Investing in Zambia in 2026
Sub-Saharan Africa
38
Score
Caution Investment Destination
Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies
Zambia earns an investment score of 38/100, placing it in the caution category for global investors. Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (50/100) and political stability (40/100), with overall GDP of $30B and per-capita output of $1,500. Growth is running at 4.5% with 2.0% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 10.0%. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Mining (Copper) (sector score 72/100, currently growing), which represents 15% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 72% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Zambia is with the global economy.
How Zambia's investment score has evolved over time
Mining (Copper)
15% of GDP, growing
Agriculture
6% of GDP, stable
Energy
3% of GDP, growing
Construction
5% of GDP, growing
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Zambia a safe country to invest in?
Zambia carries a caution risk rating with an overall investment score of 38/100. Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies. Sub-scores: economic health 38/100, political stability 40/100, business climate 38/100, financial strength 32/100, growth potential 50/100.
What is Zambia's sovereign credit rating?
Zambia holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Zambia?
The top investment sectors in Zambia are Mining (Copper), Agriculture, Energy. Mining (Copper) leads with a sector score of 72/100 and represents 15% of GDP. Its current trend is growing.
What is Zambia's GDP growth rate?
Zambia's most recent GDP growth was 4.5%, with total GDP of $30B and GDP per capita of $1,500. Inflation is running at 10.0% and the current account balance is 2.5% of GDP.
How does Zambia score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Zambia scores: political stability -0.2, rule of law -0.4, corruption control -0.4, and regulatory quality -0.3.
Can foreigners invest in Zambia?
Most industries in Zambia are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Zambia?
Foreign Direct Investment in Zambia runs at 2.0% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 72%. These figures show how integrated Zambia is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Zambia?
Zambia's government debt stands at 85% of GDP. This is within range for advanced economies but worth monitoring.