Zambia is a developing country that achieved middle-income status in 2011. In the first decade of the 21st century, Zambia's economy was one of the fastest-growing in Africa, with its capital, Lusaka, being the fastest-growing city in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). However, in recent years, Zambia's economic performance has stalled due to declining copper prices, significant fiscal deficits, and energy shortages.In terms of the ease of doing business, Zambia is currently ranked 8th in Africa, 5th in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and 4th in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Additionally, Zambia ranks as the 8th most competitive country in Africa on the Global Competitiveness Index. Recently, Forbes ranked Zambia 7th as the best country for doing business among 54 African countries.<b>Despite the government's efforts to reduce the cost of doing business, other key indicators of the business environment, such as trade restrictions and government and judicial integrity, have deteriorated.
Top Sectors in Zambia
Mining in Zambia
Zambia's largest copper mine announced their intention to withdraw their investment. However, surging copper prices from 2004 to the present day rapidly rekindled international interest in Zambia's copper sector with a new buyer found for KCCM and massive investments in expanding capacity launched. China has become a major investor in the Zambian copper industry, and in February 2007, the two countries announced the creation of a Chinese-Zambian economic partnership zone around the Chambishi copper mine.Zambia is the world's second biggest producer of emeralds, with its Kafubu River area deposits (Kagem Mines) about 45 km (28 mi) southwest of Kitwe responsible for 20% of the world's production of gem-quality stones
Agriculture in Zambia
Agriculture accounted for 85% of total employment (formal and informal) for 2000. Maize (corn) is the principal cash crop as well as the staple food. Other important crops include soybean, cotton, sugar, sunflower seeds, wheat, sorghum, pearl millet, cassava, tobacco and various vegetable and fruit crops. Floriculture is a growth sector, and agricultural non-traditional exports now rival the mining industry in foreign exchange receipts. Zambia has the potential for significantly increasing its agricultural output; currently, less than 20% of its arable land is cultivated. In the past, the agriculture sector suffered from low producer prices, difficulties in availability and distribution of credit and inputs, and the shortage of foreign exchange.
Fisheries and Livestock in Zambia
The Fisheries and Livestock sub-sector in Zambia contributes to employment creation, food and nutrition security, and economic growth
Energy in Zambia
Energy in Zambia is the production of energy and electricity, for consumption or export. The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has the mandate to balance and safeguard the interests of all energy stakeholders.
Petroleum in Zambia
Zambia is a net importer of petroleum Oil & Mineral Fuels ranked top amongst the country's trade imports at a value of U$1.26 billion. the ERB migrated from a Quarterly pricing cycle to a monthly pricing cycle to enable the local price of fuel to be more responsive to the market fundamentals namely: international oil prices and the Kwacha/US Dollar exchange rate prevailing in the month preceding the pricing decision.Further, following the UPND governments' policy decision to place INDENI Petroleum Refinery on care and maintenance, the nation moved to one type of Diesel sold on the market, and that is the imported Low Sulphur
Tourism in Zambia
Zambia's tourism revenue has been generally raised from local and international tourists visiting the Victoria Falls in Livingstone, and its associated attractions such as the Livingstone Museum and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. In July 2020, the Livingstone Tourism Association reported that during the Heroes and Unity holidays the holiday site received a record number of visitors.Celebrities such as Will Smith and some Entrepreneur have visited the tourist site with the latter celebrating her £3 million nuptials in a picturesque ceremony at The Royal Livingstone Hotel by the banks of the Zambezi River.
Tourism in Zambia
Zambia's tourism revenue has been generally raised from local and international tourists visiting the Victoria Falls in Livingstone, and its associated attractions such as the Livingstone Museum and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. In July 2020, the Livingstone Tourism Association reported that during the Heroes and Unity holidays the holiday site received a record number of visitors.Celebrities such as Will Smith and some Entrepreneur have visited the tourist site with the latter celebrating her £3 million nuptials in a picturesque ceremony at The Royal Livingstone Hotel by the banks of the Zambezi River.