Zambia’s second Investment Policy Review by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has entered its final phase.
The move brings the country closer to adopting a comprehensive road-map to attract investment, create jobs and strengthen economic growth.
This follows the conclusion of nationwide consultations involving government and stakeholders, whose submissions will be incorporated into the final report.
Launched in May 2025 as a follow-up to the 2012 review, the review, assesses Zambia’s progress in improving its investment climate. It focuses, among others, on investment incentives, value addition and manufacturing.
The review aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema,’s strategic vision which positions investment as a key driver of Zambia’s economic growth, industrialization, and job creation.
OECD Deputy head of Sustainable Investment Unit, Alexandre de Crombrugghe, confirmed that the revised report will be submitted to the OECD Investment Committee, where Zambia will present its reform agenda to policymakers.
He said this during a meeting with Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director General Albert Halwampa, on the sidelines of the 50th anniversary of the OECD Global Forum on Responsible Business Conduct in Paris.
The OECD also announced that the review is expected to be officially launched during its High-Level engagement in Paris this December, providing Zambia with a global platform to showcase its investment opportunities, and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country in implementing the recommendations.
In response, Mr. Halwampa described the review as a timely intervention that will modernize Zambia’s investment framework and align it with international best practices.
He called for continued collaboration with OECD to ensure the recommendations translate into practical reforms that improve the business environment and attract increased investment.
Once finalized, the Investment Policy Review is expected to strengthen investor confidence by bench-marking Zambia’s investment framework against international best practices and enhancing policy transparency.
This is according to a statement issued by First Secretary Press, at the Zambian Embassy in France, Naomi Mweemba.
