Zambia: investment, business and trade for russian companies

A complete guide to opportunities in Zambia:
for investors, importers/exporters, manufacturers and tourists
  • Flag of Zambia
  • President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema
  • Coat of arms of Zambia

Zambia in numbers: general information

Key benefits of Zambia for business

  • Political stability and economic freedom
    The political situation is stable, elections are held calmly, democratic institutions function. Respect for business and guarantees of economic freedom
  • Young hardworking population
    2/3 of the population is under 30 years old. This is the personnel basis for the country's development and consumers
  • Rich natural resources
    Mineral resources: copper, cobalt, manganese, emeralds. (Zambia is one of the world leaders in copper and emeralds).
    Vast lands - huge opportunities for agriculture.
  • Strategic position
    The center of Southern Africa - access to 8 neighboring countries (Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, DR Congo).
    Member of SADC (Southern African Development Community).
    Member of COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa).
  • Access to the sea via Tanzania and Mozambique
    The main import and export destinations are the ports of Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) and Beira (Mozambique).
    Sometimes cargo is also delivered from the port of Durban (South Africa).
  • Strong domestic market and developed exports
    Domestic market of 21 million people and export to neighboring countries (total market population of about 300 million people)

Investment opportunities in Zambia

Investment incentives and support

  • Tax exemption for up to 10 years for priority sectors
  • Land for lease for 99 years, in the SEZ for 40 years
  • Free repatriation of profits
  • Support from Zambia Development Agency at all stages

Priority sectors for investment in Zambia

Formed by information from the Zambia Development Agency website
Mining
Exploration and production, processing complexes, transport and logistics
Tourism
Eco-hotels, resorts, lodges, adventure and cultural tourism, transport
Manufacturing
Tech startups, drug manufacturing, education, hospitals and laboratories, fintech platforms
Agriculture
Cultivation, mechanization, infrastructure (cold storage facilities, modern slaughterhouses, etc.)
Construction
Residential and commercial real estate, infrastructure facilities (bridges, roads, interchanges)
ICT
Power
Alternative energy: solar, wind and hydroelectric power plants, biogas, recycling of solid waste into electricity
Water
Extraction, refining, water supply, irrigation systems

AfroRusTech investment projects in Zambia

Collagen production
Production of collagen and animal skin products
Investment: $7.2M ($20M)
Country: Zambia, Uganda
Payback period: 4 years
Freeze drying of fruits
Freeze-drying of fruits (fruits, crumbs, powder)
Investment: from $1M
Country: Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Cameroon
Payback period: 2 years
Fruit and vegetable processing complex
Product: dried fruits and vegetables, purees, jams, frozen products
Investment: from $750K
Payback period: 3 years
Forensic examination and DNA analysis
Product: Genetic Research
Investment: $2.6M
Country: Zambia
Payback period: 4 years
Production of biofertilizers from chicken manure
Product: Biofertilizers
Investment: $2.5M (from $400K)
Country: Zambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Tanzania
Payback period: 3 years
Construction of residential complex
Product: Residential complex in the center of Lusaka
Investment: from $12M
Country: Zambia
Payback period: 5 years
Timber processing
Product: wood, lumber
Investment: from $1M
Country: Cameroon
Payback period: 5 years
Production of electric generators
Product: Dry Waste Power Generators (10 kW to 250 kW)
Investment: from $2.6M
Country: Zambia or Uganda
Payback period: 4 years
Gold prospecting and mining
Product: gold prospecting and mining
Investment: from $2.5M
Country: Zambia, Zimbabwe
Payback period: 2.5 years
Production of protein from chicken feathers
Product: protein mass
Investment: $1M
Country: Uganda, Zambia, Cameroon
Payback period: 3 years
Equipment manufacturing
Product: agricultural processing equipment
Investment: from $1.5M
Country: Uganda, Zambia, Cameroon
Payback period: 3 years
Recycling of solid waste into electricity
Product: Electricity
Investment: from $1M
Country: Zambia, Zimbabwe
Payback period: 5 years

Trade opportunities with Zambia

What Zambia exports (import opportunities for Russia)

Zambia's TOP 5 export products: copper and rolled copper, emeralds, cobalt, cement, lime.
Other promising products: gold, tobacco, ferroalloys, coffee.

Zambia Export 2018-2023

What Zambia Imports (Export Opportunities for Russia)

Priority opportunities for export to Zambia: fertilizers, agricultural machinery, equipment, petroleum products, food products.

Zambia import 2018-2023

Logistics and customs

  • Ground transportation
    To Tanzania, DR Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia
  • Air traffic
    Two international airports - Lusaka and Livingstone. Convenient flights for Russians via Istanbul, Cairo, Addis Ababa, Doha and Dubai.
  • Sea traffic
    Through the ports of Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania), Beira (Mozambique)

Business travel to Zambia: a practical guide

Visa and entry

  • Visa
    Single entry visa on arrival - $25 (issued at the airport).
    You can apply for an e-visa online.
    There is a visa option for Zambia and Zimbabwe KAZA-visa (convenient for visiting Victoria Falls) for $50
  • Visa validity
    Standard option - up to 30 days
  • Vaccinations
    Not required for Russian citizens.
    Required for yellow fever if you are arriving from a risk country.

Where to stay (hotels, lodges, apartments)

  • Premium (200$+)
    InterContinental, 5*, 280-350$
    Southern Sun Ridgeway, 5*, 250-320$
    Taj Pamodzi Hotel, 5*, 200-280$
    Radisson Blu, 5*, 220-290$
    Latitude 15° Hotel, 5*, 180-230$
  • Comfort (80-200$)
    Protea Hotel, 4*, 120-180$
    Holiday Inn, 4*, 110-170$
    Golden Peacock, 4*, 85-125$
    Grand Palace, 3*, 80-150$
    Woodlands Hotel, 3*, 90-130$
  • Middle (30-80$)
    StayEasy Lusaka, 3*, 60-80$
    Pioneer Lodge, 45-70$
    Ndeke Hotel, 3*, 50-75$
    Mika Hotel, 3*, 45-70$
    Chamba Valley Exotic Hotel, 3*, 35-55$
  • Economy (10-40$)
    AGORA Apartments, 25-45$
    Eureka Camping Park, 15-30$
    Budget Inn Lusaka, 15-28$
    Maramba River Lodge, 20-40$
    Lusaka Guesthouse, 18-35$

Business etiquette and culture

  • Greeting
    Strong handshake, direct gaze. Addressing "Sir" / "Madam" before meeting.
  • Punctuality
    Important in business meetings. In informal ones, being 15-20 minutes late is acceptable.
  • Dress code
    Conservative business style, suit required
  • Gifts
    Not required, but souvenirs from Russia are welcome
Zambia is a Christian country (about 87% of the population), but there are quite a lot of Muslims. Sunday is a day of rest, many establishments are closed. Local residents are calm and friendly. Avoid criticizing the government, religion. English is widely spoken in business circles.

Useful contacts

Safety tips:
Carry a copy of your passport - keep the original in the hotel safe.
Avoid night driving - there is a high risk of robbery.
Avoid photographing locals without permission!
If you have problems - call the tourist police first, they are loyal to foreigners.

Tourism opportunities in Zambia

Victoria Falls is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most famous landmarks and one of the best places to visit in Zambia. South Luangwa National Park is considered the best park in Zambia and one of the most majestic in Africa for its beautiful scenery, diversity and density of wildlife. Zambia is known as the home of Victoria Falls and boasts the world-famous South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue National Parks among its 20 national parks. The country is home to 17 majestic waterfalls including the famous Victoria Falls, the mighty Zambezi River and an impressive selection of wildlife reserves
Victoria Falls
UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Width 1.7 km, height 108 m.
South Luangwa National Park
One of the world's greatest national parks, with an incredible concentration of wildlife. Famous for its night safaris.
Lower Zambezi National Park
A unique park with the opportunity to observe wildlife from the water. Canoe safaris, fishing, watching elephants bathing in the river.
Kafue National Park
A huge park covering 22,400 km² with diverse ecosystems. Home to rare antelopes, cheetahs and wild dogs.
Livingstone
A historic town named after explorer David Livingstone. An adventure tourism destination with bungee jumping and white water rafting.
Lake Tanganyika
An ancient lake with a unique ecosystem, crystal clear water, beaches, fishing. Popular among divers and water sports enthusiasts.
Kalambo Falls
An impressive 221-metre waterfall on the border with Tanzania. An archaeologically significant site with ancient tools.
North Luangwa National Park
One of Zambia's most remote and least visited parks, it is famous for its populations of black rhinoceros and buffalo.

AfroRusTech - your guide to business with Zambia

Our services for working with Zambia

  • Preparation of an investment project and its support
  • Search for trading partners and suppliers
  • Legal support of transactions
  • Organization of business missions
  • Marketing research
  • Support in company registration

Start working with Zambia today!

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