Register with Authorities & Get Licenses
Description:
This stage involves registering your business with various regulatory bodies and obtaining all necessary permits and licenses required to legally operate in Zambia.
Why it’s important?:
- Compliance with local and national regulations is mandatory.
- Failing to register can lead to significant fines.
- It prevents legal issues and even forced closure of your business.
Example of what happens when the task is done:Â
A new lodge in Livingstone obtains all required licenses from the local council, the Ministry of Tourism, and completes ZRA and NAPSA registrations, ensuring they can operate legally and welcome guests without fear of penalties.
Example of what happens if it is not done:Â
A restaurant opens without a health permit or fire safety certificate. During a routine inspection, they are immediately shut down, incur heavy fines, and suffer reputational damage, leading to significant financial losses.
Registration
- PACRA Certificate, ZRA Tax Clearance Certificate,Â
- ID’s
After registering with PACRA, a business must register with various government authorities and licensing bodies depending on its sector, size, and location. Below is a comprehensive breakdown.
1. Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA)
Purpose: Legal registration of the business or company.
What You Get:
- Certificate of Incorporation (for companies) or
- Certificate of Registration (for business names).
Why It Matters:Â
Establishes your business as a legal entity and is a prerequisite for all other registrations.
2. Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
Why It Matters:Â
Ensures compliance with tax laws and eligibility for contracts and tenders
- TPIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) – mandatory for all businesses.
- VAT Registration – if annual turnover exceeds K800,000.
- PAYE Registration – if you have employees.
- Corporate Income Tax – for limited companies.
Purpose: Tax registration and compliance.
What You Get:
3. National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA)
Purpose: Â Social security contributions for employees.
What You Get:
- Employer Registration Number.
Why It Matters:Â
Covers workers against occupational injuries or diseases. Registration is compulsory for businesses with employees.
4. Workers Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB)
Purpose: Social security contributions for employees.
Why It Matters:Â
Mandatory for all employers in Zambia. Helps provide retirement benefits for employees and ensures legal compliance.
5. Local Authority (City or Municipal Council)
Purpose: Operating licences and local compliance.
What You Get:
- Business Levy / Trading Licence
- Fire Certificate (for premises)
- Health Inspection Certificate (for restaurants, salons, etc.)
Why It Matters:Â
Ensures the business operates legally within its physical location.
6. Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) (Optional, but beneficial)
Purpose: Â Investment promotion and facilitation.
What You Get:
- Investment Licence (for local or foreign investors).
- Access to tax incentives and industrial park facilities.
Why It Matters:Â
Helps attract investment and provides government support for large-scale projects.
7. Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS)
Purpose: Product quality assurance and certification.
What You Get:
Why It Matters:Â
Required if your business manufactures or imports products subject to standards regulation
8. Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA)
Purpose: Environmental impact assessments (EIA) and compliance monitoring.
Why It Matters:Â
Compulsory for businesses whose operations affect the environment (mining, manufacturing, agriculture, etc.).
Sector-Specific Regulators and Licences
| Sector | Authority | Licence/Permit |
|---|---|---|
|
Energy |
Energy Regulation Board (ERB) |
Fuel, gas, or electricity licence |
|
Health |
Zambia Medicines & Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) |
Pharmaceutical or medical licence |
|
Transport & Logistics |
Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) |
Operator’s licence, vehicle permits |
|
Banking & Finance |
Bank of Zambia (BOZ) |
Financial services license |
|
Telecommunications |
Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) |
ISP or telecoms licence |
|
Construction |
National Council for Construction (NCC) |
Contractor’s registration |
|
Education |
Ministry of Education / TEVETA |
School or training centre accreditation |
|
Tourism |
Ministry of Tourism / Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) |
Tourism enterprise licence |
|
Mining |
Ministry of Mines / Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) |
Mining or exploration licence |
|
Agriculture |
Ministry of Agriculture / Veterinary Services |
Food, animal, or agrochemical license |
|
Manufacturing |
Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) |
Product quality and safety certification |
Step 8 Fund your business
Step 10 Â Launch your business