(Last updated: 17 Jun 2009)

Current business situation

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.

Country facts

Capital city:	Lusaka
Surface area:	753,000 sq km
Population:	12.5 million
Official language(s):	English
Head of State & Head of Government:	President HE Mr Rupiah B. Banda
Australian exports to Zambia:	A$23,790,000
Australian imports from Zambia:	A$1,118,000
Zambia's principal export destinations:	Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand
Zambia's principal import sources:	South Africa, United Arab Emirates, China

(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 2008:

• GDP – US$14.3 billion
• GDP per capita – US$1,150
• Real GDP growth – 4 per cent
• Inflation – 12.2 per cent

(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Country economic fact sheet)

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 (2007-08):

• Specialised machinery and parts – A$5,137,000
• Civil engineering equipment and parts – A$2,552,000
• Measuring and analysing instruments – A$1,859,000
• Hand or machine tools – A$1,254,000

Major Australian imports from Zambia (2007-08):

• Tobacco, unmanufactured – A$736,000
• Measuring and analysing instruments – A$315,000
• Crude animal matter – A$48,000
• Photographic equipment – A$7,000

(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)