many lives throughout his career. His contribution to the cotton industry and to our institution will always be remembered. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞.
Join us for The Cotton Development Trust FIELD DAY on Thursday, 30th April 2026 at the CDT Research Centre in Magoye—an opportunity to engage, learn, and connect within the cotton sector. Save the date and be part of the conversation shaping the future of cotton development! #CottonDevelopment #FieldDay2026 #Magoye #AgricultureZambia #CottonSector #FarmingInnovation #AgriGrowth #ZambiaFarming #CDT #SustainableAgriculture
https://youtu.be/u765Lpa04sw?si=2TI2p8NDnq5T2NhZ
𝐙𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐀 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄 “𝐂𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐎𝐍, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐂 𝐎𝐅 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒” The Lusaka Showgrounds were a hive of activity on 7th October 2025 as Zambia joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Cotton Day 2025 under the global theme “Cotton, the Fabric of Our Lives.” The colourful event brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across the cotton value chain — including smallholder farmers, ginning companies, the Handloom and Textile Technologies Association of Zambia (HATTAZ), government representatives, the Brazilian Ambassador to Zambia, Solidaridad, the Cotton Association of Zambia (CAZ), University of Zambia (UNZA) students, the Cotton Development Trust (CDT), We Effect, and other development partners — to reflect on the importance of cotton to livelihoods, trade, and sustainable development. The Guest of Honour, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, was represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. John Mulongoti, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalising the cotton sector and ensuring that it continues to contribute meaningfully to rural development and national economic growth. He called for continued investment in processing, farmer support, and research to build a sustainable cotton ecosystem and stated how the government is addressing challenges in the sector through reforms like the Cotton Act. Emphasis was placed on expanding Zambia's competitiveness in regional and global markets, particularly within the African Continental Free Trade Area. His speech concluded by urging collaboration among all stakeholders to build a vibrant cotton industry that uplifts livelihoods and powers industries. “Cotton remains a strategic crop for Zambia. It supports thousands of smallholder farmers and plays a vital role in creating jobs along the value chain. As government, we remain committed to working with the private sector and partners to enhance productivity, value addition, and market access,” Mr. Mulongoti said. In his remarks, a representative from the Cotton Board of Zambia (CBZ) noted that the theme “Cotton, the Fabric of Our Lives” aptly captures the significance of the crop — connecting farmers, industries, and consumers, while contributing to economic growth and sustainable livelihoods. Throughout the day, participants engaged in exhibitions, panel discussions, and live demonstrations highlighting innovations in cotton production, pest management, and textile processing. Farmers and ginners showcased the stages in the cotton value chain, sustainable farming practices, and new technologies aimed at boosting productivity and income, as well as textile products made from handloom technologies. Development partners such as Solidaridad and We Effect shared insights on promoting sustainability and inclusivity in the cotton sector, particularly through climate-smart agriculture, gender empowerment, and traceability systems that align with international market standards. Speakers also underscored the importance of employing new technologies to boost cotton productivity, increase farmer incomes, and maximize the economic benefits of cotton for Zambia. Farmers also shared their experiences on challenges and opportunities in production, pest management, and market access, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration across the value chain. World Cotton Day, first declared by the United Nations in 2019, celebrates the global significance of cotton as a natural fibre that sustains millions of people worldwide. For Zambia, this year’s commemoration reaffirmed the country’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusivity of its cotton industry — truly making cotton the fabric of our lives. #worldcottonday2025 #cottonboardofzambia #CDT #MinistryOfAgriculture #solidaridadzambia #cottonassociationofzambia #Hattaz #TrustAfrica https://youtu.be/u765Lpa04sw?si=2TI2p8NDnq5T2NhZ
𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 The Cotton Board of Zambia will commence the implementation of the Harmonised Extension Service Approach in the 2025/26 season. As part of this implementation, it is now a precondition for all registered ginners to purchase copies of the 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 based on the number of extension officers in your organization. 𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐓: 𝐊𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 Your cooperation will ensure smooth adoption as we move forward with standardized extension services. For more information and to place your orders, please contact us on +260 776 282 128 or email us at info@cbz.org.zm.
𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗣: 𝗭𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗜𝗔’𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗧𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗔 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗘𝗥𝗔 𝗢𝗙 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙂𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙨 May 30th, 2025 marked a turning point for cotton workers and farmers across Zambia with the official launch of the Decent Work Guidelines for the Cotton Sub-sector. Developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Zambia , Ministry of Agriculture, Zambia, Cotton Board of Zambia, TrustAfrica, Solidaridad Southern Africa, the International Labour Organization ILO Cairo منظمة العمل الدولية بالقاهرة , 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧, and other stakeholders, these guidelines are a blueprint for dignity, fairness, and sustainability in the cotton value chain. 𝙒𝙃𝘼𝙏 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝙈𝙀𝘼𝙉𝙎 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝘾𝙊𝙏𝙏𝙊𝙉 𝙒𝙊𝙍𝙆𝙀𝙍𝙎 The Guidelines focus on six key pillars: 𝟭. 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Living wages & fair farmgate prices. 𝟮. 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Strong unions & farmer groups. 𝟯. 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 & 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 – Gender equality, occupational safety & zero tolerance for child/forced labour. 𝟰. 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Better contracts & protections for seasonal workers. 𝟱. 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 & 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 – Clear grievance mechanisms & compliance checks. 𝟲. 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 – Training, extension services & value addition. 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃 Implementation will require strong government enforcement, active union and farmer engagement, buyer and ginner commitments, and donor support for early interventions. • Strong government enforcement • Active union and farmer organization engagement • Buyer and ginner commitments to uphold standards • Donor support for implementation and monitoring These guidelines offer our cotton sector a roadmap to transformation - 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬, and 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. From farm to ginnery, every person in Zambia's cotton value chain deserves fair treatment, safe working conditions, and a fair share of the value they create. 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠? 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝑑𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦'𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑍𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑖𝑎? 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑤! #DecentWork #ZambiaCotton #FairValue #SustainableAgriculture #ReclaimSustainability #ZambiaAgriculture #FairTrade #workersrights
ATTENTION TO ALL COTTON PRODUCERS AND WOULD-BE COTTON PRODUCERS!! The Cotton Board of Zambia is now accepting applications for registration for the 2025/2026 cotton season. The application window is open from August 11th, 2025 to August 22nd, 2024. Download the application form from the Cotton Board of Zambia website: https://cbz.org.zm/downloads You are all required to submit your completed application form to the Cotton Board of Zambia Head Office in the showgrounds before the deadline. For more information, contact the Cotton Board of Zambia by phone: +260-776-282-128 or +260-977-751-832 or by email: info@cbz.org.zm
We were proud to be part of this year’s Agriculture & Commercial Show under the theme: “Adapting to Climate Change”. We collaborated with HATTAZ and CDT where we highlighted the resilience and innovation driving the cotton value chain. From Cotton Seed to Lint, and from Fibre to Fabric, our joint exhibition demonstrated climate-smart farming practices, local textile production, and the power of partnerships in building a sustainable cotton industry. A big thank you to all who visited our stand, engaged with our team, and showed interest in the future of cotton in Zambia. Together, we can build a climate-resilient agricultural sector and contribute to the nation’s economic development. #CottonBoardZambia #ACShow2025 #AdaptingToClimateChange #SustainableCotton #CottonValueChain #HATTAZ #CDT #ClimateSmartAgriculture #ZambiaAgriculture
GOVT COMMITTED TO PROMOTE FAIRNESS IN COTTON PRICING. The government has pledged to support initiatives promoting fair pricing, access to quality seeds, and market linkages in the cotton sector, according to Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri. Mr. Phiri stated that the government aims to create a value chain where all stakeholders can prosper. He said the government is making strides to ensure the most vulnerable players in the cotton industry are protected. He made this announcement during the World Cotton Day celebrations at Chief Kathumba's Farm in Sinda district, Eastern Province. The event was held under the theme 'Cotton for Good: Empowering Communities through Sustainable Cotton Farming.' However, traditional leaders expressed concerns about low prices hindering cotton farming. Chieftainess Kawaza attributed low production to poor prices, emphasizing the need to strengthen laws protecting farmers from exploitation. And EASCO Board Chairperson Driana Lwanda stressed regional integration and policy collaboration as key to boosting cotton production, Meanwhile Cotton Board of Zambia CEO Sunduzwayo Banda highlighted the urgency of addressing industry challenges, including unfair pricing.
This year, we gather at Chief Kathumba's palace in Katete to celebrate World Cotton Day under the theme "Cotton for Good: Empowering Communities through Sustainable Cotton Production."This theme underscores the vital role cotton plays in improving livelihoods, fostering resilience, and promoting sustainable development within our communities. By embracing sustainable cotton production practices, we aim to not only enhance economic opportunities for smallholder farmers but also ensure the preservation of our environment for future generations. Together, we recognize cotton's potential to drive positive change, strengthen community bonds, and build a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Tomorrow is the Dee day!!!Cotton creates 6 jobs per every tonne of lint produced. In Zambia it accounts for 1.3 million lovelihoods imagine the potential in job creation this sector holds with the government commitment of reopening the Mulungushi Textile in Kabwe, the farmers are ready to produce with a good price and quality inputs the sector is set to revive the glory days. REMEMBER YOU ARE DRESSED BECAUSE OF A COTTON FARMER!!!
The Eastern and Southern Cotton Organisation (ESACO), with support from We Effect, is mentoring 14 female extension officers from four countries to enhance women's participation in cotton production, economic resilience, and sustainable quality cotton production amidst climate change. The Initiative is targeting Female Extension officers from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia. This is part of We Effect Initiative through ESACO to promote gender equality and empowerment by creating a regional platform supporting female extension officers in the cotton industry. We Effect Southern Africa Handloom and Textiles Technologies Association of Zambia
REVAMPING OF MULUNGUSHI TEXTILES LIMITED COMMISSIONED Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry engaged the Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles Limited equity partner Qingdao Ruichang Industrial Tech Company Limited to capitalise the Mulungishi textileLimited in Kabwe Central Province. The equity partner Qingdao Ruichang Industrial Tech is renovating the original factory building, acquired new production structures, and installation of production and ancillary equipment. The Cotton Board of Zambia is part of this momentous event that will boost the cotton sector in Zambia. We want to congratulate government and all stakeholders for millstone.
Zambian cotton experts conclude technical mission in Brazil as part of the Brazil-Zambia bilateral cooperation on strengthening Cotton sector in Zambia. Three pillars Define the agreement" Technology transfer, Extension and capacity Building" It is the hope of the Zambian government that this cooperation will improve productivity, farmers incomes and contribute to foreign earnings in the next 5 years. IT CAN BE DONE!!!! ALOT TO LEARN FROM THE BRAZILLIAN COTTON SECTOR. It is important to note this region receives less rainfall than Zambia
ATTENTION TO ALL COTTON PRODUCERS AND WOULD-BE COTTON PRODUCERS!! The Cotton Board of Zambia is now accepting applications for registration for the 2024/2025 cotton season. The application window is open from July 8th, 2024 to July 19th, 2024. Download the application form from the Cotton Board of Zambia website: https://cbz.org.zm/downloads You are all required to submit your completed application form to the Cotton Board of Zambia Head Office in the showgrounds before the deadline. For more information, contact the Cotton Board of Zambia by phone: +260-776-282-128 or +260-977-751-832 or by email: info@cbz.org.zm DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY TO REGISTER FOR THE 2024/2025 COTTON SEASON!
ZAMBIAN AND BRAZILIAN GOVERNEMNTS SIGN COTTON BILATERAL AGREEMENT The Brazilian and Zambian governments have signed 1.6 million dollars bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at accelerating the revival and transformation of cotton industry in Zambia. The “Strengthening of the Cotton Value Chain in Zambia” bilateral agreement is anchored on three pillars, namely the technological and skills transfer, increased cottonseed supply, and improved cotton research facilities. The bilateral agreement will support knowledge transfer, of cotton farming systems and support for the transfer of technologies suited to the agronomical and socioeconomic conditions of target regions. Through this agreement, Zambia will benefit support of world-renown Brazilian institutions, the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company and the Agricultural Research Company of the State of Minas Gerais. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka today, Minister of Agriculture Mtolo Phiri says government is determined to increase cotton productivity and reclaim the viable textile industry in Zambia. Mr. Phiri has indicated that the government wants the cotton industry back to its glory days where production supposed 250, 000 million tons of cotton. He says government recognizes the cotton value chain’s potential to create in excess of 300, 000 sustainable jobs and the growth of Zambia’s industrial base. Mr. Phiri says the signing of the bilateral cooperation agreement with Brazil that has excelled in the agricultural extension services and mechanization is timely. He says despite the industry decline, cotton has contributed on average 28.5 million dollars to the Zambian’s economy annually And Brazilian Ambassador to Zambia Arthur Nogueira said the announced project will last thirty-six months benefiting 300,000 families involved in cotton production and marketing in Zambia. Mr. Nogueira said his country Brazil is ready for more cooperation, trade and partnerships, for the benefit of Brazilian and Zambian societies. According to Ambassador Nogueira, this is the most recent example of a South-South technical cooperation initiative between Brazil and Zambia. “This programme was developed at Zambian request, horizontally, without conditionalities on Brazil's part. It pays particular attention to knowledge transfer, through validation and dissemination of efficient cotton production systems. The emphasis on capacity building, and employment of local labour, is also a priority. Furthermore, the framing of this project took into consideration the peculiarities of Zambia. It is a partnership: the success of the project depends on the commitment of both countries to carry out the actions that will be implemented” stated the ambassador He further noted that the complementarity between the economies of Brazil and Zambia is significant, especially in the agribusiness sectors. Meanwhile Mr. Nogueira has invited Zambia’s agriculture experts to Brazil for knowledge exchange. ENDS For Queries 0976295006 Cotton Board of Zambian communications Unit
