iGuide Zambia

Register Your Business

Business registration is done at the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) and takes three working days.The registration procedure starts with Name Clearance. Registration of a Business Name is governed by the Business Names Act No. 16 of 2011 of the Laws of Zambia.

Types of Companies obtainable in Zambia

There are broadly two (2) types of companies in Zambia, namely:

1.  Private Limited Companies; and,
2.  Public Limited Companies (PLC).

Private Limited Company
This is a registered company formed and owned by individuals other than the Public. Its name will always end with the word "limited". The minimum number of Directors and Shareholders required for a private company is two (2). Private Companies do not invite the public to buy their shares or debentures.

The following are the types of private limited companies that can be incorporated:

1. Company limited by Shares;
2.  Company limited by Guarantee; and 
3.  Unlimited Company.

Private Company Limited by shares
Companies limited by shares have a share capital and are formed or incorporated for purposes of carrying on business to derive a profit. Currently, the minimum required authorised capital for a private company other than banks, insurance and other financial institution, is K15,000.

A Private Limited Company may not have more than fifty (50) shareholders. It nevertheless may have the capacity to enter into any type of legal activities as long as its articles do not restrict it. As stated above, this type of company is prohibited from making any invitation to the public to purchase its shares or debentures. And in case it winds up and its assets are insufficient to cover its liabilities, the liability of its shareholders is limited to the amount left unpaid on their shares.

Company limited by Guarantee
A company limited by guarantee does not have a share capital and is not permitted to carry on business for the purpose of making a profit for its members or for anyone concerned in its promotion or management. These are normally formed in order to help the community benefit from a certain project. Mostly, these are organisations such as churches, foundations, trusts etc.

At the time of formation, each member must sign a declaration of guarantee, specifying the amount he undertakes to contribute if the company is wound up. And in case it winds up and the assets are insufficient to cover its liabilities, the liability of its members is limited to the amount so guaranteed.

Unlimited Company
An Unlimited Company is one that has a share capital but whose members have unlimited liability for the company’s debts and liabilities. In other words, whatever is incurred by the company is also deemed to have been incurred by the members.

In terms of membership, it equally may not have more than fifty (50) shareholders. There are exceptions, however. In order to incorporate an Unlimited Company, Companies Form 4, Form 5, and Form 11 are used.

Public Limited Company
A Public Limited Company states in its articles of association that it is a" Public Limited Company". Its name always ends with the words "Public Limited Company" mostly abbreviated as "PLC". It has a share capital and its authorised minimum capital is K1,000,000.00. It has the capacity of entering into any business activity unless restricted by its articles.

Foreign Company:

individual resident in Zambia that would authorised to act as the documentary agent. The application fee to be paid upon completion of the process is ZMW4,166. The end of the process is marked by the issuance of the Certificate of Registration.

Other Government institutions;

In addition to PACRA, investors are required to register with following Government institutions. 

• Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA): A registered business is obligated to register for all application taxes, see Tab on Taxes
  
• National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA): Employers are required to register with NAPSA and ensure that all their employees are registered as members of NAPSA.Other social security benefits, public or private are under the Labour Tab
  
• Zambia Environmental Management Authority (ZEMA): Depending on the magnitude and type of an investment project, one would have to carry out an Environmental Project Brief (EPB) or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in order for ZEMA to ascertain the impact of the project on the environment.

ZDA service fees 

 Application fee: K2,133 and certificate fee  K12,783

Investment Concessions

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) (the ‘Agency’) is a premier institution that has an encompassing mandate of investment promotion and facilitation, export promotion and market development, and enterprise development in Zambia.

The Agency envisions: “A dynamic hub for promoting economic development for Zambia”, and thisvision is enshrined in its mission:“To efficiently and effectively promote and facilitate investment, trade and enterprise development in Zambia.” 

The documents required when submitting the application includes the following:

• Copy of Certificate of Incorporation issued by PACRA
  
• Certificate of Share Capital
  
• Official list of Shareholders and Directors
  
• Proof of finance (audited financial statements, certificate of deposit at the bank or latest bank statement)
  
• Detailed Business Plan
  
• TPIN and Tax Clearance Certificate
  
• Proof of having secured a place/land to operate from (Lease Agreements or Title Deed or Letter of Offer)
  
• Depending on the sector, proof that relevant sector permits or licenses have been lodged
  

If all documents are lodged in, the process to obtain an Investment Certificate takes about 10 days.

Qualifying Thresholds

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Act No. 11 of 2006 and amended in 2014 provides for investment thresholds to qualify for fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. There is only one category of investors who can be considered for investment incentives under the ZDA Act, while the rest only receive non-fiscal incentives

Category 1:Investments of US$ 500,000 and above in a Multi Facility Economic Zone, an Industrial Park, a Priority Sector and investment in a Rural Enterprise under the ZDA Act 

Investment of not less than US$ 500,000 in the Multi Facility Economic Zones (MFEZ), an Industrial Park, a Priority Sector , or invest in a Rural Enterprise under the ZDA Act. This category is entitled to the following incentives:

i.Accelerated depreciation on capital equipment and machinery (fixed assets) 

ii.Zero percent import duty rate on capital equipment and machinery for five years.

                In addition to fiscal incentives, the above category of investors is entitled to the following Non- Fiscal incentives; 

i.Investment guarantees and protection against state nationalization

ii.Free facilitation for application of immigration permits, secondary licenses, land acquisition, and utilities

a.PRIORITY SECTORS

The priority sectors which qualify in category 1 are as follows:

1.    MANUFACTURING

    Manufacturing activities located in a Multi-facility Economic Zone, an Industrial Park, or a rural area.

2.    CONSTRUCTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE, EXCLUDING RENOVATION, EXPANSION AND   

            REFURBISHMENT

i.Education: Construction of education and skills training institutions

ii.Health: Construction of health centers’ as defined under the Health Professions Act 2009.

iii.Tourism

a)Construction and establishment of hotels

b)Construction and establishment of convention centers

c)Construction and establishment of exhibition centers

d)Construction and establishment of museums

e)Construction and establishment of Theme parks

f)Construction and establishment of art galleries

g)Construction and establishment of theatres;

h)Construction and establishment of a large retail complex containing a variety of ten or more stores, restaurants or other business establishments housed in a series of connected or adjacent buildings or in a single large building.

iv.Housing

  Development of fifty (50) or more houses erected or maintained under one management or control on land developed   

specifically for the citing of such houses in accordance with a comprehensive plan which provides for the laying out of      roads and the furnishing and availability of services essential or ancillary to the use of such building as houses

v. Agriculture: construction of crop and grain storage facilities 

3.ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT

i.Power: building, installation of power stations

ii.Fuel: 

a)Building and installation of processing and refinery plants for bio-fuel;

b)Construction of petroleum refineries

c)Construction of pipelines

d)Construction of rural filling stations

4.WATER SUPPLY

i.Construction of Depots;

ii.Construction of Dams

iii.Construction of irrigation canals; and

iv.Construction of water and sewerage treatment plants

Category 2:Investment of not less than US$250,000 in any sector or product not provided for as a priority sector or product under the Act.   This category of investors is entitled to only non-fiscal incentives as follows:

i.Investment guarantees and protection against state nationalization;

ii.Free facilitation for application of immigration permits, secondary licenses, land acquisition, and utilities

FACILITATION SERVICES

Besides facilitating the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives the Zambia Development Agency facilitates the following for registered investors:

•Acquire land, obtain water, electric power, transport, and communication services required for their investments;

•Acquire immigration permits; 

•Acquire other licenses required to operate a business in any particular sector; and

•Access any other after-care assistance that may be required.

In addition, Investors who invest in Zambia enjoy the following guarantees:

•Free repatriation of profits & dividends

•Business cannot be compulsorily acquired by government, except by Act of Parliament in extreme circumstances

•Protection against non-commercial risks, as Zambia is a signatory of Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and Africa Trade Insurance Agency. 

•Impartial forum for resolving disputes 

•Special bilateral Investor Protection Agreements exist while new ones can be entered into.

GENERAL TAX INCENTIVES

The main general tax incentives include the following:

•Import VAT relief for VAT registered businesses on imports of eligible capital goods (VAT Deferment)

•Zero rate of VAT on export of taxable products

•Guarantee of VAT refund within 30 days of lodgement of adequately supported claims within 30 days of submission of the claim

•Relief of VAT on transfer of business as a going concern

•Equal treatment of services for VAT irrespective of domicile of supplier (Reverse VAT)

•Cash accounting for VAT members of the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, and mining companies

•Guaranteed VAT input tax claim for three months prior to VAT registration for businesses that have already commenced trading

•Reintroduction of voluntary registration for compliant businesses whose turnover is below K200 Million per annum subject to conditions stated above

• Registered businesses allowed to re – claim 20% of input VAT paid on petrol

•Exemption of interest component of Finance Leases

• Zero Rating of VAT on goods and services supplied or imported by developers of MFEZ and industrial parks and to business enterprises in such zones

•VAT relief on input tax paid for purchases made by registered suppliers

•Income from non – traditional exports is taxed at a reduced rate of 15%

•Duty on computer parts/components removed. Computer components on which duty was abolished is confined to the following:

o Motherboard without CPU and RAM

o Case with or without power codes

o CPU heat sink

o 32 bits CPU made of 2 or more ICS, this may include Pentium 3, Pentium 4 or Celeron processors

• Increase the threshold for travelers’ personal effects that are eligible for duty free from US$500 to US$1000.

Take note that VAT is scheduled to be replaced with Sales Tax in April 2019. The effective Sales Tax rate is TBA together with any corresponding changes in tax incentives. 

Non- Fiscal incentives

(i) Investment guarantees and protection against state nationalization; (ii) Free facilitation for application of immigration permits, secondary licenses, land acquisition and utilities 

1. Investors who invest an amount not less than US$250,000 in any sector or product under the Act is entitled to non-fiscal incentives as follows; 

(i) Investment guarantees and protection against state nationalization; (ii) Free facilitation for application of immigration permits, secondary licenses, land acquisition and utilities 

The Certificate of Registration is valid for ten (10) years from the date of issue. The investor may apply for renewal of the Certificate of Registration before the date of its expiry.  4.0 Secondary Licenses 

Listed below are examples of secondary licenses that a company might require.   Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - All investment projects require either a project brief or a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that is done by the Zambia Environmental Management Authority (ZEMA)  Telecommunication License - Projects in telecommunication such as mobile cellular companies, internet service providers (ISPs), etc require a telecommunication license obtained from Zambia Information Communications and Technology Authority of Zambia (ZICTA)  Tourism Licenses - Hotels, Safaris hunting/walks, Tour Guides, Casinos, Restaurants, Night clubs, projects operating in national parks and Game Management Areas (GMAs), etc require licenses and permits from Zambia National Tourist Board (ZNTB), Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and Local Municipalities  Financial and non financial Institutions such as Banks and Bureaus require approval from Bank of Zambia  Insurance companies and insurance brokers require authority from the Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA) or Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).  Medical projects such as clinics, surgeries, dispensaries and drug companies require approval from the Pharmaceutical regulatory Authority (PRA)  Stock brokers have to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  Manufacturing projects require a manufacturer’s license from local municipalities. 

Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)  is one of the services offered by ZEMA;  it is a systematic process which identifies, predicts and evaluates potential positive and negative impacts that a proposed project may have on the environment in its totality that is, physical, biological and socio economic aspects.

Under Zema is the Impact Assessment Association of Zambia (IAAZ).  TheImpact Assessment Association of Zambia (IAAZ) is an association that has been formed in Zambia to provide a forum for advancing innovation and communication of best practices in all forms of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in order to further the development of capacity in impact assessment. 

Activities for the Association include but are not limited to:

• To maintain a database on impact assessment practitioners in Zambia and 
• Reviews of new legislation affecting Zambia in relation to environmental and social issues.

Population

According to Zambia Statistics Agency: 

Population Projections 2019

Total Zambia = 17,381,168

Total Females = 8,779,056

Total Males = 8,602,112

2018 Labour Force

Employment Rate = 31.1%​

Unemployment Rate = 11.4%

Youth Unemployment Rate = 16%

Skills

Zambia has a three-tier education system consisting of seven-year primary education followed by a five-year secondary education and four-year post-secondary schooling. Government Since 2014, the Government has embarked on various initiatives and policy changes in order to make education and skills more relevant to the current and future needs of the country. For instance, a new curriculum was developed for both primary and secondary school that includes ICT, entrepreneurship education, business studies, design and technological studies. Furthermore, a two-tier system has been developed for pupils from Grades 8 to 12 to give them the option of pursuing either an academic or vocational pathway.

The role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TEVET) in Zambia’s industrialisation and job creation strategy is to produce graduates who are sufficiently competent to contribute to national development through formal sector employment or productive self-employment. The Ministry of Higher Education is working with various partners including the private sector to look into various ways of enhancing the different types of learning schemes such as apprenticeships and other lifelong skills in order to boost productivity of learners as well as enhance employability and the spirit of entrepreneurship. In order to emphasise Government’s aspiration to industrialisation and the role of skills, companies are required to pay a Skills Levy of 0.5% of gross emoluments which was introduced in the 2016 budget. 

Zambia has three public universities namely University of Zambia (UNZA), Copperbelt University (CBU) and Mulungushi University (MU). In addition, Government intends to build at least one university in each of the ten provinces. There are a number of private universities that have been set up with the majority being in Lusaka Province. In order to adequately regulate these universities, Government through the Higher Education Act of 2013 established a Higher Education Authority. The other objective is quality assurance and promotion of higher education.

Employment and contracts

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is responsible for the formulation of labour policies while the Department of Labour under the Ministry is responsible for administering the statutes governing employer/employee relations. The following are the main pieces of legislation relating to the labour market in Zambia: The Employment Act Cap 268 which deals with basic various employment contractual issues; The Industrial and Labour Relations Act Cap 269 that provides for the conduct of industrial relations among parties; and The Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment Act Cap 276 that determines the minimum conditions of employment for categories of employees not effectively covered through collective bargaining. Such employees include general workers, drivers and clerks.

Equal Opportunities

The Zambian law and practice prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, tribe, political opinion, colour, creed or sex.

Labour Protection

Employers are obliged by law to provide a healthy and safe working environment for their employees. Where required, they are mandated to provide personal protective clothing to their workers. Failure to adhere to these standards and any other labour laws is subject to penalties once complaints are made or random inspections are conducted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Termination of Employment

A contract of employment may be terminated under the Zambian law through:

• Resignation or Dismissal
  
• Normal retirement or medical discharge
  
• Expiry of contract
  
• Redundancy
  
• Frustration such as death
  

An employer is obliged, under Section 26A of Statutory Instrument No. 15 of 1997, to afford an employee the opportunity to be heard prior to termination of the contract of employment, If the termination is on grounds related to the employee’s conduct or performance. This obligation on the part of the employer has to be in conformity with the International Labour Organisation Convention. If an employee is not satisfied with the internal appeals system at his place of work, he/she can resort to take the matter to court.

The Zambian law, further, provides for the minimum benefits payable to the affected employee, and requires payment of full wages for an employee declared redundant until the redundancy benefits are paid. The redundancy benefits are such that they employer is obliged to pay at least one month’s notice and redundancy benefits of not less than two month’s basic salary for each completed year of service.

Probation

An employee is granted 3 months probation, with a maximum period of 6 months, after which a letter of confirmation is to be served.

Wages

Typical wages paid by international companies based in Zambia are listed below.

Non-wage benefits

(a) Medical Coverage and Maternity Benefits

Employers are obliged, by the Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment Act to grant an employee full pay should illness make the employee incapable of working, subject to production of a certificate from a registered physician. The maximum period for which such benefit may be given is three months at full pay and the next three months at half pay after which a certificate of medical discharge would be sought from the Ministry of Health. Some employers provide health and medical coverage through membership to private clinics to which the employee and employer contribute equally.

The Act also requires that maternity leave, for female employees be paid up to 90 days, provided such female employee has worked for a minimum of 24 months with their current employer.

(b) Paid Holidays

Employers are obliged, under the Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment Act to grant leave of absence of not less than 24 days annually. It is, however, a normal practice for employers to provide employees with more leave days than that prescribed in the Act depending on the rank and nature of the employee’s job.

(c)  Special Leave

Employers are obliged, under the Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment Act to grant an employee 7 days paid leave on the death of an employee’s spouse, child, mother or father. The Act also obliges the employer to provide for a funeral grant for a standard coffin, cash and mealie meal in the event of death of an employee, spouse, registered child or dependent of the employee.

(d) Working Hours

The normal working hours is 40 hours per week for office workers and 45 hours per week for factory workers. Office hours are normally from 08.0 hours to 17:00 hours Mondays through Fridays and 08:00 hours to 13:00 hours on Saturday (for most companies outside the retail sector). The normal weekly hours should not exceed 48 hours under the Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment Act.

Social Security benefits

Pension

The National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) is a statutory pension scheme provider where both employers and their employees are mandated to register and contribute. The employee contributes 5% of his salary while the employer tops up with the same amount. However, employers may also register with other private pension scheme providers in the country as occupational pensions in addition to the NAPSA registration.

Investor's permits

An Investor’s Permit is issued to a foreigner (above the age of 18 years) intending to establish a business or invest in Zambia or who has established or invested in a business in Zambia, or is joining an already existing company.

Requirements  for Issuance

• Covering letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration

• Duly completed Application for an Investor’s Permit (Form 27)

• Certificate of Incorporation

• Certificate of Share Capital (where required)

• Certificate of Minimum Capital

• Investment license from ZDA (not mandatory)

• List of Directors

• Proof of personal investment (Bank Statement, Money transfer, ZRA Form CE20, Bill of Lading from ZRA). If an investor is forming his own company, he or she should bring in at least US$250,000. If he/she is joining an existing company, it should be at least US$150,000.

• Proof of ownership or lease agreement in Zambia

• Certified copy of valid Passport (bio data & last endorsement stamp for Zambia)

• Two recent passport size photographs

• Prescribed fee

Requirements for Renewal/Extension

• Application Form 11

• Covering letter to the Director General

• Original permit

• Inspection Report by Immigration

• VAT/ZRA receipts

• Audit Report from a recognized firm registered with the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA)

• Lease Agreement (where applicable)

• Current bank statement

• Certified copy of passport

• Prescribed fee

Expatriate Labour and Permits

Employers seeking to employ expatriate staff are required to apply for work permits from the Director of Immigration Department. Such permits are usually issued for an initial period of one year with provision for subsequent extensions or renewals. Companies that hold a Certificate of Registration from ZDA and invest a minimum of US$250,000 and employs a minimum of 200 employees shall be entitled to an Investors Permit for up to five expatriate employees. 

The fees can be viewed here; http://www.theiguides.org/public-docs/guides/zambia/databases

Payments for the respective fees must be made by bank certified cheques and payable to the Director General of Immigration. Cash payments are not acceptable.

Visas

Visa

The validity of the visa is not the period in which the holder is entitled to remain in the country but a period within which the holder has to enter Zambia. As such foreign national are required to use other instruments offered by the Department to remain in the country legally.

Types of Visas

Single Entry Visa – A Single Entry Visa allows the traveler to enter Zambia only once during the validity of the visa. 

Double Entry Visa – A Double Entry Visa allows the traveler to enter Zambia twice during the validity of the visa. ; and

Multiple Entry Visa – A Multiple Entry Visa allows the traveler to enter Zambia multiple times during the validity of the visa. . Multiple Entry Visas shall only be issued by Headquarters through the e-visa facility.

Note: Single, Double and Multiple visas shall be valid for ninety (90) days from the date of first issuance, with the exception of nationals from the United States of America for whose Multiple Entry Visas have a validity of three (3) years, on reciprocal basis.

Transit Visa – Transit visas are issued to nationals who require visas to enter Zambia and are transiting through using land transport and shall be valid for a maximum period of seven (07) days;

Day Tripper Visa - A Day tripper visa is issued at a port of entry to a tourist who visits Zambia for a period of less than 24 hours and makes exit through the same port. The facility will also apply to tourists visiting Zambia and wish to visit a neighboring country and re-enter within 24 hours. The fee is US $20.

Note: The Day Tripper shall only apply at Victoria Falls and Kazungula Border Controls.

Gratis Visa – A Gratis Visa is a free visa issued at Zambia Missions Abroad or at Ports of entry to Members of the Diplomatic Community on presentation of letters of accreditation and/or Diplomatic Passports.

e-Visa

The electronic visa (e-Visa) is an online facility for applying visa to Zambia. All persons who ordinarily require a Visa to come to Zambia are eligible to apply for visas through this facility.

Step 1. Fill out the secure online application form & Confirm your application.

Enter the exact personal information of the applicants and check for a  confirmation mail sent to your email address and access provided link to confirm and ACTIVATE your application. You can track the progress of your application on the e-Visa portal.

Step 2. Get approval letter and prepare to get your visa sticker/ endorsement on arrival within 3-5 working days, depending on your visa category, you receive feedback via email. you may also  download visa approval or rejection letter's directly from the e-visa's tracking facility.

Electricity

Maamba Thermal Plant

There is no doubt that the availability, reliability, affordability and ease of connectivity to power is critical for any investment. Zambia is well endowed with hydropower and other resources of energy which include woodlands and forests, coal and renewable sources of energy. It has the capacity to produce 6,000MW of electricity power. However, for many years hydropower has been the only source of energy. In order to diversify from hydropower, Zambia to other sources of energy such as coal and renewable sources have accounted for 3%. This overdependence on hydropower in the wake of climate change negatively affected power generation in 2015 and 2016 due to less rainfall. According to the 2017 Zambia Review, electricity produced in 2015 was 1,281 megawatts (MW) against a demand of 1,949 MW leading to a deficit of 668 MW. This led to a protracted spell of load shedding that negatively affected the economy.

The low production capacity was not entirely due to low rainfall, but a host of other reasons including: cumulative demand from the mining and construction sector that is unmatched by supply; years of inadequate investment in the sector; non-reflective-tariffs, policy and legislation issues that discouraged private sector participation in either hydro or alternative sources of power.

Government, in the immediate and short term, has put in place measures to cushion the impact of the power shortages to ensure reliability. These measures include importation of power from neighbouring countries, upward adjustment to the tariffs to attract private sectors to invest in alternative sources of energy. In the medium and long term, Government, working with other stakeholders, has put up investments of various sizes and depth.

Legislation

The Zambian electricity sector is governed by three pieces of legislation:

• The Energy Regulation Act (1995), which established the Energy Regulation Board (ERB). As a regulator, ERB is responsible for the licensing, monitoring and supervision of operations in the energy sector as well as approval of electricity tariffs;
  
• The Electricity Act (1995), which removed the statutory monopoly of Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) in the power sector and provided for new entrants. ZESCO is a parastatal that was commercialised in 2005. It generates, transmits and distributes electricity country wide. It is also involved in bulk supply agreements which involve the importation and exportation of power to other countries when required; and
  
• The Rural Electrification Act (2003) whose mandate is to facilitate and expand provision of electricity to the rural areas and establishment of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA).
  

In addition to the above mentioned institutions, the private sector players in the electricity sector include: The Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) that purchases power from ZESCO and distributes it to the major mines in Zambia; Ndola Energy (NECL), a subsidiary of Great Lakes Africa Energy Limited that produces electricity using Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO); and Lunsemfya Hydro Power Company (LHPC), a subsidiary of Aqua Imara based in Kabwe. It produces power that it then sells to ZESCO. Others include small scale generators and solar-based companies.

Electricity connections

Regarding connectivity to electricity for an investor who would like to put up a warehouse, factory or building, there are procedures that need to be followed which are stipulated by ZESCO. The procedures are on the assumption that an investor intends to connect power to a new warehouse in Lusaka.

There are currently three (3) main electricitycompanies in Zambia namely; 

1.  ZESCO Limited-this is the public utilitypowercompanysupplyingpowerto mostparts ofthe country through the nationalgrid
   
2. Copperbelt Energy Corporation(CEC)-supplies powe rto the mines and transmits for the national utilities ZESCO Limited Zambia and SNEL of Democratic Republic of Congo, through the Zambia Congo Inter-connector.
3. Lusemfywa ElectricityCompany – suppliespowertothe Centralprovince ofZambia

Water

Zambia is well endowed with water resources for irrigation, hydropower generation, agriculture, tourism, fish farming and various other industries as well as for human and animal consumption. Zambia has water resources covering about r about 11,890 square kilometres of the country’s total area and comprises lakes including Lake Tanganyika, Kariba Dam, Lake Bangweulu and Lake Mweru as well as a number of rivers. With such water reserves, Zambia is capable of producing 6,000 megawatts (MW) of hydroelectric power but has a current installed capacity of only 2,000 MW. It also has the potential to have 400,000 hectares (ha) of land under irrigation but only 100,000 ha is currently covered.

Telecommunications

Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) is the sector regulator and the following are the laws that govern the sector:

• The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Act of 2009;
  
• The Electronic Communications and Transactions (ECT) Act; and
• The Postal and Courier Services Act
• Information and Communications Technology Policy

Investment into the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is fundamental to the growth and development of the economy. It cannot be contested that ICTs are not only an accelerator of growth and development but also a facilitator of efficiency gains across all sectors of the economy. In committing to the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, world leaders recognized that the Agenda’s Goals and targets should be met for all nations and people and for all segments of society. 

Zambia has access to the west coast Sat-3 cable to Europe via a fibre link with Namibia which in turn links with the South African fibre network. At the moment, only ZAMTEL, Zesco Limited and Copperbelt Electricity Corporation (CEC) are licensed to operate the optic fibre networks. Several internet service providers (ISPs) consequently offer internet services to the rest of the public. According to ZICTA, Zambia has 6.1 million internet users, representing a penetration rate of 39 percent. While mobile telephone has a penetration rate of 78 percent as of mid-2016 against 0.7 percent for fixed land lines. The three mobile telephone service providers are MTN, Zamtel (parastatal) and Airtel Zambia. Vodafone is a new entrant providing only mobile data without voice. All four companies are aggressively expanding their networks in order to expand coverage, offerings and depth. Government is implementing E-government that allows investors and the general public to access a number of public services electronically such as company registration, annual returns, tax payment etc.

Information and Communication Technologies Act No. 15 of 2009

The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Act No. 15 of 2009 provides for the regulation of electronic communication services  and products, monitoring the performance of the sector including the levels of investment and the availability, cost, quality and standards of the electronic communication services  in Zambia. The Act also provides for the establishment of the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) as the regulator of ICTs in the country. In addition, the ICT Act of 2009 promotes deepened competition through more investment in the sector .

http://www.zicta.zm/Downloads/The%20Acts%20and%20SIs/ict_act_2009.pdf 

The Postal Services Act No. 22 of 2009

The Postal Services Act No. 22 of 2009 provides for the regulation of the postal and courier services sector in Zambia. Specifically, the Act provides for the regulation of the provision of postal and courier services and the facilitation of investment and innovation in the postal industry . The Act also provides for the licensing of providers of postal and courier services, stimulation and promotion of competition in the sector as well as the protection of the interest of all stakeholders. The Act identifies ZICTA as the regulator of the Postal and Courier services industry.

 http://www.zicta.zm/Downloads/The%20Acts%20and%20SIs/postal_act_2009.pdf

Vision 2030

The Vision 2030 broadly outlines Zambia’s aspiration to become a prosperous middle income country by 2030. It particularly sets targets for the country to become an information and knowledge-based society by 2030. This is expected to be achieved through Increased connectivity to fibre optic (telecommunication infrastructure rollout) and other high capacity transmission technologies (networks); Increased access to phones per 100 people (tele-density) from 0.9 to 8 by 2015 and to 50 by 2030; and Increased access to ICT services such as Internet users from 35,000 in 2005 to 100,000 by 2015 and to 1,000,000 by 2030.The targets of the vision 2030 have since been surpassed indicating a general growing demand for ICT services in the country.

Seventh National Development Plan

The Seventh National Development Plan outlines the strategic priorities of the country over the period 2017- 2021. The plan recognizes ICTs as a catalyst for socio economic development by promoting competiveness as well as being an enabler of good governance. The Seventh National Development Plan identifies increased investment in ICT infrastructure and human resource development; reforms in the legal and regulatory framework; and mainstreaming ICTs in education as the key strategies over the implementation period. These strategies are expected to facilitate increased investment in the sector and foster increased uptake of ICTs in the country.

Provision of Value Added Services

The country has made great strides in increasing adoption of ICT services especially mobile phone services. The increased uptake of such services provides an opportunity for innovation through the provision of value Added Services. Value Added Services are diverse and respond to the needs of consumers or corporate entities and mainly leverage on the wide reach in market access through the subscriber base. The increasing subscriber base in the country provides scope for commercial entities to provide various value added services through the existing networks. Prospective investors can freely engage with the existing operators of the networks in the country to establish commercial arrangements that would facilitate the provision of such services.

Manufacture of ICT Devices and Equipment

Zambia does not currently have an extensive ICT hardware manufacturing or assembly industry. The country depends on imported products to meet its local demand. However, these hardware products are often accessed at a huge cost on account of trade taxes and freight costs. Thus, an opportunity exists for the assembly or manufacture of hardware products such as mobile handsets, modems and servers among others devices.  The country’s strategic location in the region coupled with preferential trade arrangements provides a ready market for the manufactured products beyond the national market.  

Content and Software Development

One of the biggest obstacles to increased usage of broadband in Zambia is the lack of local content and software. A large proportion of the applications and software used in the country is imported from international jurisdictions. The presence of local applications that relate to Zambia on online mobile markets such as Google, Play store or Apple Store is very limited currently. The country has an evident gap in tailored applications that address the needs of the local communities and locally established corporate entities.  In addition, a number of public services are still provided manually despite the opportunity to digitize such systems. There is an opportunity for software developers and local content developers to close these identified gaps in the country.

ICT Innovation Park

The country has a number of emerging ICT related startups and innovations being developed to respond to some business opportunities or social challenges. However, there is no structured arrangement to nature these emerging innovations and startups similar to the Silicon Valley in the United States of America. The rise in ICT related startups and innovations is related broadly to two factors. Firstly, the local universities and other higher learning institutions are churning out increasing numbers of ICT graduates with skills to develop applications or devices. At the same time, ICTs are increasingly providing an effective platform for dealing with a number of social challenges or responding to some business opportunity. These conditions provide a conducive platform for investment aimed at identifying viable startups or promising innovators that could be supported to develop viable commercial entities. At the same time, the increasing number of ICT related companies in the country provides an opportunity for investors to pool all the ICT related entities in a common location designated for provision of such services. This designated Zone would provide a ready market for the tenants and facilitate synergies across entities within the zone.

Transport infrastructure

Zambia’s central geographical position within Sub-Saharan Africa makes it a natural transport hub and transit point within the region and beyond. Further investments in road, rail and air transport networks- so critical to both national and regional development- are being made to ensure that the country becomes the preferred transit point in the region. The aim is to develop an integrated, reliable and efficient transport system to develop location and ensure that 25 to 30 percent of all cargo traffic south of the equator is processed through Zambia by 2064. 

Government is in the process of creating a transport master plan to make sure that the transport system is developed in an integrated manner. Airport, harbours, dry ports and trade hubs need to be linked to ease the transportation of goods and services to local and regional markets.

Road network

The road network is the backbone of the Zambian transport, reaching the most remote areas of the country. Zambia has a gazette road network of approximately 37,000 km of which 6,476 km are bituminous and surfaced to class 1 standard, gravel at 8,478 km and earth roads accounting for about 21,967 km. The entire road network is supported by three main inter-provincial highways and several secondary roads servicing each of the ten provincial capitals.

The Government of the Republic of Zambia has continued to pursue the Accelerated Road Construction and Rehabilitation Programme that includes:

• Link Zambia 800 - high quality single and dual lane roads throughout the country;
  
• C400 – rehabilitation and construction of 408 kilometres of township roads on the Copperbelt;
  
• L400 – construction of link roads in the Capital City of Lusaka in order to reduce congestion;
  
• Pave Zambia 2000 – the paving of 2000 kilometres of township roads using labour-intensive paving blocks and cobblestone technology; and
  
• National Feeder Roads Programme – the construction and rehabilitation of feeder roads in the rural areas spearheaded by the Zambia National Service (ZNS)
  

The Government is also implementing the Road Maintenance Strategy that will run up to to 2024. This involves the acceleration of toll road programme that began in 2013. Another financing initiative has been the encouragement of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) that involve strategic partnerships in the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of roads with the private sector.

Rail network

Government intends to promote the use of rail for transporting bulk goods to relieve the road network. Zambia’s rail network comprises Zambia Railways (ZR) and the Tanzania-Zambia Railways (TAZARA), which is jointly owned with Tanzania. Zambia Railways network connects Zambia to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola in the north and Zimbabwe and South Africa in the south. Tazara links into the Zambia Railways line at Kapiri Mposhi and runs to Dar-es-Salaam port in Tanzania. The combined installed freight capacity of the two railway lines i.e. ZR and Tazara is 8 million tonnes per annum. Government has continued with construction works on the Chipata-Mchinji railway line which will link Eastern Province to Malawi as well as give Zambia its shortest route to the Indian Ocean port of Nacala in Mozambique.

Government, through the Seventh National Development Plan 2017 – 2021 (7NDP) will embark on a comprehensive rehabilitation of the ZR lines and revitalisation of Tazara to make the lines more efficient. Government will also prioritise the construction of greenfield railway projects, preferably with the private sector. The projects are listed below:

• The Nseluka-Mpulungu spur linking Zambia to the great lakes region;
  
• The Livingstone-Katima Mulilo spur linking Zambia to the port of Walvis Bay in Namibia;
  
• The Serenje via Petauke spur linking Zambia to the port of Nampula in Mozambique; and
  
• The Chingola-Jimbe railway network linking Zambia to Lobito Bay in Angola.

Air network

Zambia has four international airports namely Kenneth Kaunda in Lusaka, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula in Livingstone, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe in Ndola and Mfuwe in Luangwa National Park. There are also secondary airfileds in Chipata, Kitwe, Kasama, Mongu, Solwezi and Mansa. In total, there are 130 airstrips in Zambia of which 43 of them are Government owned. Government has prioritised the rehabilitation and construction of international and provincial as well as selected district aerodromes. Currently expansion and upgrading of Kenneth Kaunda International Airport is underway and the site clearing for the new Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola has commenced. Funds have also been set aside for the establishment of a national airline. Legislative changes will be put in place in order to abide by best practice as well as enhance regulation.

Maritime and Inland waterways

Mpulungu harbour on Lake Tanganyika facilitates the shipment of cement, sugar, pharmaceuticals, steel, fish and many other goods from Zambia to the Great Lakes Region of Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Congo DRC. Government with funding from African Development Bank (AfDB) are currently upgrading and expanding the harbour to international standards in order to increase its efficiency and capacity. Government is also in the process of commissioning 12 large vessels for passengers and cargo on Lake Mweru, Lake Bangweulu and Zambezi River.

Zambia’s access to the sea ports are through the ports of Durban in South Africa, Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania, Walvis Bay in Namibia and Beira in Mozambique. The Port of Nacala is increasingly becoming more important for Zambia because of the railway line in Eastern Province.

Transport costs

Other costs

For indicative purposes, a basket of goods and services that investors may face in Zambia are indicated below:

Land Categorisation

There are two categories of Land in Zambia: These are:

·  Statutory Land - comprising only 6% of land in Zambia. The land is zoned into residential, commercial or industrial use by the District Councils according to their jurisdictions

·  Customary Land - Approximately 94% of all land in Zambia is held under this system of tenure. Such land falls under the jurisdiction of the traditional Chiefs.

Systems of Tenure

There are only two types of land tenure in Zambia. These are leasehold and customary tenure. Zambia has no freehold system of tenure. The leasehold tenure runs up to 99 years and is further renewable for up to 99 years. Renewal is possible if there is no breach of the conditions in the existing agreement. Land in the customary area can be converted to leasehold – thus allowing it to be used as collateral. 

Land Acquisition and Transfer

Land can be acquired and transferred in Zambia in the following ways:

(a)Acquisition of State Land by Non Zambians

A non-Zambian can acquire land under the following conditions:-

• He/she is a permanent resident in Zambia
• He/she is an investor within the meaning of the ZDA Act or any other law pertaining to investment in Zambia
• In exceptional cases, by Presidential consent in writing
• A person registers a company under the Companies Act, with no less than 75% Zambian shareholding
• Title Deed will be issued in the name of the registered company
• Under a short term tenancy of not more than 5 years
• If the person is granted concession or right – under the National Parks and Wildlife Act

Before land can be bought or sold ‘State Consent’ must be obtained. The consent is issued by the Commissioner of Lands on application. If consent is not granted within 45 days of filing the application, the application is deemed to be granted. If consent is refused, the reasons for refusal must be furnished to the applicant within 30 days.

Acquisition of land in an area designated as State Land will require consent of the relevant District Council. Land which does not fall within the jurisdiction of any council, can be alienated upon direct application to the Commissioner of Lands. He will then make a formal offer to the applicant, which will contain similar conditions to those obtaining in the offer made for an application of land situated in the Customary Area.

Land in private ownership can be bought, sold and title deeds issued by the Commissioner of Lands. In all instances ‘State Consent’ will have to be obtained by the vendor before title deeds can pass to the purchaser. The consent is issued by the Commissioner of Lands on application. If consent is not granted within 45 days of filling the application, the application is deemed to be granted. If consent is refused, the reasons for refusal must be furnished to the applicant within 30 days. As stated above, 10% of the value of land is paid to the Zambia Revenue Authority by the vendor in terms of property transfer tax. It should be noted however that such land is under leasehold tenure with a maximum lease of 99 years from the state.

(b)Acquisition of Customary Land

• The written consent of the area Chief
  
• Approval of the District Council in the area
  
• Additional approval from the Director of National Parks and Wildlife, if the land is in a Game Management Area
  

These approvals once obtained should be submitted to the relevant District Council, which in turn will submit the documents to the Commissioner of Lands. The Commissioner will then make formal offer to the applicant. The letter of offer will stipulate among other conditions:

• Consideration Fee – This is not a fixed amount and is dependent upon locality, services provided by the state or council and other related factors;
• Survey Requirements – This can be carried out by private or government Surveyor. Submission of a diagram or plan attached to the lease agreement is a mandatory requirement prior to issuance of Certificate of Title;
• Preparation Fee – The office of Commissioner of Lands charges fees for preparation of lease. These fees are fixed through Statutory Instruments but are subject to change;
• Registration Fee – charged by the Lands and Deeds Registry before lease is registered and certificate issued
• Property Transfer – currently 10% of the value of land is paid to the Zambia Revenue Authority by the vendor. No tax is payable where land is acquired from the State.

Lands Tribunal

The Lands Act of 1995 also provides for establishment of a Lands Tribunal to speed up the resolution of land disputes.  Decision of the Tribunal is subject to appeal to the Supreme Court within 30 days of the decision.

Land for Investment

ZDA is in the process of setting up land banks for investment in the priority sectors. The land banks comprise of already demarcated plots and the process of acquiring these plots is fast tracked from application for the land on behalf of the licenced investor, to approvals from the local authorities, up to the Commissioner of Lands. The following land categories are available for investment in Zambia.

a)  Agricultural Land

The Government has embarked on a farm block development programme. New farm blocks have been opened for development and commercialization of the agriculture sector. Each farm block is designed to have at least one core large-scale farm (core venture) of 10,000 hectares, several commercial farms of 1,000 to 5,000 hectares and small farm holdings of between 30 to 3,000 hectares preferably under out grower arrangements. Farm blocks provide both local and international investors ready access to already surveyed land for agro productions purposes.

b)  Industrial Land

Industrial land in the capital city Lusaka is located on the western part of the city. Every city in Zambia is zoned an industrial area where all manufacturing activities can take place. It is also where an investor wishing to set up an industry can do so.  In order to expand the country’s manufacturing base and enhance national competitiveness, the Government is establishing Industrial Parks and will extend tax incentives under the ZDA Act to developers of, and investors in Multi- Facility Economic Zones. Two types of MFEZ are being promoted: Production MFEZs for manufacturing related businesses and Export Trade MFEZ for commercial trading, warehousing etc. to exploit export markets.

In addition, developers of industrial parks will qualify for incentives if:

·  The layout of the development plan is approved by the relevant planning authority;

·  The park to be developed is at least 15 acres in size;

·  The park will have paved roads; and

·  Water and electricity supply is provided within the park.

Land costs

Special economic zones

Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ)

The MFEZ incentives are non discriminatory and applies fairly to all eligible investors be it from Zambia or outside Zam

Six (6) areas have been declared as MFEZs and /or Industrial Parks vis-à-vis: Chambishi, Lusaka East, Lusaka South, Lumwana; and Ndola (Sub Saharan gemstones exchange) and Roma as an Industrial Park.

The implementation of MFEZs in Zambia is designed to make Zambia competitive through increased activity in the trade and manufacturing sectors, which have numerous positive spillover effects in other sectors such as utilities, transport, agriculture and services.

The MFEZs are, special industrial zones for both export-oriented and domestic-oriented industries. The zones will have the well appointed infrastructure in place in order to attract and facilitate establishment of world-class enterprises in the zone (s).

The MFEZs blend the best features of the free trade zones (FTZs), export processing zones (EPZs) and the industrial parks/zones concept and create the administrative infrastructure, rules, regulations etc that benchmark among the best dynamic economies. The blending of physical infrastructure with an efficient and effective administrative infrastructure will create the ideal investment environment for attracting major world class investors.

Tax introduction and registration

The Ministry of Financeis responsible for the formulation of tax policy in Zambia and the implementing agency is the ZambiaRevenueAuthority (ZRA).

The legislative frame work relating to the regulation and administration of  the taxation is provided for in  the IncomeTaxAct1966,as amended. The source of income and residence are the basis for liability to tax underthe Zambian tax regime.

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) is an implementing agency of Government mandated to assess and collect tax and advise the state on aspects of tax policy. Once the registration of a company is successfully done at the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA), one needs to register with ZRA for a tax payer identification number (TPIN No.) The TPIN number is then used to register for the various taxes applicable to the specific type and nature of the registered business. It only takes 24 hours to obtain a TPIN number at ZRA. 

Taxes are directly handled by the two operating Divisions at ZRA i.e. Domestic Taxes Division and Customs Services Division. Domestic Tax Division handles direct taxes that include Corporate Tax, Turnover Tax, Pay-As-You-Earn, Withholding Tax, Property Transfer and Mineral Royalty. It also handles Value Added Tax which falls under indirect taxes. The Customs Services Division handles both Customs and Excise duties. The other Divisions offer support services to the two divisions.

Corporate Tax

This is levied on the profit made by a business entity. 

There are two tax rate for companies/ investor wishing to set base in Zambia:

Listed on the stock exchange 33%

Not listed companies 35%

There exist a uniform 2 % difference between the the two categories irrespective of nature of business for example under farming the current tax rate is 10% for non listed and 8% for listed. The same is the case with mining companies. The rates are on taxable profits.

The main incentives are on tax holidays for income tax mainly 5 years but some times do extend up to 7 years. These companies do pay PAYE until their tax holiday is over.

The other unique feature is the ability to claim accelerated tax relief on all capital items for instance in farming most of the plant, machinery etc enjoy 100% relief whilst some 50 and 25%. In manufacturing and mining there are also hefty reliefs.

Additional features are also derived from the double taxation treaty signed especiary with companies or investors associated with South Africa and Mauritious as the contents of the treaty prohibits taxation of incomes (in general) from a docile (resident) source but allows source country to tax it. Zambia can only tax the difference. For instance is tax in south is 40% and in Zambia its 35%, the later will only ta 5% whilst the countries associated with Mauritious will not be taxed at all.

The investors also enjoy personalized incentives if they commit to set up in rural areas or also pledge to employ a given number of locals. This is on a case to case basis.

Turnover Tax

This is income payable on gross sales or turnover for those businesses/individuals whose income is K800,000 or below. It is calculated at a rate of 3%.

Personal Income Tax

Withholding Tax

This is a tax on income that is deduted at the source and remmited to the Government. The applicable withholding tax rates are as follows:

Mineral Royalty

This is a regular payment made to the Government by mining firms as a consideration for the privilege of extracting particular mineral resources. It is not classified as a tax and is governed by the Mines and Minerals Act.

The rates are as indicated below:

Value Added Tax

Value Added Tax (effective until April 2019)

VAT is levied at 16%. Some specified goods and services are zero-rated or exempt. Registration for VAT purposes is mandatory for every dealer in or supplier of standard rated and zero-rated goods and services, as defined in the VAT Act No. 4 of 1995 (which replaced sales tax), whose taxable turnover exceeds ZMW800 per annum. Voluntary registration is acceptable for dealers whose turnover falls below the stipulated minimum turnover.

The Value Added Tax (VAT) of 16 percent applies to both goods and services, of domestic production and those that are imported.  VAT is levied on the c.i.f. value plus customs tariff. Exemptions from VAT include social services such as health, education, and funeral services. Registered suppliers or dealers are required to submit VAT returns monthly within 21 days of the prescribed accounting period unless they have been allowed the option for extended tax period. Late or failure to submit returns, including nil returns, attracts penalties. Input VAT can be claimed within a period of three years from the date of the tax invoice or other documentary evidence. The period in which input VAT incurred prior to the date of VAT registration can be claimed is 3 months.

Customs and Excise Duty

Customs and Excise Duty – is a tax imposed on imports and exports of goods. There are three categories for import duties in Zambia: 25% mainly for finished products, 15% for intermediate goods and 0 to 5% for raw materials and capital goods.

Excise Duty

Excise Duty  is a tax on goods produced in the country.Zambia levies excise duties on certain products that mostly range from 3% to 20% on items such as, mineral water, cane and beet sugar and some derivatives, beverages, electricity and petroleum products. Other products such as beer and tobacco attracts more excise duties.

What Investors Think

The strides made by ZRA especially on the e-payment are much appreciated. However, the amendments take long when one makes an incorrect entry. The VAT refunds take long to be processed

Investment Legal framework

Zambia’s judicial system is based on the British common law system. The judiciary system has undergone a number of reforms in order to make the processes and procedures much quicker over the years.

Investment protection

There are various policies, laws and treaties that protect investors in Zambia. These are  domestic, regional, bilateral and international depending on the situation.

Expropriation

The Zambia Development Act assures investors that property rights shall be respected. No investment of any description can be expropriated unless Parliament passes an Act relating to the compulsory acquisition of that property. In case of expropriation, full compensation shall be made at market value and shall be convertible at the current exchange rate.

Dispute settlement

In case of a dispute, parties can resort to the domestic arbitration under the 2000 Arbitration Act. The Act also allows them to resort to international arbitration, whose resulting arbitral award is binding and enforceable in Zambia. This is also augmented by Zambia being a signatory to the following:

• 1958 New York Convention
  
• United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)
  
• International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
  
• Various Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs)
  
• Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
  

Parties can also seek intervention of the courts in resolving disputes. Regarding specific trade related disputes, parties can also resort to specialised bodies that adjudicate over particular issues such as land, taxes or industrial labour differences. For taxes, one could approach the Revenue Appeals Tribunal that was established by the Revenue Tribunal Act. Land disputes can be handled by the Lands Tribunal, established under the Lands Act of 1995. Industrial labour disputes can be adjudicated by the Industrial Relations Court, established under the Industrial Relations Act of 1990 and the Labour Act of 1993.

International investment agreements

Zambia has signed:

• Bilateral Investment Treaties with the following countries:                                                                                                                                                      United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, France, Luxemburg, China, Croatia, Cuba, Italy, Ghana, Ireland and Egypt.
• Double Taxation Agreements with the following countries:
  

Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the United, Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

Repatriation of funds

Zambia allows for free movement of capital into and out of the country. The country does not have a foreign exchange control system. However, when converting Kwacha to US dollars ‘across the counter’, a limit of US$1,000 per day is allowable for individuals and US$5,000 for corporates at either a bank or a bureau de change. The ZDA Act gives rights to investors to repatriate profits, royalties, fees, debt service as well as disinvestment proceeds.

Intellectual property

Intellectual property rights are protected in Zambia under various laws. Trademarks are covered under the Trademarks Act Cap 400 of the laws of Zambia. The protection is for a period of 10 years with a provision to renew. This covers both goods and services. Patents meant to protect inventions are covered under Patents Act Cap 401. The protection is for 20 years on condition that it is renewed annually in the fourth year from the time it was granted. Industrial designs that include architectural designs, paintings, buildings or similar structures are protected under the Registered Industrial Designs Act Cap 402 of the laws of Zambia. The protection validity is for five years and is renewable up to a maximum of 15 years. All the three Acts are administered by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA).

Protection of intellectual property is further reinforced by virtue of Zambia being a signatory to a number of international bodies such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Paris Union, Bern Union, African Regional Industrial Property Organisation (ARIPO) and the Universal Copyright Convention of UNESCO.

Competition law

Investors are protected in Zambia from unfair competitive practices both as producers and consumers of goods and services. This is done through the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010 and administered by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). CCPC ensures consumer welfare and protects against restrictive business practices, abuse and cartels. Zambia is also a member of the COMESA Competition Commission that adjudicates on matters that have regional dimension.

Agriculture

Zambia is endowed with a large arable land resource base of 42 million hectares of which only 1.5 million hectares is cultivated every year.  It has abundant water resources for irrigation, and the country accounts for 40 percent of the water resource in Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). Given the vast resource endowment in terms of land, labour, and water, Zambia has huge potential to expand its agricultural production. The country has a total land area of 75 million hectares (752,000 square Km) which is divided into three major agro-ecological regions. Zambia's climate follows a similar pattern to that of most southern Africa countries, experiencing rainy seasons between the months of November and April. Rainfall varies from 500 to 1,400 mm (19.7 to 55.1 inches) per year. The dry season is characterized by lack of rainfall between the months of May and November. The average temperature in the summer is 30°C and gets as low as 5°C in the winter. Highest rainfalls are experienced in the north, especially the north-west and the north-east, decreasing towards the south with the driest areas in the far south west, the Luangwa River, and middle Zambezi River valleys. 

Despite the availability of vast arable land, transportation channels, plenty of water, cheap labour as shown by the fact that the agricultural sector employs more than half of the total labour force, only 10 percent of the arable land is under cultivation. It is because of this potential that the government encourages investment in commercial farming and has established farming blocks to facilitate investments in agriculture. With vast stretches of land suitable for agriculture, the Government has embarked on improving access to inputs and finance for small scale farmers as a way of diversifying the economy from a heavy reliance on copper production and exports through programmes such as the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) and the Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme (ZCGS), respectively.  In most parts of the country, especially among the rural and peri-urban populations, agriculture is the main source of livelihood.  Zambia’s traditional crop production has included Maize, Cassava, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Sunflower, Groundnuts, Soya Beans, Mixed Beans, Irish Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, and Tobacco. Agriculture remains a major contributor to Zambia’s economy contributing about 13% to the country’s GDP. The current drive by Government is to enhance value addition by promoting Agro-processing through programmes such as the World Bank funded Zambia Agri-business and Trade Project (ZATP). Agro-processing opportunities in Zambia include Peanut butter production, Cashew nut processing, Animal or Stock feed production, Cassava processing, Grain Milling, Edible Oil Production, Fruit Canning, Juice Extraction, Meat, dairy and leather production, Fish Canning, Textiles, Bio-diesel production, and Honey processing, to mention a few. Income from the export of agricultural products has continued to increase due to increased investment in the various value-chains as well as the provision of a stable business and macroeconomic environment. This sector receives priority attention from the Government and it is seen as a driver of employment in rural areas.  There are incentives that promote the growth of the agriculture sector articulated in the ZRA and ZDA Acts, respectively.

Economy and Production

Zambia has had one of the world’s fastest growing economies for the past ten years, with real GDP growth averaging roughly 6.7% per annum.

The Bank of Zambia is the authority by law mandated to issue Zambian Currency banknotes and coins as legal tender. This is according to section number 4[2] of the Bank of Zambia Act 1996. The Bank is responsible to ensure that the public has confidence in their banknotes as a means of payment and a secure store of wealth.  The Zambian currency is known as the Zambian Kwacha and Ngwee (where 100 Ngwee is equal to K1). Zambia currently has six banknotes and four coins in circulation.  These are: K100, K50, K20, K10, K5, K2 banknotes K1, 50N, 10N, and 5N coins.

Education

The general education system in Zambia is divided into: 1) Primary; 2) Junior Secondary; and 3) Senior Secondary Education, respectively. These levels of education are operationalized by 251 primary schools, 156 secondary schools, and 11 private international schools. There are currently only 4 public universities with the University of Zambia (UNZA) being the largest, and 15 private universities that are registered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).  There also over 47 colleges providing tertiary education, thus providing massive investment opportunities for provision of university level and other tertiary education. The sector is managed by the ministry of General Education and the Ministry of Higher Education with support from their statutory bodies such as the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ), Teaching Council of Zambia (TCZ) Zambia Education Publishing House (ZEPH), and The Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

University of Lusaka Silverest Campus

Energy

Of the installed 2,347 MW electricity generation capacity of Zambia, hydro power is the most important energy source with 2,259 MW (96%), followed by diesel and Coal. Zambia has about 6,000 MW unexploited hydro power potential due to abundant water resources, providing an opportunity for investment in hydro power generation. The demand for electricity has been growing at an average rate of 3% per annum, mainly due to increased economic activity in the country, especially in the Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Mining sectors, respectively. The country’s growing population has also led to an increase in the demand for other sources of energy such as petroleum and solar energy for transportation and domestic use especially in rural areas, respectively.   The state-owned Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) is the only entity that generates and transmit power, while companies such as the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) procure power from ZESCO for sell to the mines. The energy sector is regulated by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB). Government is working to close the power deficit especially in rural areas by facilitating the availability of affordable energy in all parts of the country using programmes such as the Rural Electrification Programme that is spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA). In addition to water resources, Zambia has abundant renewable and non-renewable resources including: 1) industrial minerals such as coal; 2) Agricultural land to support bio-fuels; 3) ample forests for bio-mass; 4) abundant wind for wind energy; 5) sunlight for solar power; 6) abundant hot springs for geothermal energy; and 7) availability of Uranium for nuclear power.

Zambia also presents potential for oil and gas drilling as shown by the massive exploration missions that are currently taking place in Northern and Luapula provinces, respectively. Though Zambia does not currently produce oil, soil samples from the aforementioned provinces that were tested in top laboratories in Europe showed good traces of crude oil.

The Energy Regulations Board is responsible for issuance of licenses in the energy sector. Applications for energy licenses should be supported by the following documents:

·  Five year business plan

·  Current and latest audited financial statements

·  Details of any expected subsequent substantial capital outflows including major decommissioning costs

·  Estimates of net annual cash flows

Health

The health sector is characterized by both public and private participation with Government facilities numbering over 1,800 being the largest participant. The health care system is divided into: 1) Level 1 facilities comprising of district hospitals, health centres, and health posts; 2) Level 2 facilities comprised of general hospitals; and 3) Level 3 facilities comprising of specialist hospitals. Within the past decade, private hospitals have earned a reputation as providers of good quality health care. The University Teaching Hospital (UTH) is the largest health facility in Zambia with a bed space of about 1,655. The sector is managed by the Ministry of Health with support from nineteen (19) of its statutory bodies such as Health Professionals Council of Zambia (HPCZ), Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), General Nursing Council of Zambia (GNC), Health Research Authority, Medical Stores Limited, to mention a few. Since major surgery cases are usually referred to the Republic of South Africa, Investment opportunities for establishing specialized hospitals to treat such referral cases remain unexploited. Furthermore, with only six (6) pharmaceutical manufacturing companies currently listed by ZAMRA, massive investment opportunities exist for the establishment of pharmaceutical companies to take advantage of Zambia’s disease burden, over-reliance on imported medicines and supplies, market access, and low market penetration of pharmaceutical companies.

ICT

The ICT sector in Zambia has recently seen tremendous growth and the Government has mad deliberate efforts to prioritize ICT in the Seventh  National Development Plan. The focus of the Government which  is to improve ICT infrastructure for service delivery.

Investment Opportunities

 Provision of retail fiber optic

 Manufacturing/ Assembly of Digital set-up

boxes

 Development of Computer software

 Mobile Service Provider (After 2015)

 Internet Service Providers

 Manufacturing/Assembly of ICT equipment

 Business process Outsourcing

 ICT parks

 Data Warehousing

 Call Centers

Market Access

Zambia is privy to preferential market access to a number of key markets. As a member of the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) the country is part of a Customs Union. Zambia has a population of about 16 million but the COMESA union has a population of 580 million. As a member of SADC (Southern African Development Community) Zambia is part of a Free Trade Area. The country is also a beneficiary under the African Growth opportunity Act (AGOA).

Regional and international markets

Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

COMESA forms a major market place in Africa bringing together as it does 19 member states covering a total population of 444 million. A Free Trade Area (FTA) was created in 2000 and now encompasses 15 of the 19 member states (all but Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Seychelles). A customs union is planned in the close future with the eventual elimination of quantitative and non-tariff barriers for goods originating from within the region. Common external tariffs are also foreseen. Given the technical and legal challenges posed by a number of countries being both members of COMESA and the EAC single market, it is likely that the conditions of the COMESA union will be harmonized with that of EAC.

Its member countries are: Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector accounts for nearly 11% of the country's GDP and has been consistently growing. However, the sector needs to produce a wide range of high quality value added intermediate and final products for the export markets as well as increasing domestic market. Engineering, Textiles, Wood & Wood Products, Building Materials, Processed Foods, Chemicals, Leather and Leather Products, Electric Vehicle, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Rubber, Plastic, paper, Tobacco, and Handicrafts sub-sectors offer opportunities for investments. Currently, the main manufacturing activities in Zambia are the: 1) Food and beverages ; 2) Textile and Leather Industries; 3)  Wood and Wood Products; 4) Paper and Paper Products 5) Chemicals, Rubber and Plastic Products 6) Non-metallic mineral products; 7) basic metal products; and 8) Fabricated metal products, respectively.  Incentives designed to aid manufacturing enterprises in non-traditional sectors are being implemented such as the development of Multi-Facility Economic Zones and industrial parks, as well as other measures espoused in the National Industrial Policy. The top destinations for Zambian exports in 2016 are China (USS$ 2.14 Bn), India (USS$719 M), South Africa (USS$486 M), United Arab Emirates (USS$ 392 M), and Belgium-Luxemburg (USS$ 297 m). Other significant markets outside Africa include Netherlands and Switzerland as well as Europe and North America through the EBA Initiative and AGOA, respectively.

Opportunities

The priority areas for investment in the manufacturing sector are as follows:

•  Processed and refined foods and beverages (as listed under agro processing above)
  
• Textiles and clothing (as listed under agro processing above)
  
•  Leather Products (as listed under agro processing above)
  
• Mineral processing – copper rods and cables, cutting and polishing of gemstones for exports and manufacturing of jewellery
  
• Chemical products – production of soil conditioners such as lime and fertilisers. There are sources of P fertilisers in the following areas:
  

(a)  The Chillembwe deposits near Petauke district estimated at 1.6 million tonnes;

(b)  Mumbwa deposits at 500,000 tonnes;

(c)  Nkombwe (near isoka district) at 500 million tonnes; and

(d)  Kaluwe (near Luangwa) estimated at 207 million tonnes

The country has other mineral deposits that can be used in the production of chemical products such as cement, adhesives and explosives as well as glass, batteries, argon

gas, sulphuric acid, paints, cosmetics, soaps and detergents.

• Engineering and Metal Works – production of intermediate and finished engineering products from processing of copper, iron ore and steel, cobalt and other such minerals. Production of window frames, doors, roofing materials, bolts and nuts as well as light engineering products such  cable carbon bushes, switch gears, pipes and rail sleepers etc. that are on demand in the construction and mining sector locally and internationally
  
• Electrical Appliances – huge potential in the manufacture of electrical appliances such as computers, refrigerators, stoves, transformers etc.
  
• Pharmaceutical products – massive potential in the investment of manufacture of essential drugs and medicines
  
• Packaging materials – about US$ 30 million is spent annually on the importation of packaging materials for the food and beverage, leather and electrical and pharmaceutical industries.

Sikale Wood

Mining

Zambia is the world’s seventh largest producer of Copper that produced over seven hundred and fifty five thousand metric tonnes (755,000) in 2017 and holds six percent of the world’s known Copper reserves. Copper and Cobalt, the country's traditional exports, account for well over 70 percent of export earnings. Zambia’s Copper mines are concentrated in the Copperbelt Province though the past decade has witnessed the establishment of mines in other parts of the Country such as the North-Western Province. Other mineral endowments include Gold, Zinc, Lead, Iron Ore, Manganese, Nickel, Feldspar, sands, Talc, Barite, Apatite, Limestone, Dolomite, Uranium, Coal, and gemstones (e.g. Diamonds, Emeralds, Aquamarine, Topaz, Opal, Agate and Amethysts).  Zambia produces over 20% of the world’s Emeralds. This extensive range of mineral resources, including a variety of industrial minerals and energy resources including Uranium, Coal and hydrocarbons, which present excellent investment opportunities in the extraction and processing of these minerals.  Zambia’s endowment of mineral resources is substantial, though the full potential of known mineral deposits is yet to be realized, thus creating opportunities for investment. A 2013 World Bank geological analysis suggested that Zambia’s Copper deposits were larger than previously estimated, signaling massive exploration potential which is starting to be realized through recent explorations for oil and gas. Since the end of privatization of the mines in 2000, approximately US$17.50 billion has been invested in the sector by about 278 enterprises. Large scale copper mining accounts for over 90% of these investments. In 2015, mining accounted for 12% of GDP, 28% of Government revenue, 0.8% of direct employment and 70% of exports. 

Opportunities

Growth in large scale copper mining however, has not translated into reduced poverty for the people of Zambia. It has also left the country vulnerable to fluctuations in the copper prices. There has not been much value addition to the copper while the other minerals and gemstones has been mined and exported informally. Government in the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) want to have a diversified (other than Copper) and export oriented mining sector. The following are the opportunities:

• Exploration, production and processing of minerals such as gemstones, cobalt, zinc, manganese, uranium, precious metals and industrial minerals;
• Local and foreign participation in the mining value chain and industrialisation;
• Petroleum and gas exploration; and
  
• Small scale mining development through, inter alia, partnerships with foreign investors.
  

Information on the regulatory framework, incentives and details on investment opportunities can be obtained from the Zambia Development Agency and Ministry of Mines and Minerals.

The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development is responsible for the issuance of permits and licences relating to investment in the mining sector. The licences and permits issued include large scale mining, small scale mining, prospecting licence, prospecting permit, retention license, gemstone license, gemstone sales certificate, artisan’s mining rights and the reconnaissance permit.

Applications for the above permits and licences must be supported by the following documents:

·  Topographical maps of the area

·  Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Association

·  Photocopies of passports of directors and shareholders

·  Bank statements and reference letters from applicants’ bank

·  Programme of operations and estimated costs

·  Statement of mineral deposit in the mining area

Railway, Roads and Aviation Infrastructure

Rail network remains the dominant mode of transportation (83.4%) for goods on the local and international routes. Major rail line links Zambia with Tanzania, is jointly owned by the Zambian and Tanzanian governments and is run by Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). The Chipata-Mchinji Railway was constructed to link Zambia to the Nacara Corridor. Furthermore there are more than 130 airfields, of which one third are Government-owned while the rest are privately owned. The Kenneth Kaunda and Harry Nkumbula International Airports are Zambia’s main airports connecting the country with the region and the rest of the world. The smaller airports include Ndola, on the Copperbelt province and Mfuwe, in the Luangwa National Park.

As a major global copper producer, Zambia relies heavily on its road network to ship mine inputs and exports overseas through its eight neighboring countries. Zambia’s neighbors also heavily use Zambian roads to provide a reliable and shorter path to African ports. Trade Corridors are therefore vital to sustaining Zambia’s economic activity.  The following are the corridors; The Southern Corridor links Zambia to the Durban Port in South Africa; The Walvis Bay Corridor connects Zambia to the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia; Zambia is linked to Mozambique through three corridors: The Maputo Corridor to the Port of Maputo; the Beira Corridor to Beira and the Nacala Corridor to Nacara; Finally, the Tazara Corridor connects Zambia to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 

Telecommunications

The telecommunications sector in Zambia comprises of Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), International Voice, Local Loop, National Voice, Mobile, Private Data Networks, and Internet Operators. Zambia has access to the west coast Sat-3 cable to Europe via a fiber link with Namibia, which in turn links with the South African fibre network, reaching Cape Town. Currently, only three companies, namely, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) and the Zambia Telecommunications Company (ZAMTEL) are licensed to operate optic fibre networks. There are three (3) mobile telephone services namely Airtel Zambia, MTN and Zamtel.

According to the Zambia Information and Communications Authority (ZICTA), the Government Agency responsible for regulating the Telecommunications sector, internet penetration remains low at 20.4% for both domestic and corporate users, signaling the existence of investment opportunities in the provision of affordable and reliable mobile and internet services.

The Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), a regulatory agency under the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supplyand Communications, is responsible for issuance of Radio or Telecommunication licenses. Applications for the licenses should be supported by the following documents:

·  Certificate of Incorporation

·  Business Plan

·  Detailed description of the nature of the service, if not indicated in the business plan

·  Audited Accounts

·  Return on allotment shares

·  Bank reference letter

Tourism

The tourism industry has grown over the past years, with the establishment of hotels in the major tourist town of Livingstone and the city of Lusaka. The vast potential in the tourism sector in Zambia, with its natural beauty (including the Victoria Falls, which is one of the most renowned beautiful transcendental Seven Natural Wonders of the World) and the wealth of wildlife have yet to be fully exploited.  Other waterfalls include Kalambo, Ngonye, Chishimba,Chipempe, and Ntumbachushi, to mention a few. Zambia has 20 national parks and 34 game management areas with a total of 23 million hectres of land set aside for wildlife conservation. Zambia’s numerous lakes and rivers are a popular tourist attraction boasting about 35% of Southern Africa’s water resource. Also, the Country has numerous museums that house priceless historical artifacts such as Lusaka National Museum, Moto-Moto Museum, and Livingstone Museum. Zambia also boasts of various traditional ceremonies that take place at different times of the year where the rich cultural heritage is displayed. Lastly, the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife around the country has promoted the growth of the movie tourism sub-sector where concessions are provided to movie production companies for shooting movies or documentaries on locations in the country. In order to support the Tourism sector, Government has continued the construction of supporting infrastructure such as roads, railways, and bridges as well as facilitating the expansion of the service industry.

Opportunities

Specific investment opportunities exist in: 

·  Transport services and tours, including luxury coaches, air charters and car hire operation. Organised tours to a variety of attraction by car, plan, horseback or boat. Game fishing, photographic or hunting safaris in wildlife areas and national parks.

·  The provision of high quality accommodation for international visitors, conference facilities, and budget loges for local tourists, with attractive sites in natural setting readily available.

·  Developing cultural heritage sites, including museums, theme parks art galleries

·  Sites with attractive natural resources ready for investments include:

-  Kafue National Park, the largest potential tourism resource in Zambia

-  Lower Zambezi (Siavonga, Luangwa district)

-  Lusaka and surrounding areas for conference tourism and sports

-  South and north Luangwa national parks

-  Lucrative opportunities exist at the water falls of Sioma Nwezi, Kabwelume, Kundalila, Ntumbachushi, Chishimba and lumangwe

Incentives in the tourism sector

The Zambia Development Agency offers investment incentives for the construction of tourism infrastructure, particularly with regard to the establishment of hotels and construction and establishment of convention and exhibition centres, museums, theme parks, art galleries, theatres and large retail complexes. VAT incentives for tourism include zero rating for tour packages and other tourist services, refunds to non-resident tourists and visitors, and no import Vat on goods temporarily imported into the country by foreign tourists.

CENTRAL PROVINCE

Central Province is one of Zambia's ten provinces. The provincial capital is Kabwe, which is the home of the Mulungushi Rock of Authority. Central Province has an area of 94,394 km (58,654 mi). It borders eight other provinces and has six districts. The total area of forest in the province is 9,095,566 ha (22,475,630 acres), and it has a national park and three game management areas.

As of 2010, Central Province had a population of 1,307,111, comprising 10.05% of the total Zambian population. The literacy rate stood at 70.90% against a national average of 70.2%.[1] Bemba was the most spoken language with 31.80% speaking it, and Lala was the majority clan in the province, comprising 20.3% of population. Central Province contains 20.64% of the total area of cultivated land in Zambia and contributes 23.85% of the total agricultural production in the country, with wheat being the major crop.

The Ikubi Lya Loongo festival during July and Ichibwela Mushi festival during September are the major festivals celebrated in the province. Kafue National Park, the country's largest, is shared with Southern and North-Western Provinces, and other natural areas include Blue Lagoon National Park, Kasanka National Park, the Bangweulu Wetlands, South Luangwa National Park, the Lunsemfwa and Lukusashi river valleys and Lukanga Swamp.

COPPERBELT PROVINCE

Copperbelt Province is a province in Zambia which covers the mineral-rich Copperbelt, and farming and bush areas to the south. It was the backbone of the Northern Rhodesian economy during British colonial rule and fuelled the hopes of the immediate post-independence period, but its economic importance was severely damaged by a crash in global copper prices in 1973. The province adjoins Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is similarly mineral-rich.

The main cities of the Copperbelt are Kitwe, Ndola, Mufulira, Luanshya, Chingola and Chililabombwe. Roads and rail links extend north into the Congo to Lubumbashi, but the Second Congo War brought economic contact between the two countries to a standstill, now recovering.

It is informally referred to at times as 'Copala' or 'Kopala', invoking the vernacular-like term of the mineral copper that is mined in the province.

EASTERN PROVINCE

Eastern Province is one of Zambia's ten provinces. The province lies between the Luangwa River and borders with Malawi to the east and Mozambique to the south, from Isoka in the northeast to the north of Luangwa in the south.The provincial capital is Chipata. Eastern province has an area of 51,476 km2 (19,875 sq mi), locally shares border with three other provinces of the country and is divided into eleven districts.

As per the 2010 Zambian census, Eastern Province had a population of 1,592,661, accounting to 12.16% of the total Zambian population. The sex ratio was 1,030 for every 1,000 males. As of 2010, Chewa was the largest community in the region with 39.7 per cent of the total population and Chewa was the most widely spoken language with 34.6 per cent speaking it. On the tourism front, the province has four national parks, while the Nc'wala festival celebrated in Chipata District by the Ngoni tribe during February is the most prominent festival in the province. Agriculture is the major occupation in the province which accounts for 20.41 per cent of the total area cultivated in Zambia. The province accounted for 19.61 per cent of the total agricultural production in the country with sunflower being the major crop. Chipata Airport and Mfuwe Airport are the two airports in the province.

The Luangwa Valley in Eastern Province has one of the best managed wild life areas in Zambia. South Luangwa National Park (although most of it lies outside the province, its management and the only public road access is from the province), North Luangwa National Park in Northern Province, Luambe National Park and Lukusuzi National Park are the major national parks in Eastern province. Game management areas cover most of the Luangwa Valley outside the national parks, and many animals migrate through the Province between the valley and game reserves in the highlands of neighbouring Malawi.

The Nc'wala festival celebrated in Chipata District by Ngoni tribe during February, Kulamba festival celebrated in Katete District by Chewa tribe during August, Kulonga festival celebrated in Lundazi District by Tumbuka tribe during August, Malaila festival celebrated in Mambwe District by Kunda tribe during October, Zengani festival celebrated in Lundazi District by Tumbuka tribe during October, Tuwimba festival celebrated in Petauke District by Nsenga tribe during October are the major festivals in the province. Kulamba Ceremony is the national gathering of Chewa in Zambia, Mosambique and Malawi. The Chewa chiefs pay homage to their king Kalonga Gawa Undi. Historically, the people petitioned to the king their troubles, while in modern times the chieftains inform their issues to the government. The festival originated during the 15th century. N'cwala is the annual gathering of the Ngoni tribe and is also dubbed as first fruits ceremony. It is held during the last week of February to the first week of March for three days. The members of the tribe and onlookers attend the event in thousands and arrive at Mutenguleni villages near the city of Chipata.

Value Chain Based Clusters

1. Mambwe - Rice
2. Chipata - Dairy
3. Petauke - Groundnuts

LUSAKA PROVINCE

Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia. One of the fastest developing cities in southern Africa, Lusaka is in the southern part of the central plateau at an elevation of about 1,279 metres (4,196 ft). As of 2010, the city's population was about 1.7 million, while the urban population is 2.4 million. Lusaka is the centre of both commerce and government in Zambia and connects to the country's four main highways heading north, south, east and west. English is the official language of the city, and Nyanja and Bemba are also common.

LUAPULA PROVINCE

The province is sub divided into eleven (11) administrative districts namely: Milenge, Chipili, Chembe, Samfya, Mansa, Mwense, Kawambwa, Nchelenge, Mwansabombwe, Lunga and Chienge. With Mansa being the provincial headquarters. All other districts, with the exceptions of Milenge, Chipili, and Chienge Districts are linked by tarred roads. Lunga District in the wet lands is accessed by boats. The province also boast of a good communication network as most of the districts are serviced by all the three mobile net providers, MTN, Airtel and Zamtel.

Mining

Luapula has enormous reserves of copper ore deposits and several other mineral deposits. With the privatization of the mining sector, potential opportunities have become attractive. Metals \available include Copper, iron, Manganese, Gemstones, Silver, Gold, Rubby, Emerald, Green Tourmaline, Blue Sky among others. These minerals are available in every district in the province. Mining currently takes place but at a small scale level which requires joint ventures with companies with machinery in order to increase the extraction rate of these minerals from the ground.

The province also boasts huge reserves of mostly base metals, as well as semi-precious minerals. Luapula has enormous reserves of copper ore deposits and several other mineral deposits. Among the prominent minerals in the areas are copper, iron, gemstones, silver, gold, iron, ruby, emerald, green tourmaline, blue sky among others while manganese seems to be trailblazing the growth of the mining sector in the region. Already, Luapula Base Metals Limited and Genesis Group of Companies, two local Zambian companies have jointly invested US $3 million to develop 3 manganese mines in north-eastern Zambia with a projected annual output of 60,000 tonnes and boost exports to its main market of China.

Agriculture

cassava

Cassava is one of the major crops grown in the province. The province is able to produce about 65,000 metric tons annually. Cassava is used for cooking Nshima at household level, used for making stock feed, plywood, particle boards and glue. Investor interested in growing or processing the crop are still assured of abundant land and ready market for both the cassava chips and the final product. The government through the Food Security Pack programme has set up a milling plant in Mansa and government is ready to partner with private investors to make it more viable.

Animal feed: there is rapidly demand for cassava pellets for the use of animal feed as it provides many a lot of calories to animals. Cassava pellets are easier to transport and pack and easier for animals to consume than whole cassava.

Ethanol: ethanol is produced by fermenting and distilling cassava. Ethanol has various industrial uses: it can be mixed with petrol or used on its own as a transport fuel. It can be mixed with petrol or used on its own as a transport fuel. It can also be used as a base for alcoholic beverages. Lastly, ethanol can be utilized as industrial alcohol which is important in the pharmaceuticals and cosmetic industry.

Flour: cassava flour offers several benefits: it is completely gluten-free and can be used as a substitute for wheat flour and Starch: cassava starch can be extracted from cassava roots to form which are used by the food industry, but is also used by the paper and textile industry, as well as an adhesive in glass, mineral wool and clay.

Tourism

Lumangwe Falls

The province is a preserve for tourism. Its keys features for tourist attraction are the Samfya Beach, Bangweulu swamps, the eight waterfalls, Lusenga Plains National Park, and traditional ceremonies like the Mutomboko.

Value Chain Based Clusters

1. Nuchelenge - Fish

2. Mansa - Soybeans

3. Mwense - Palm Oil

MUCHINGA PROVINCE

Muchinga Province is one of the ten provinces of Zambia. It is located in the northeast of the country and borders with Tanzania in the north, Malawi in the east, Eastern Province in the south, Central Province in the southwest, Luapula Province in the west, and Northern Province in the northwest. The administrative center of the province is Chinsali. The name of the province originates from the Muchinga Escarpment, on which it predominantly sits.

The TAZARA Railway, which connects Kapiri Mposhi and eventually Lusaka with Tanzania crosses the province from southwest to northeast.A road connecting Kapiri Mposhi and eventually Lusaka with Tanzania (The T2 Route) runs through the province, passing Mpika and Isoka (and bypassing Chinsali) (Known as the Great North Road). In Mpika, another major road branches north to Kasama. Chama is connected with Lusaka by a different road which follows the Luangwa River and passes Petauke and Nyimba, connecting to the Great East Road.

The creation of a province was announced by President Michael Sata in October 2011.[2] In November 2011, the president appointed Malozo Sichone as Muchinga Province Minister. The parliament approved the creation of the province at some later date.

The province consisted originally of five districts. Chama District was transferred from the Eastern Province, and the Chinsali, Isoca, Mpika, and Nakonde Districts were transferred from the Northern Province. In 2013, Mafinga District was created[5] by splitting Isoka District and Shiwang'andu District was created by splitting Chinsali District bringing the total number of districts to seven.

Value Chain Based Clusters

1. Mpika - Dairy 
2. Isoka - Soybeans
3. Chinsali - Soybeans

NORTHERN PROVINCE

Northern Province is one of Zambia's ten provinces. It covers approximately one sixth of Zambia in land area. The provincial capital is Kasama. The province is made up of 8 districts, namely Kasama (the provincial capital), Chilubi, Kaputa, Luwingu, Mbala, Mporokoso, Mpulungu and Mungwi. Currently, only Kasama and Mbala have attained municipal council status, while the rest are still district councils. It is widely considered to be the heartland of the Bemba, one of the largest tribes in Zambia.

Since this article was published the new Muchinga Province has taken the Eastern districts of Northern Province and Chama district to form Zambia's tenth province.

Notable landmarks in Northern Province include Lake Tanganyika, Lake Bangweulu, and the corresponding wetlands, Lake Mweru-wa-Ntipa, and a number of waterfalls including Lumangwe Falls, Kabwelume Falls, Chishimba and Kalambo Falls.

Efforts are being made by the Zambian government, along with a number of non-governmental organizations, to increase the visibility of the many natural and historical treasures in the Northern Province. Tourism has proven an effective way to bring economic growth in other parts of Zambia, i.e. Livingstone and Victoria Falls. However, a lack of infrastructure along the vast distances between major points of interest makes visiting this part of the country difficult.

Northern Province, with a total area of 77,650 square kilometers, shares borders with two other provinces - Muchinga and Luapula, and also with two countries - the Democratic Republic of Congo in the north and Tanzania in the north-east.

NORTH WESTERN PRIVINCE

North-Western Province is one of ten Provinces of Zambia. It covers an area of 125,826 km2 (48,582 sq mi), has a population of 727,044 and a population density was 5.80 per square kilometre as of 2010. It is the most sparsely populated province in the country. The provincial capital is Solwezi. The literacy rate stood at 63 per cent against a national average of 70.2 per cent. The rural population constituted 77.45%, while the urban population was 22.55%. North-Western Province is bordered along Angola in the west, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the north, Copperbelt Province in the southeast, Central in the south, Western Province in the west and Eastern Province in the north east.

Agriculture was the major profession and Sorghum was the major crop in the province with 1,038 metric tonnes, constituting 8.98% of the national output. The unemployment rate was 14 per cent and the general unemployment rate for youth stood at 31 per cent as of 2008. Zambezi Airport and Solwezi Airport are the only two airports in the province.

Busanga Swamps and plains in Kafue National Park, West Lunga National Park and Zambezi grasslands in the far west of the state are the major national parks in the Province. The Likumbi lya Mize festival, a UNESCO world heritage ceremony celebrated in Zambezi District by Luvale tribe, popularly known as vakaChinyama during August.The chivweka ceremon is celebrated by the luchazi people of kabompo district the ceremony is held every July at senior chief kalunga 's palace in chikenge the capital of the luchazi people.chivweka means making fire.Kufukwila festival celebrated in Solwezi District by Kaonde tribe during May, Insakwa yaba Kaonde festival celebrated in Solwezi District by Kaonde tribe during May and Nsomo festival celebrated in Kasempa District by Kaonde tribe during June are the major festivals of the province.

SOUTHERN PROVINCE

Southern Province is one of Zambia's ten provinces, and home to Zambia's premier tourist attraction, Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls), shared with Zimbabwe. The centre of the province, the Southern Plateau, has the largest area of commercial farmland of any Zambian province, and produces most of the maize crop.

The Zambezi River is the province's southern border, and Lake Kariba, formed by the Kariba Dam, lies along the province's south-eastern edge. The eastern border is the Kariba Gorge and Zambezi, and the north-east border is the Kafue River and its gorge, dividing it from Lusaka Province. The Kafue Flats lie mostly within the province's northern border with Central Province. In the north west lies part of the famous Kafue National Park, the largest in Zambia, and the lake formed by the Itezhi-Tezhi Dam. The south-western border with Western Province runs through the teak forests around Mulobezi which once supported a commercial timber industry and for which the Mulobezi Railway was built.

The provincial capital is Choma. Until 2011 the provincial capital was Livingstone City. The Batonga are the largest ethnic group in the Province. A rail line and the Lusaka-Livingstone road forms the principal transport axis of the province, running through its centre and its farming towns: Kalomo, Choma, Pemba, Monze, and Mazabuka. In addition to maize, other commercially important activities include sugar cane plantations at the edge of the Kafue Flats, and cattle ranching.

Southern Province has the only large source of fossil fuel in Zambia, the Maamba coal mine in the Zambezi valley, served by a branch line of the railway.

Agriculture is the primary economic activity in Southern Province with a mix of small holder and commercial maize farms across the province. Compared to other major agricultural regions, such as Eastern Province, Southern Province has more abundant land and access to water, but receives less rainfall. Southern Province is also home to the "Sweetest Town in Zambia", Mazabuka, where sugarcane farming and sugar processing are a major business. The total area of crops planted during the year 2014 in the province was 360,160.32 hectares which constituted 18.98% of the total area cultivated in Zambia. The net production stood at 688,122 metric tonnes, which formed 16.89% of the total agricultural production in the country. Sorghum was the major crop in the province with 4,695 metric tonnes, constituting 40.62% of the national output.

Mazabuka grows 90% of sugar grown in Zambia with an estimated 430 tons produced annually. Sugarcane fields in Mazabuka are among the most productive in the world by hectare and low production costs allow production to compete on international markets. Around 60% of sugar is exported to Europe and other markets. However, the export industry is limited due to high transport costs linking processed sugar to export markets. Nationally, the sugar industry in Mazabuka contributes to around 4% of GDP each year.

The sugar industry in Mazabuka made international news in 2013 when it was discovered that Zambia Sugar, the biggest sugar company in the country, had paid nothing in corporate taxes to Zambia in the previous 5 years.

Southern Province and Eastern Province are the two primary breadbaskets of Zambia. Southern Province produces more than 600,000 metric tons of maize each year from a combination of commercial, which are unique to Southern Province, and smallholder farms.Despite poor rains in recent years and a strong El Nino weather cycle in 2016, Zambian maize output has been predicted to continue to grow.Growth in Southern Province and across the country has allowed Zambia to remain a net-exporter of maize to food insecure neighboring countries, such as Zimbabwe and Malawi which have been hit more severely by the weather.

Value Chain Based Clusters

1. Choma - Dairy

2. Namwala - Beef

3. Siavonga - Fish

Why invest in Zambia?

Zambia is a multi-party democracy and provides a free market liberalized economic environment in a stable, peaceful, and multicultural society. The Zambian Government welcomes investors across all sectors. The laws relating to investment provide investment incentives and protection, in order to attract increased investment and international trade, there by attaining increased domestic economic growth.

The country's land-linked and central location in the region, as well as a combination of the following key strengths, makes it an ideal investment location:

·  Abundance of natural resources

·  Availability of cheap labour

·  Political Stability since attaining independence in 1964

·  No Controls on: prices, interest rates, and foreign exchange rates

·  free repatriation of debt repayments

·  100% repatriation of net profits

·  Guarantees and security to investors with legislated rights to full and market value compensation

·  Duty-free access to Regional, continental, and US markets under SADC, COMESA/FTA and AGOA, respectively

·  Banking, financial, legal, and insurance services of international standard

·  Double Taxation Agreements with 23 countries

·  Good place to work and live – sub-tropical climate and vegetation with plenty of water. Friendly people, mostly English speaking, with high literacy rate, a developed education system, open-air lifestyle with nature reserves, game parks, rivers, lakes and waterfalls.

·  Thriving Private Sector: Government has successfully privatized most of the previously state owned enterprises, thus encouraging an entrepreneurial culture.

Country data

ZAMBIA PROFILE

Country map

The Zambian Map

Zambian Map showing all 10 provinces