Investment Laws
“Invest with confidence and power the future” – President Hichilema, 2024 Mining Indaba
Law and regulations on investments
- Zambia’s judicial system is based on the British common law system.
- Besides the Zambian Constitution Act, Investment, Trade and Business Development Act No. 18 of 2022 is the main law governing investments.
- Other texts are: the Companies Act (Chapter 388) and the Public-Private Partnership Act (2009).
100% foreign ownership
- Foreign investors can own 100 per cent of an enterprise registered in Zambia.
- Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that international firms operating a domestic cellular telephone network have to offer ten percent of shares on the Lusaka Stock Exchange.
- Investors are allowed to invest in any sector open to the private sector. Only the production of arms, coins, dangerous substances and security documents require specific approvals.
Investment certificate
- In order to be able to take advantage of benefits provided by the Investment, Trade and Business Development Act, the foreign investor has to obtain an investment certificate.
- The certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue, and may be renewed.
- Subject to an investment board approval, it is possible to transfer an investment certificate from a given company to a new owner.
