FORMER Namibian president, Sam Nujoma has called on member countries of the Smart Partnership Dialogue to seek ways of enhancing trade among themselves to alleviate poverty in Africa.

Dr Nujoma said in Lusaka yesterday that increased trade ties among members of the Smart Partnership Dialogue would create market opportunities and bring down poverty levels.

Speaking in an interview in Lusaka yesterday after a tour of the stands at the Lusaka Agriculture and Commercial Show, the former Namibian president said there was need for commercial trade among all those in the Dialogue.

Dr Nujoma said increased trade among nations would benefit all the countries as those with food surpluses would easily find a market in those with deficits, thereby not only creating opportunities for business but fighting hunger.

"Promoting commercial trade between nations and Smart Partners, we will be able to produce food and address the cry of food shortage in the world," he said.

Dr Nujoma said Zambia had performed well in areas such as the distribution of subsidised fertiliser to the farmers.

He said that the distribution of fertiliser to the farmers was an indication of Government commitment to the sector.

He commended the Government for creating an enabling environment in the agriculture and mining sectors.

He also said the Zambian Government had done a commendable job to promote investment in the mines.

Dr Nujoma was in the country for the Smart Partnership Dialogue which ended yesterday after which the delegates were treated to a tour of the stands at the 82nd Agriculture and Commercial Show.

The former president was accompanied by Home Affairs Minister, Ronnie Shikapwasha.

He toured the Chambers of Mines of Zambia (CMZ) pavilion, Kansanshi Mine, Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH).

He also visited Chibuluma Mine, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Women in Mining Trust stand, the ministry of Mines and Minerals Developments and Ndola Lime Company.