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Zambia: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
President Hakainde Hichilema
Head of Government:
President Hakainde Hichilema

Overview

Government Name:
Republic of Zambia
Constitution:
Formed: 1991; Recognizes the individual rights of citizens, lists the powers of the different branches of government, and explains other miscellaneous functions of the state.
Government Type:
Republic
Republic of Zambia Flag
Coat of Arms of Republic of Zambia

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

D
A high-risk political and economic situation and an often very difficult business environment can have a very significant impact on corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is very high. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

Ultimately, all of the power of the executive branch rests with the president. In addition to being the head of government and head of state, he is also the commander-in-chief of ZambiaÕs armed forces. Besides these conventional powers, the president also has the power to dissolve the National Assembly and in turn call for elections (including his own).

Elected through popular vote.

5 years
Judicial

Supreme Court of Zambia is the highest court and the final court of appeal in all matters.

All judges and justices of the Supreme Court and the High Courts are appointed by the president and assume their post after being vetted and approved by the National Assembly.

Mandatory retirement age of 65
Legislative

Debates and amends bills for the president to sign into law.

Elected through popular vote.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs
COMESA
SADC

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Zambia Revenue Authority
Tax Name:
VAT

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/