In terms of socio-political stability in Africa, Zambia stands tall among the many countries. It has avoided military-rule and other macabre ethnic clashes that bedevils African states.

These qualities combined with the strategic location of the country in the upper central part of Southern Africa makes it one of the best places in the continent for investment. Zambia has eight (8) direct neighbours. Among these are important economies like Tanzania, DR Congo, Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Regional economic giant—South Africa, is two countries away.

Despite economic challenges caused by a slumped mining sector and fiscal challenges in recent years, an IMF deal and commitment by the government to pursue fiscal discipline has led to a significant path towards recovery. The African Development Bank (ADB) projects the southern African country’s economy to expand at 4.0% in 2023 and 4.2 in 2024.

Zambia’s GDP stood at $29.27 billion at the end of 2022. Other estimates put it much higher. It has a population of about 20 million which is youthful and concentrated in the country’s copper belt.

The Bank attributes this positive growth to recovering services, mining and manufacturing sectors. As a major global producer of copper, recent rise in the price of the metal has become important to this recovery. The country seeks to diversify its economy to evade the negative effects of price fluctuations.

Apart from copper, Zambia has significant natural resources including gold, cobalt and silver and limestone. The country is known to have large deposits of gemstones—counted among the world’s largest. In terms of infrastructure, the landlocked country is relatively better than many of its neighbours.

Security issues:
Issues securitized in Zambia have included the HIV epidemics, youth unemployment, economic stability and other environmental issues. Environmental issues include the effects of climate change which the government has prioritized.

Verdict:
Zambia’s location and stability make it one of the most ideal places to avoid political risk in Africa. With neighbours that have their unique economic advantages, the country provides space from where businesses and investors could coordinate their activities in the upper sub-region of Southern Africa.

With its recent IMF program and significant levels of recovery, Zambia is surely a place to put your money. Risk is significantly low.