Country Profile - Zambia

General Information

Area: 752,614 sq km (290,586 sq miles).

Population: 10,649,000 (official estimate 2001).

Population Density: 14.1 per sq km.

Capital: Lusaka. Population: 1,640,000 (official estimate 2000).

GEOGRAPHY: Zambia is a vast plateau bordered by Angola to the west, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north, Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe and Botswana to the south and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia to the southwest. The Zambezi River together with Lake Kariba forms the frontier with Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls, at the southern end of the man-made Lake Kariba, is one of the most spectacular sights in Africa (if not the world). In the east and northeast, the country rises to a plateau 1200m (3937ft) high, covered by deciduous savannah, small trees, grassy plains or marshland. The magnificent Luangwa and Kafue National Parks have some of the most prolific animal populations in Africa.

Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1964. Head of State and Government: President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa since 2002.

Language: English is the official language, but there are over 73 local dialects. The main languages are Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja and Tonga.

Religion: Around 30 per cent of the population is Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic), a smaller number are Muslim and Hindu, and a small minority have traditional animist beliefs.

Time: GMT + 2.

Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Communications:

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 260. Outgoing international code: 00. There are public telephones and most calls are made through a post office.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network. Operators include Celtel (website: www.msi-cellular.com), Telecel (website: www.telecel.com) and Zamcell. Coverage is limited to some areas around Lusaka and near the coast.

Internet: ISPs include Coppernet (website: www.coppernet.zm), Zamnet (website: www.zamnet.zm) and Zamtel (website: www.zamtel.zm). E-mail can be accessed from Internet cafes in Livingstone and Lusaka.

Fax/telegram: There are public fax facilities at the central post office in Lusaka and at principal hotels. Telegrams may be sent from telegraph offices in main centres, open Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300 (closed Sunday and public holidays).

Post: Airmail to Western Europe takes 7 to 14 days.

Press: Chronicle, National Mirror, The Sportsman, The Sun and Sunday Times of Zambia are published in English.

Passport/Visa

Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required?
British Yes Yes Yes
Australian Yes Yes Yes
Canadian Yes Yes Yes
USA Yes Yes Yes
OtherEU Yes 1 Yes
Japanese Yes Yes Yes

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for 6 months from the date of entry required by all.

VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to 30 days:

(a) 1. nationals of Ireland (all other EU nationals do require a visa);

(b) nationals of Romania and Serbia & Montenegro;

(c) nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, The Gambia, Ghana, India, Mozambique, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka and the UK who do require a visa);

(d) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note: A Bonafide Tourist, who is travelling on a pre-arranged package tour with a foreign tour operator, or in conjunction with a local tour operator in Zambia, will be issued a fee-waived visa for a stay of no longer than 14 days. The fee-waived visa will be issued at any port of entry to Zambia.

Types of visa and cost: Tourist, Business, Private and Transit. The cost depends on nationality. For UK citizens: £33 (Single-entry); £35 (when issued at port of entry); £45 (Double- and Multiple-entry). Payable in cash in person or by postal order payable to the Zambia High Commission.

Validity: 6 months from date of issue for a stay of maximum 30 days; transit visa valid for 7 days.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at High Commission or Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.

Application requirements: (a) One completed application form. (b) Two recent passport-size photos. (c) Valid passport. (d) Fee (payable in cash or by postal order). (e) Self-addressed stamped envelope for postal applications. (f) Letter of invitation confirming purpose of visit, from host in Zambia for all trips. (g) Proof of the Zambian host’s immigration status. (h) Proof of return journey to home country. (i) Proof of sufficient funds during length of stay in Zambia.

Working days required: 3.

Temporary residence: For stays in excess of 90 days, apply to the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Kent Building, PO Box 50300, Lusaka (tel: (1) 252 622 or 252 629; tel/fax: (1) 252 008; fax: (1) 251 725).

Money

Currency: Kwacha (K) = 100 ngwee. Notes are in denominations of K10,000, 5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of K1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 ngwee.

Currency exchange: Exchange of foreign currency is carried out at authorised banks and bureaux de change.

Credit & debit cards: American Express is widely accepted, with more limited use of Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques: Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Kwacha against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Date Feb ’03 May ’03 Aug ’03 Nov ’03
£1.00= 8120.49 7819.54 7395.6 8132.63
$1.00= 5100.00 4775.00 4641.8 4792.50

Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is limited to K100. Free import of foreign currency subject to declaration on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on import. All passengers entering or departing from Zambia must declare all currency notes exceeding US$5000 or equivalent.

Note: Currency declaration forms and exchange receipts must be shown if purchasing airline tickets in Zambia.

Banking hours: Vary from bank to bank, but most are open Mon-Fri 0815-1430.

Duty Free

Duty-Free: The following items may be imported into Zambia by persons over 18 years without incurring customs duty:

200 cigarettes or 450g of tobacco; 1 opened bottle of alcoholic beverages.

Public Holidays

Public Holidays: Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Mar 12 Youth Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 25 African Freedom Day (Anniversary of the OAU’s Foundation). Jul 5 Heroes’ Day. Jul 6 Unity Day. Aug 2 Farmers’ Day. Oct 24 Independence Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2005 New Year’s Day. Mar 12 Youth Day. Mar 25 Good Friday. Mar 28 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 25 African Freedom Day (Anniversary of the OAU’s Foundation). Jul 4 Heroes’ Day. Jul 5 Unity Day. Aug 1 Farmers’ Day. Oct 24 Independence Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day.

Note: It is advisable to verify exact dates in advance.

Health

Special Precautions Certificate Required?
Yellow Fever Yes 1
Cholera 2 No
Typhoid and Polio 3 N/A
Malaria 4 N/A

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from infected areas.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Ghana. However an outbreak of cholera occurred in Lusaka District in 1999.

3: Vaccination against typhoid and polio is advised.

4: Malaria risks, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, are highest between November and June (except in the Zambesi Valley where high risk exists all year). The malignant form is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine.

Food & drink: Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are generally safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Human trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) is reported in the north. Trachoma is widespread, as are hepatitis A and E. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Epidemics of meningococcal meningitis may occur, particularly in the savannah areas during the dry season. Plague occurs very rarely.

Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care: There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Health service is not free and health insurance is advisable. Adequate health care cannot be assured outside main towns. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies as they are limited in Zambia.

Travel – International

Note: All travel to areas of Zambia bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola is advised against. Care should be ensured when driving. Road safety and driving standards are poor.

AIR: Zambia’s airlines are Aero Zambia (Z9) and Zambian Airways (Q3). and Other airlines serving Zambia include Air Zambezi, Air Zimbabwe, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Nationwide Air and South African Airways. Zambian Airways can be contacted at PO Box 310277, Lusaka (tel: (1) 271 230 or 271 342; fax: (1) 271 054 or 271 110; e-mail: roanhq@zamnet.zm; website: www.zambianairways.co.zm).

Approximate flight times: From London to Lusaka is 10 hours.

International airports: Lusaka (LUN) is 26km (16 miles) east of the city (travel time – 30 minutes). Airport and city bus services are available. Taxi service is also available to the city. Return is by prior arrangement with taxis (taxi fares are negotiable). Airport facilities include outgoing duty-free shop, car hire, bank/bureau de change, restaurant and post office.
Mfuwe (MFU) is situated in the South Luangwa National Park, 1 hour 15 minutes’ flight from Lusaka International Airport. Lodges and camps within the park provide airport transfers by prior arrangement.

Departure tax: US$20 (payable in cash). Transit passengers and children under 2 years are exempt.

RIVER/LAKE: There are ferry crossings from Mpulungu across Lake Tanganyika to Kigoma in Tanzania and to Bujumbura in Burundi; and a service across the Zambezi from Kazungula to Botswana.

RAIL: There are two major rail routes linking Zambia with Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Zambia Railways serves Livingstone and has a connection across the Victoria Falls to Bulawayo and Harare in Zimbabwe. There are two trains daily in either direction (travel time – 9 to 12 hours depending on whether the ordinary or express service is used). The trains have first-, second- and third-class. Tanzania–Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) operates trains from Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Services are often suspended and it is advisable to check at the tourist office in Lusaka for details.

ROAD: Coach and bus services are available to Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The main routes are from Zimbabwe via Chirundu or Kariba and Livingstone; from Botswana via Kasane and Kazungula; from Mozambique via Villa Gambito and Zumbo; from Tanzania via Nakonde and Mbala; from Malawi via the Mchinga/Chipata border or further north at Nyika Plateau; and from the Democratic Republic of Congo via Kashiba, Mwenda, Sakania, Mokamba, Kasumbalesa and Kapushi. Opening hours for road borders are from 0600-1800 (except for Victoria Falls which closes at 2000). As yet, there is no border crossing from Angola. A Temporary Import Permit is needed to bring a vehicle into Zambia.

Travel – Internal

AIR: Aero Zambia, Zambia Skyways, Zambian Airways and charters operate domestic routes to destinations including Chipata, Kasaba Bay, Kasama, Kitwe, Livingstone, Lusaka, Mangu, Mfuwe, Ndola and Victoria Falls. There are over 120 other airports, aerodromes and airstrips in the country.

Departure tax: K12,000 (US$5).

RIVER/LAKE: Local ferries operate on all waterways. Contact local authorities for details.

RAIL: Zambia has three main internal train lines, one from Livingstone to Lusaka, from Lusaka to the Copperbelt, and from Kapiri Mposhi to the Northern border with Tanzania. The main train station is in Dedan Kamathi Road. in central Lusaka, one road east of Cairo Road. There is a daily Kitwe (2000) – Lusaka (0735) – Lir (1800) stopping train. There is also an express train (The Zambezi Express) leaving Livingstone on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1430, arriving in Lusaka at 1100 the next morning.

Children under 3 years of age travel free, children between 3 and 15 years pay half price. There is first- and second-class accommodation and light refreshments are available on some services.

ROAD: Traffic drives on the left. There is a fairly good network of roads (38,763km/24,087 miles in total, of which 8200km/5095 miles is tarred), although they are often not in very good condition.

Bus: The network of intercity bus services is run by private operators and Zambia Telecommunications (Zamtel). The service used to be unreliable but it is much better nowadays. The buses provided are clean, cheap and frequent. CR coach, linking Lusaka with Livingstone, Chipata, Ndola and Mongu (twice a day, leaving from ShopRite in Cairo Road) should be booked well in advance. Other coach services are available, including Giraffe. Car hire: Several firms operate in main centres. Information is available from the Zambia National Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section) or the Lusaka Bus Terminus on Dedan Kimathi Road, Lusaka. Avis, Hertz, Taiwo, Zungulila and other car hire firms can provide chauffeur-driven cars.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.

URBAN: Bus services in Lusaka are provided by private minibuses and shared taxis. The buses are somewhat basic, and can become very crowded. Taxis are not metered and fares should be agreed in advance. It is also advisable to negotiate a fare.

TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Lusaka to other major cities/towns in Zambia.

Air Road Rail
Livingstone 1.20 6.30 11.00
Ndola 1.00 4.00 6.30
Kitwe 1.00 4.30 7.00
Mfuwe 1.30 - -

Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation in Zambia may be divided into four main categories: hotels, motels, lodges and camps; and two minor categories: Government (GRZ)-hostels and camping/caravan sites. Zambia is a large, wild and, as yet, largely undeveloped country. Only the major tourist sites are fully prepared to cater for the needs of the visitor and payment is in hard currency, except at smaller establishments.

HOTELS & MOTELS: Hotels are concentrated around Lusaka, Livingstone and the Copperbelt region. Others are widely dispersed around the country along principal roads or near towns. It is advisable to book in advance and to obtain confirmation in writing. All bills are subject to a 10 per cent service charge in lieu of tips and 23 per cent sales tax. Tipping in hotels is not permitted by law. Grading: Hotels are graded according to a 5-star system and range from an ungraded class to one 5-star hotel. For further information, contact the Hotel and Tourism Association of Zambia, Holiday Inn, Church Road, PO Box 36561, Lusaka (tel: (1) 251 666; fax: (1) 253 529; e-mail: tcz@zamnet.zm; website: www.zambiatourism.com).

NATIONAL PARKS: All lodges and many camps in the parks are offered on a fully catered basis. As the quality of accommodation and associated facilities varies enormously from one place to another, visitors intending to stay should contact the relevant tour operator/tourist office for detailed information.

LODGES: These are generally stone buildings with thatched roofs designed to complement the natural environment, housing a maximum of 40 beds.

CAMPS: The most common and most widely used type of accommodation for safaris. In general, standard facilities include hot and cold running water, electricity and waterborne sanitation plus the basic accoutrements for comfortable living. For instance, Luangwa’s camps have beds, clean linen, refrigerator, crockery, cutlery, mosquito nets, lamps, toilets and showers. At non-catered camps, visitors must bring their own food and drink. Some are open all year round while others open from June to October or November.

GRZ-HOSTELS: These are available throughout the provinces. They have a small capacity, rising in exceptional cases to 24 rooms. Government rest houses are available in many centres but they are very basic.

CAMPING/CARAVANNING: Sites are available at most of the tourist centres, including several national parks. It is best to make reservations well in advance. If booking is more than 4 weeks in advance, some operators charge a 15 per cent deposit. Prices may increase during peak periods. For further information, contact the Zambia National Tourist Board, who can supply a list of Zambian tour operators.

Sport & Activities

Safaris: For information on Zambia’s national parks and wildlife reserves, see the Resorts & Excursions section. The usual method of animal watching is from an open-topped Land Rover, but walking and canoeing tours are also available. In general, safaris are limited to six to eight persons per vehicle (with experienced guides provided). As a precaution, no more than six may make up a walking party and the guide will be armed. Nocturnal safaris are also possible. Native wildlife includes buffalo, elephant, antelope, lion, zebra, rhino, hippo and crocodile. Birdwatching enthusiasts may head to Lochinvar, where 400 different species have been recorded.

Adventure sports: Zambia’s centre for adventure sports is Livingstone, whose proximity to the grandiose Victoria Falls ensures a steady increase in the range (and cost) of the thrill-inducing activities now available in the area. In addition to bungee jumping off the 111m- (364ft-) bridge linking Zambia and Zimbabwe across the River Zambezi, enthusiasts can now abseil down the gorge or high-wire across it – the latter involving a gravity-defying trip in a body harness attached to a cable spanning the chasm. Scenic flights in micro-light aircraft offering aerial views of the falls are also available. Whitewater rafting trips on the Zambezi are considered particularly wild. Longer and quieter river trips lasting from 1 to 7 days usually follow the Victoria Falls–Lake Kariba itinerary, with Lake Kariba also offering the possibility to relax for a week on a luxurious houseboat. Rock climbing and hiking are also popular.

Social Profile

Food & Drink: Owing to the liberalisation of the economy, there is now plenty of food in the shops. Local specialities include bream from the Kafue, Luapula and Zambezi rivers, and Nile perch, lake salmon and other freshwater fish.

Mosi, Rhino lager and imported beers and assorted soft drinks are available. Spirits are also available.

Nightlife: Lusaka has dancing and floorshows in the main hotels, cinemas and theatres. The Copperbelt and Livingstone areas offer a variety of entertainments including casinos and nightclubs. Very popular among travellers are boat trips on the river with a few drinks (also called ‘booze’ cruises).

Shopping: Lusaka has modern shops, supermarkets and open-air markets. Special purchases include African carvings, pottery and copperware, beadwork and local gemstones. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1300.

Special Events: There are many traditional ceremonies and festivals that take place throughout Zambia. The following is a selection of special events occurring in Zambia in 2004:

Jan Kwanga (traditional festival), Lake Bangweulu. Feb N’cwala (the chief of the Ngoni people tastes the first fresh fruit of the year); Lwindi (religious ceremony during which offerings are made to ancestors), Livingstone. Mar Ku-omboka (the Lozi chief or Litunga, together with his entire household, is paddled up a natural canal flood plain, from Leaului to Limulunga, his residence in the rainy season); Zambia National Fishing Competition, Lake Tanganyika. May Kufukwila (the Kaonde people pay homage to their chief), Solwezi. Jul Likumbi Lya Mize (traditional festival of the Luvale people), Mize. Jul/Aug Umutomoboko (celebrated by the Lunda people), Mansa. Aug Livingstone Arts Festival; Kulamba (traditional festival of the Cheva people), Chipata; Zambia Agricultural Show, Lusaka. Sep/Oct Shimunenga (a traditional ceremony of the Ba-Ila people), Maala on the Kafue Flats. Oct Women in Music (music festival), Lusaka.

Social Conventions: African culture and traditions remain prominent and there are various customs, folklore and traditional crafts in the different regions. Traditional dancing is popular and there are many colourful annual ceremonies that take place throughout the country. Visitors to the outlying areas should expect to be met with curiosity. Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Gifts are often offered to visitors as a sign of gratitude, friendship or honour. One should never refuse a gift but accept it with both hands. Photography: Visitors are able to take photographs in most places but are advised to avoid military installations. Tipping: A 10 per cent sales tax is added to all bills. Tipping in hotels has been abolished by law but a 10 per cent tip may be expected or included in bills elsewhere.

Business Profile

Economy: The Zambian economy relies heavily on the country’s mineral wealth, particularly copper (of which Zambia is one of the world’s largest producers), and also cobalt and zinc. These account for the bulk of export earnings and provide essential raw materials for Zambia’s manufacturing industry, which accounts for over one-third of national output. Apart from raw material processing, the manufacturing sector includes vehicle assembly and oil refining as well as the production of fertilisers, textiles, construction materials and a variety of consumer products. Despite the role played by industry (unusually high by African standards), export earnings were steadily declining throughout the 1990s, mainly as a result of persistently low commodity prices. One stark illustration of the trend was the closure in 2002 of the Konkola copper mine – the country’s largest and a major source of government revenue – as being no longer viable. Agriculture produces 30 per cent of GDP and employs two-thirds of the population. Maize and cattle are the main earners; other crops (cassava, millet, sorghum and beans) are produced mainly for domestic consumption but have to be supplemented by substantial food imports. Zambia’s hydroelectric projects have allowed it self-sufficiency in energy.

Economic policy changed radically during the 1990s when the Government sought the backing of the IMF in tackling Zambia’s serious financial problems. With some difficulty, many of the IMF-imposed measures were put into effect. More recently, Zambia has been a beneficiary of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries programme to reduce the external debts of the world’s poorest countries, but still owes over US$6 billion. The IMF is still involved with Zambia, although the current Zambian administration has proved reluctant to implement some of its demands, particularly privatisation of remaining state assets. The economy has been growing (3.7 per cent in 2002) but inflation (20 per cent) and unemployment (estimated at 50 per cent) remain high. Zambia is a member of the Southern African Development Council (SADC). Its main trading partners are Japan, the UK, South Africa, the USA and China.

Business: Formal dress is acceptable for people at business meetings. English is widely used in business circles. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1700.

Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, PO Box 31968, Kwacha Annex, Cairo Road, Lusaka (tel: (1) 228 301; fax: (1) 226 673); or Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PO Box 1968, Lusaka (tel: (1) 223 617; fax: (1) 222 650 or 226 727); or Zambia Investment Centre, PO Box 34580, Lusaka (tel: (1) 255 240; fax: (1) 252 150; e-mail: invest@zamnet.zm; website: www.zic.org.zm).

Conferences/Conventions: For further information, contact the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, PO Box 33200, Lusaka (tel: (1) 290 506 or 291 229; fax: (1) 291 991; e-mail: micc@zamtel.zm; website: www.micc.co.zm).

Climate

Climate: Although Zambia lies in the tropics, the height of the plateau ensures that the climate is seldom unpleasantly hot, except in the valleys. There are three seasons: the cool, dry winter season from May to September; the hot, dry season in October and November; and the rainy season, which is even hotter, from December to April.

Required clothing: Lightweights or tropical with rainwear.

Economic cooperation

Zambia is one of the least developed countries despite its vast mineral and natural resources and arable land. Zambian economy is driven by the price of Copper as it is the main item of export and revenue. The economy, which had done well (due to buoyant copper prices in the international market) since the country's independence, suffered a serious blow after the oil crisis in 1973 with concomitant decline in copper price. Since the copper mines were largely under the state control, timely investments were not made in new equipment and technology to mine the ore. As a result, the production of copper has suffered; several foreign companies, which were mining copper, terminated their operations. This affected the economy adversely. But the situation is now changing with improvement in the price of copper and government finding new partners for exploitation of major copper mines.

Over the years, India has provided considerable economic assistance to Zambia. In 1979 and 1982, India extended government and EXIM Bank credits to Zambia totaling Rs. 17 crores. In 1989 India provided railway wagons costing about Rs.8 crores to Zambia under the Africa Fund. Other assistance such as Maruti vehicles were given to the Zambia News Agency and emergency medical supplies to the Zambian Ministry of Health. Over 2000 Zambians including many in the Armed Forces have been trained in India in various disciplines under the ITEC programme. Several Indian experts have been deputed to Zambia for training of Zambian defence personnel.

During President Mwanawasa's visit to India in April 2003, PM announced giving a fresh credit line of $ 10 million, grant assistance of US $ 100,000 for donation of anti-HIV/AIDs medicines and another grant of Rs. 25 million for donation of agricultural equipment to Zambia. India also decided to waive off the inter-governmental credit (about $ 3 million) outstanding against Zambia. Similarly, it was decided to donate 10,000 tons of non-basmati rice to Zambia to alleviate the food shortage. The number of ITEC slots available to Zambia was increased from 30 to 50 (including 10 on self-financing basis). The Indian government assured the Zambian President that India would be willing to help Zambia in establishment of a Vocational Training Centre and deputation of Indian experts in agricultural, health, information technology and other fields. These proposals are being implemented in consultation with the Zambian government.

India and Zambia have bilateral trade of about $ 47 million including Indian exports of $ 32 million (2002-03) and imports from Zambia of $ 15 million. India's main export items include pharmaceuticals, transport equipment, cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups, plastic, rubber items and chemicals and imports from Zambia include mainly semi-precious stones. ITPO has been leading the participation of Indian companies in the Zambian Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka (in August) for past two years. Zambian private sector sponsored the visit of trade delegations to India to participate in our trade fairs and Zambian businessmen have been participating in Buyer-Seller Meetings being organized by our trade promotion organizations. India and Zambia have set up a Joint Economic Commission at the Ministerial level. Its last meeting was held in Lusaka from October 21-25, 2001 with an Indian delegation led by Shri Omar Abdullah, MOS for External Affairs and the Zambian delegation led by Mr. Godfrey S. Simasiku, Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Development. India and Zambia have also set up a Joint Trade Committee; its last meeting was held in New Delhi in November, 2000.

Investments from India

Since 1996, Indian companies have invested about $ 35 million in Zambia. The Zambian government has selected M/s Sterlite Industries of India as the major strategic partner for revival of their biggest Konkola Copper Mine (KCM); the negotiations are continuing between the two sides for finalisation of investments and Sterlite's entry into KCM. The other major Indian investments include a joint venture - Indo-Zambia Bank - with 60% equity held by the three Indian public sector banks - Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Central Bank of India - and the remaining by the Zambian government. TATAs have made some investments in purchase and renovation of hotel Taj Pamodzi which is being managed by the Taj Hotels group. Other investments have been made by ethnic Indians who settled down in Zambia many years back and taken local nationality. Several Indian companies have won contracts in Zambia in international competitive bidding.M/s Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited of India have been awarded two contracts (of $ 21 million) by the Zambian government for rehabilitation of power sub-stations and supply of transformers. M/s CIPLA won a contract of $ 3 million for supply of anti-retroviral drugs. M/s Kalpataru Power Co., Ahmedabad won a contract of $ 15 million for establishment of a new power transmission line between Chingola and Kansanshi and a $ 4 million contract for water purification in the mining areas was awarded to M/s Technofab Engineering, Faridabad in early 2004. M/s Mohan Exports has got a World Bank contract worth $ 1.4 million for provision of carpentry equipment to vocational colleges. M/s Central Electronics India Limited has been given a small contract for supply of solar equipment for lighting in schools in remote areas. The award of these projects is manifestation of the excellence attained by the Indian companies and India's growing relations with Zambia.

Bilateral Agreements

During the visit of President Kaunda to India in January 1975, India and Zambia had signed Agreements for Cooperation in Economic & Technical and Science & Technology fields. These agreements are not operational, at present. Similarly, a Bilateral Air Services Agreement concluded between the two countries in November 1993 is not operational as there are no flights anymore between the two countries (Zambia does not have a national carrier at present). The two countries signed an agreement for avoidance of double taxation in 1982. They signed an agreement for cooperation in trade and a MOU for cooperation in agriculture on April 21, 2003 during the visit of the Zambian President to India. The two countries are currently working on finalisation of a Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement and a Protocol for Institutionalisation of Annual Foreign Office Consultations.

Future Prospects

Besides copper mining, there are good prospects of investments in power generation and transmission, tourism, commercial farming, agro-processing, leather processing and manufacture of footwear and other items.