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Current business situation
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Visiting this country
Security & health, Visas, Travel tips & facts
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Country overview
Country facts, Economic climate, Political climate, Trade relations & statistics
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Useful websites and resources
Government, business & trade, News & media, Travel & tourism
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Doing business
Business opportunities, Business etiquette, Tariffs & regulations, Taxation, Business travel
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Contact details
Austrade offices, Australian Embassy
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Country facts
| Capital city: |
Lusaka |
| Surface area: |
753,000 sq km |
| Population: |
11.9 million |
| Official language(s): |
English |
| Government: |
Republic |
| Head of State & Head of Government: |
H.E. President Mr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa |
| Australian exports to Zambia: |
A$11,466,000 |
| Australian imports from Zambia: |
A$3,075,000 |
| Zambia's principal export destinations: |
Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand |
| Zambia's principal import sources: |
South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe | (Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)
Economic climate
All exchange controls have been abolished in Zambia and since 1991 liberal laws have been introduced to encourage private enterprise. Donor organisations and international markets expect a continued liberalisation of the economy.
Key economic indicators and statistics for 2007*:
GDP - US$10.9 billion
GDP per capita - US$895
Real GDP growth - 6.0%
Inflation - 11.3%
(*IMF forecast)
The main aims of the government’s fiscal policy are:
- To liberalise the economy and restore confidence in Zambia within the international arena.
- To restructure and privatise state enterprises.
- To put social safety nets in place to soften the impact of the economic reforms on the poor.
- To support the economy but with minimum government intervention.
Political climate
Formerly Northern Rhodesia, Zambia is a republic and gained independence in 1964. Its capital city is Lusaka. Zambia is a unitary state based largely on the Westminster style of democracy. One difference is that the President is directly elected but chooses a cabinet from parliament.
Trade relations and statistics
Zambia is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It has recently entered into bilateral trade agreements with South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Bilateral relationships between Zambia and Australia have been long-standing and friendly. Many Australian companies are working successfully in the mining industry in various parts of Zambia with their interests growing.
Major Australian exports to Zambia (2006-07):
- Mechanical handling equipment A$1,576,000
- Specialised machinery A$975,000
- Pumps for gas A$936,000
- Civil engineering equipment A$821,000
Major Australian imports from Zambia (2006-07):
- Tobacco, unprocessed A$2,779,000
- Trailers & semi-trailers A$200,000
- Iron & steel bars, rods, shapes A$21,000
- Coffee and coffee substitutes A$18,000
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)
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Business opportunities
The Opportunities Online website may be a useful addition to your information sources. The database established by Austrade aims to deliver international sales leads ('export opportunities'), including tenders, generated by our overseas network to Australian businesses.
Registering is simple and once this is done you will have the option of accessing a weekly newsletter featuring the most recent opportunities uploaded onto the system in industry sectors of interest to you. Another feature is the ability to view, and also print, the complete page of opportunity details.
For general inquiries concerning Austrade’s services, please contact Austrade Direct on 13 28 78.
Business etiquette
Please also note: Bribery of foreign public officials is a crime. Australian individuals and companies can be prosecuted in Australia for bribing foreign officials when overseas. For more information, go to the Attorney General's Department on foreign bribery.
Tariffs and regulations
Zambia has established an effective tax administration system operated by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
It has moved ahead of other member states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Zambia, in adopting tariff reductions of up to 80 per cent on most tradeable commodities.
In the last budget the Zambian government announced reforms to the import Value Added Tax (VAT). Previously, importers had to borrow money at high interest rates to pay for large capital items. This raised investment costs and dampened economic growth. A VAT Deferment Scheme on capital goods and some raw materials was reintroduced, effectively scrapping VAT payments.
Taxation
Corporate tax rate has just been reduced to 30 per cent from 35 per cent.
Business travel
Airlines connect Lusaka with London, Paris, Rome, Bombay, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and other cities in Africa. Paved roads lead from Lusaka to Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zaire. Rental cars and an inner-city luxury bus service are available. |
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Security and health
The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Zambia. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
Crime is widespread in Zambia. Armed car-jackings, muggings and petty theft are commonplace in Lusaka and other major cities. Do not travel at night, both in Lusaka and on roads outside the city.
Health
Medical care is sub-standard throughout Zambia including in Lusaka and the copper belt. Johannesburg is the nearest medical evacuation centre.
Vaccination against yellow fever and typhoid is recommended, especially if you’re travelling outside of urban areas. It is best to consult your doctor to determine what vaccines should be given. Malaria is also prevalent and mosquito nets and protective clothing are advisable.
A number of diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Take precautions where you can and it is recommended to take anti-diarrhoeal drugs with you.
HIV/AIDS is present in over 10 per cent of the adult population putting Zambia in the top tier of all countries. The health industry recently received a major boost in spending to combat the AIDS pandemic.
Zambia is in the highest risk category for tuberculosis – over 100 cases per 100,000 population.
Visas
A valid passport and visa are required to travel to Zambia.
Travel tips and facts
For further travel information please visit Lonely Planet.
Time
Zambia is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Lusaka, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Zambia's country code is 260.
For calls to Zambia from Australia dial: 0011 + 260 + area code + telephone number
For calls from Zambia to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity
Zambia’s power supply is 220/240 volts, 50Hz. The round two-pin plugs are the most common.
Weather
Summer clothing is worn mid-August to mid-May and light woollens in winter (mid-May to mid-August). Temperatures range from 32ºC in October/November to 16ºC in June/July. Annual rainfall averages 86 centimetres. Humidity is quite low except during the rainy season (November-April).
For weather details in Zambia, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The currency is the Kwacha (ZK)
Public holidays
January 2 - Youth Day
May 1 - Labour Day
May 25 - Africa Day
July 3 - Heroes' Day
July 4 - Unity Day
August 7 - Farmers' Day
October 24 - Independence Day |
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Austrade offices
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is the Federal Government agency that helps Australian companies win overseas business for their products and services by reducing the time, cost and risk involved in selecting, entering and developing international markets.
Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support (including financial) to Australian businesses looking to develop international markets. Austrade also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities, and helps put Australian businesses in contact with potential overseas investors.
The Austrade office in South Africa is responsible for Zambia and can assist with any queries. A list of Austrade offices (in alphabetical order of country) is available.
For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au
Australian Embassy
There is no Australian embassy in Zambia. The nearest embassy is in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Australian Embassy in Zimbabwe
1 Green Close
Borrowdale
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 4 852 471
Fax: +263 4 870 566
Web: www.zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au
Business hours:
8.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Thursday
8.00am to 4.00pm, Friday
(Last updated: 17 Mar 2008)
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OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the ANCP website. |
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