Find Industry and Manufacturing expertise in Zambia

Zambia holds the 102nd-most competitive economy in the world (2012–13, World Economic Forum, Global Competitiveness Report) with manufacturing contributing 8.82% of GDP in 2011. It is classified 94th out of 185 countries by the World Bank for ease of doing business, a ranking based on how conducive the regulatory environment is to the opening and operation of a local firm.

Zambia’s main industries include mining, construction, chemicals, horticulture, textiles, foodstuffs and beverages. The sector consists largely of medium-sized companies and subsidiaries of multinational companies. Poor infrastructure and low levels of disposable income among the population hinder the development of industry in Zambia. Large multinational companies have been responsible, in the years leading up to 2013, for investing into information technology with an aim to improve operational performance. Further investment injections have targeted telecommunications, brewing and cement manufacture.  Most consumer goods are aimed at the domestic market.

In 2013 the Zambian government was in the process of promoting the establishment of multi-facility economic zones by providing fiscal incentives and modern infrastructure (PriceWaterhouseCoopers).

Exports are estimated to have contributed US$8.589 billion to the Zambian economy in 2012, up from $8.672 billion in 2011 (CIA World Factbook). Main exports include copper, cobalt, tobacco, flowers, cotton and electricity. China is the country’s main export partner, with more than two-fifths of exports and services exported there. In 2012, Zambia was estimated to be the 99th largest exporter in the world (CIA).

The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report gives Zambia a production process sophistication value of 3.3 out of 7 where 7 is the most sophisticated, ranking it 96th out of 144 countries.

Industry and Manufacturing organisations in Zambia
ERZ Holdings
Zambia Association of Manufacturers
Zambia Association of Manufacturers, The
Zambia Bata Shoe Company Plc
Zambia Sugar Plc
Zambian Breweries Plc
ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc
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