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Doing business & staying in touch

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.

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.

Agriculture produces 14% of GDP and employs 85% of the population. Maize and cattle are the main earners. Zambia's hydroelectric projects have allowed it self-sufficiency in energy.

GDP: 

US$15.69 billion (2010).

Main exports: 

Copper, cobalt, tobacco, flowers and cotton.

Main imports: 

Machinery, transport equipment, petroleum products, fertislisers and foodstuffs.

Main trading partners: 

South Africa, Switzerland, UAE, China and UK.

Telephone: 

There are public telephones and most calls are made through a post office.

Mobile phone: 

Coverage is patchy in rural areas but good around Lusaka.

Internet: 

There are Internet cafés in Livingstone and Lusaka.

Post: 

Airmail to Western Europe takes 7 to 14 days.

Post office hours: 

Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300 (closed Sunday and public holidays).

Media: 

State-run radio and TV services dominate Zambia's broadcast media. Private radio stations offer little political reporting. Libel and security laws can be used by authorities to intimidate journalists, especially those reporting on corruption. Defaming the president is a crime.

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