ZDA, Luapula Provincial Administration Shift into High Gear for Luapula Investment Expo 2026
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and the Luapula Provincial Administration have intensified preparations for the…
July 16–18, 2025, and focused on key sectors to drive economic growth through joint ventures and partnerships.
lucrative opportunities due to the nation’s rich and
abundant mineral resources, including copper,
which is a vital commodity in the global economy.
lucrative opportunities due to the huge
potential to expand its agricultural
production.
Get to know the figures
Key Statistics
Annual Trade (2023)
US$
0
Billion
4.8% Annual growth
GDP $
0
Billion
Population (Census 2022)
0
Million
Inflation (July 2025)
0
%
Actualised Investments (2021 -2025
US$
0
Billion
What do you want to invest in today ?
Investment Priority Sectors
Tourism
- Home to the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- 20 National Parks, 34 game areas, 23 million hectares set aside for wildlife, the possibilities are endless !.
Also, the Country has numerous museums that house priceless historical artifacts such as Lusaka National Museum, Moto-Moto Museum, and Livingstone Museum.
Mining
- 7th largest copper producer worldwide, 6% of the world’s reserves
- 20% of world’s emeralds, uranium, coal and hydrocarbons opportunities abound
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
Manufacturing
- Contributing 8% to the country’s GDP
- Key sectors: Food & Beverage, Textile, Wood, Paper, Chemicals and more
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)
Energy
- 6,000 MWS unexploited hydro power potential
- 2,300 MW solar and 3,000 MW wind potential 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 petroleum and solar energy.
Agriculture
- 42 million hectares of arable land, only 1,5 million currently cultivated
- 40% of all water resource in SADC region
Given its vast resource endowment, Zambia has huge potential to expand its agricultural production. Its climate follows a similar pattern to that of most Southern African countries, experiencing rainy seasons between the months of November and April. The dry season is characterized by low humidity between the months of May and November.
ICT
- GDP Contribution: The ICT sector contributed 2.7% to Zambia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2023.
- 12.6 million total internet subscriptions
In Zambia, the ICT sector is a significant economic contributor, with 21.1 million active mobile subscriptions and 12.6 million internet subscriptions in 2023, driven largely by the booming mobile money services, which saw a 52.8% increase in transaction value that year.
Investment Incentives
- No price, foreign exchange or interest rate controls
- 100% repatriation of net profits
- 0% Tax for tourist services and mining products for export
- 0% Tax on profits and dividends for companies operating in industrial parks
- Tax-exempt dividends for farmers for the first 5 years
- VAT refund for purchase and export of Zambian products for manufacturing
- 10-year carry period for mining losses
Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is an area or premises declared as such in which industrial and commercial activities take place, catering for both export and domestic-oriented industries.” Currently Zambia has two types of such zones which are commonly referred to as Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) and Industrial Park (IP) and is in the process of developing Export Processing Zones (EPZ).
Zambia has seven (07) functional SEZ i.e. five (05) MFEZs and two (02) IPs. All SEZs have backbone structures such electricity, water, waste disposal facilities, telecommunication facilities, buildings and roads.
Start a Business in 7 steps
It takes just 7 steps to start a business in Zambia ! ZDA will help you along the way and ensure the process of incorporation and starting your business in the country is as fast and smooth as possible
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News and Updates
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Big Moves in Sinda: 800 CDF Beneficiaries Receive Capacity Building
This comprehensive training is placing strong emphasis on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business management, ensuring…
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ZDA Backs Luapula Province Investment Expo 2026
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has welcomed and expressed full support for the forthcoming Luapula…
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The Invest-Zambia International Conference (IZIC) is Zambia’s flagship investment promotion platform, hosted by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) to position the country as a preferred destination for trade and investment. Launched in 2025, IZIC brings together global investors, policymakers, financiers, development partners, and the private sector to catalyse joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and bankable investment deals across Zambia’s priority sectors.
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI), established under the ZDA Act No. 17 of 2022.
The ZDA draws its mandate from the Investment, Trade and Business Development (ITBD) Act No. 18
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