Zambia - Country Commercial Guide
Selling Factors & Techniques
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Sales are normally conducted via cash payment, mobile money, bank transfer, debit cards or e-payments using different platforms.  Companies that can offer credit, or an extended payment schedule, have an edge even if their prices are higher.

Trade Promotion and Advertising

Goods and services are advertised through flyers in the main daily newspapers such as The Mast, Times of Zambia, and Daily Mail for wider circulation at a fee.

There are five private television stations and two public channels operated by the state-run Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.  Television channels, community radio stations, and internet ad agencies also provide advertising services.  Radio is the most widely accessed form of media in Zambia.

Pricing

Depending on the product for sale, and the duties collected upon importation, the standard value-added-tax in Zambia currently stands at 16.0% and is included in the listed price of the goods or services.

Local Professional Services

A number of professional service providers are available to U.S. companies.  A list of attorneys can be found on the U.S. Embassy in Zambia website or through the Law Association of Zambia.  Other resources include:

Principal Business Associations

  • American Chamber of Commerce in Zambia (AmCham):  Founded in 2011, AmCham today has over 72 member companies representing various multinational corporations and local Zambian businesses.  The organization hosts several annual events and is working to strengthen its efforts, particularly in advocating with the government on issues critical to local business.
  • Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI):  ZACCI is a national body representing the interests of the Zambia’s private sector via promotion and development of trade, commerce, and industry.  ZACCI represents several thousand businesses in Zambia and a sizable network of companies of all sizes and sectors.  ZACCI offers a range of services to its members and represents private sector interests to the government for the benefit of Zambia’s private sector as a whole.
  • Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM):  The ZCM was established to promote the interests of its members, and to encourage, protect, and foster Zambia’s mining industry.  The Chamber represents all major mines operating in Zambia and helps to create synergies among members and with government.  The ZCM seeks to influence mining sector policy to reflect the vision and goals of its members, and to promote economic growth in Zambia.
  • Association of Zambian Exploration Companies (AZMEC):  AZMEC provides a discussion forum and dedicated lobby group for both mineral exploration companies and mining companies engaged in mineral exploration as well as government representatives, service providers, academic institutions, and other interested parties in Zambia with the view to contributing to the growth, promotion, and sustainable development of the sector in Zambia.
  • Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM):  ZAM is the voice of industry, representing the interest of the entire manufacturing sector and other related economic sectors in Zambia.  ZAM was established to foster dialogue and relations between the manufacturers and government so as to increase industrial activities in Zambia.  ZAM seeks to promote the manufacturing sector through policy advocacy, dialogue, lobbying, and technology upgrading of the production process as a way of improving productivity and competitiveness in the industry.

Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU): ZNFU is a national membership-based organization, with countrywide coverage, representing the agriculture industry.  Specifically, ZNFU represents small- and large-scale farmers and agribusinesses.  The members are currently categorized into the following:

  • Small-scale Farmers’ Associations
  • Large-scale Farmers’ Associations
  • Corporate Members
  • Commodity or Specialized Associations
  • Agri-business Chamber
  • Associate Members

ZNFU has a robust communication network promoting members’ interests and the development of the agricultural industry.  Of all the private sector associations, ZNFU has been the most effective in influencing government policy to address the needs of its members.

  • Truckers Association of Zambia (TAZ):  TAZ is a membership-based road transporters’ association divided into four primary membership categories: Ordinary, Associate, Own-Account and Business Partners.  While Ordinary, Associate and Own-Account members are transporters, Business Partners offer value-addition services to the transport industry.  TAZ currently has 45 members, and exists to influence trucking industry policy, regulation, and practice for the benefit of its members and the industry throughout Zambia and the region.

Limitations on Selling U.S. Products and Services

All sectors are open to both local and foreign businesses and investors, with the exception of those clearly stated in Zambia’s WTO schedule of commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.