Zambia is a landlocked independent republic which is situated in south- central Africa to the east of Angola and forms part of the Southern African region. The capital city is Lusaka. Other major cities are Ndola and Kitwe.

More than 80 languages are spoken although the official language is English. Zambia has a market-based economy in which the public sector is still active. However, an extensive programme to privatise state-owned enterprises has begun. Zambia has a small but active stock exchange in Lusaka. The local currency is the Kwacha. (US$ / Kw - current exchange rate).

The international time zone for Zambia is GMT +2 and the international dialling code for Zambia is +260. The principal airlines which fly to Zambia are Air Zambia, South African Airways and a number of other African airways. There is an international airport at Lusaka. As at September 1995 most visitors to Zambia require visas except nationals of Commonwealth countries, Ireland and Sweden. Most Commonwealth nationals, members of the EEC and American citizens can obtain visas at the port of entry. Other visitors must obtain their visas before entering Zambia. Visas last for 90 days. Investors investing more than US$ 250000 or employing more than 10 people are entitled to a resident or self-employed permit.

Malaria, tuberculosis, cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, yellow fever (regional) and schistosomiasis (bilharzia) may be contracted while travelling in Zambia. Travellers should be aware that advance payment for medical services may be required. Prescription medicines should be carried in their original containers together with the prescription. Vaccinations should be obtained before entering Zambia.

In 2003 Zambia was rated 163rd on the Human Development Index. Although Zambia’s economy made progress in recent years, this progress was slowed significantly by the burden placed upon the national budget by the public servant wage bill. The government has negotiated with unions with a view to curb this bill by means of privatisation but this has been met with steep opposition. The resulting strikes in 2003 put a key privatisation deal at risk. Despite this tension, the concern of international donors, with regards to the national wage bill, have prompted the government to press ahead with its privatisation plan.

The government has also engaged in efforts to curb inflation but this was largely ineffective due to a very serious drought in 2002 that resulted in widespread food shortages. Agriculture suffered as well and in 2002 accounted for 22% of GDP. The country’s total GDP for 2002 was US$3.7 billion and industry made up 26% of this and services 51%.

As part of its economic reform programme, government has instituted structural reforms that are geared towards increasing private participation in the economy and improving the investment climate. In 2001 foreign direct investment into the country reached US$70.2 million

Mining and quarrying make up a large portion of the industry sector in the Zambian economy and it has provided the largest proportion of the country’s total GDP. The country possesses various minerals such as copper, cobalt, and various precious stones including amethyst, gold, blue stones and emeralds. The country possesses 6% of the world’s copper reserves. Apart from copper mining and processing, construction, foodstuffs, beverages, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer and horticulture are also notable industries in the country. Zambia agricultural products include corn, sorghum, rice, peanuts, sunflower seed, vegetables, flowers, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), coffee; cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, milk, eggs and hides.

The main export commodities in Zambia include cobalt, compressor lubricants, copper, cotton, cut flowers, electric appliances and parts, hardwood, lead products, mineral products and lime. The main import commodities include capital goods, chemical products, crude oil, fertilisers, petroleum products and raw materials.

The Exchange Control Act has been abolished. The Bank of Zambia does not apply any exchange controls and therefore is not involved in approval of payments for imports.

Zambia is a contracting party to the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System.

As of 2005, Zambia’s major trading partners have been South Africa, Zimbabwe, Switzerland, China, Tanzania, Thailand, Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Kingdom.

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Lusaka Stock Exchange, Zambian Agricultural Commodity Exchange

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