Zambia, landlocked country in Africa. It is situated on a high plateau in south-central Africa and takes its name from the Zambezi River, which drains all but a small northern part of the country. Large parts of the country are thinly populated. Much of population is concentrated in the country’s most developed area—known as the Line of Rail—which is served by the railway linking the Copperbelt with Lusaka, the capital, and with the border town of Livingstone.
The development of Zambia’s business environment is hindered by corruption and a weak institutional framework. Companies encounter red tape and rampant bribery in all business operations, including company registration, obtaining a construction permit, setting up utilities, and paying taxes. As a result of the inefficient and corrupt judicial system, foreign investors’ property rights are not accurately protected nor enforced. In addition, international trade is impeded by pervasive corruption and crime in Zambia’s customs. Companies regularly pay kickbacks and bribes in the tendering process for government contracts. Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Act prohibits corruption, extortion, bribery of a foreign public official, abuse of office and money laundering. Zambia’s legislation does not address facilitation payments and the maximum allowable value of gifts or hospitality is not clearly regulated. Enforcement of Zambia’s anti-corruption legislation is lacking.
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