Countries
Zambia
Zambia is a low-income Sub-Saharan country enjoying substantial economic growth with a GNI p.c. of 450 US $ in 2005 rising to 1160 US $ in 2012. Its business climate is relatively favourable though its WB Doing Business ranking has slipped from 67th place in 2005 to 94th in 2012. Notable reforms were achieved in the field of starting a business which would take 35 days in 2005, but only 17 in 2012 and in the field of registering property which used to take 70 days in 2005, but only 31 in 2012. On the other hand, enforcing contracts is today more difficult and time-consuming: requiring 16 procedures and 274 days in 2005 as against 38 procedures and 410 days in 2012.
Zambian employers’ national and international interests are being represented by the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE). In 2007 DECP undertook a fact-finding mission to contact the ZFE and it concluded a partnership agreement in 2009. Cooperation between ZFE and DECP has concentrated on the basics of an effective and efficient employers organisation such as finances, communication with members and with the media, services for members and support for the organisation of the “Employer of the Year Award”.