During the decades following Zambia’s independence, Italian infrastructure projects have contributed greatly to the country’s development. Among Italy’s contributions are the Kariba Dam, the Indeni oil refinery and Alitalia’s role as a key partner of Zambian Airways. After a period of relative disengagement, Italian firms are again looking at the opportunities offered by Zambia’s promising economy.
The country has always maintained institutional continuity and successive governments have always been appointed through regular democratic ballots. The country is strongly anchored to a market economy system, though its bureaucratic apparatus is oversized and corruption is still a problem.
In February 2024, following an abnormal rainy season connected to “El Nino”, one of the worst water crises in Zambia ever recorded led President Hichilema to declare a state of disaster and appeal for humanitarian aid. The fragile production system of the Nation, already struggling due to debt-restructuring restrictive measures, has been put to test. The resulting negative implications on industrial and mining production are worsened by electricity rationing.
The priority sectors for the economic-social development of Zambia are mining, renewable energy, the agri-food chain, urban waste management and tourism. Although they might offer promising prospects, public works projects (roads, bridges, social housing), still require public participation or PPP (Public Private Partnership agreements). Italian-owned Zambian companies have highlighted a strong interest in creating partnerships with possible Italian companies looking to invest in the area. This could encourage knowledge sharing in various priority sectors, thereby facilitating new Italian companies’ entry into the Zambian market.
In order to start business in Zambia local experience and availability of resources are indispensable. Still, past the initial phase, profit prospects remain excellent. For this reason, the Embassy promotes contacts with possible local partners, credit institutions and financing bodies. An Italian Business Club was recently created.
The already excellent prospects for fellow nationals wishing to invest in the country will be made even brighter by Italy’s commitment to allocating USD 300 million for the development of the Lobito Corridor railway, in accordance with Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
Italian companies in Zambia
The Italian companies currently operating in Zambia are Enel Green Power, which has built a photovoltaic plant (34MW) under concession outside Lusaka as part of the “Scaling Solar” project financed by the World Bank; Building Energy which won 2 lots of the GetFit program, financed by KfW, for the concession construction of a photovoltaic system of approximately 40 MW near the city of Kabwe; the consultancy firms SARI, Team Engineering and Technital. Family-run businesses created and managed by fellow countrymen residing here are very active.
Institute for Foreign Trade (ICE)
The ICE Office responsible for South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe is that of Johannesburg, South Africa.
ICE Johannesburg Office (RSA)
42 Chester Road, Parkwood,
2193 P.O. Box 1261 Parklands 2121
Tel.: +27.011.880.8383
Fax: +27.011.880.9040/1
E-mail: johannesburg@ice.it
Website https://www.ice.it/en/markets/south-africa/johannesburg
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