The growth and evolution of Zambia’s commercial sector in recent years is very promising, as both government and industry have responded to global events in a positive and adaptive way, say Siakamwi Chikuba and Clarence Nkhata of Paul Norah Advocates (PNA).
“Zambia has been actively working towards creating a conducive business environment, resulting in increased investment and expansion in various sectors,” pointed out Nkhata. “Economic policies such as implementation of public–private partnerships and foreign direct investment have stimulated competition and innovation. During the global economic downturn, companies in Zambia diversified their operations, explored new markets, and invested in technology to maintain efficiency. We’ve also benefited from regional integration efforts.”
Zambia has been a mining powerhouse for over a century and is still one of the largest copper producers. But it has seen the traditional backbone of its exports and economy evolve with the discovery of lithium deposits, partnership with the EU to develop a critical raw materials value chain, and mining reforms, alongside the diversification and growth of other industries.
“The retail space in Zambia has grown so much, with shopping malls springing up in our capital Lusaka and major mining towns. We’re experiencing quite a lot of tourists again, and the financial sector has also grown,” said Chikuba, managing partner of PNA. “The real estate sector is growing as well, and we’ve seen increased investment in commercial farming and agro-processing. There’s a lot of growth going on in Zambia. We call it the Zambian Dream, akin to the American Dream.”
While working with clients on an array of corporate and disputes matters across various industries, Chikuba and Nkhata have seen and helped businesses in Zambia respond to global shifts towards sustainability, including implementing environmentally friendly practices, increasing social responsibility initiatives, and embracing renewable energy solutions. Overall, they say, Zambia’s commercial sector has embraced innovation, diversification and sustainability, positioning itself well for continued growth and a solid contribution to economic development.
PNA helps their clients navigate the changing landscape by advising on commercial and legal matters across the mining industry, agriculture, energy, construction and infrastructure, fintech and telecommunications. Chikuba shared that in recent months their work has included advising large Indian agricultural companies on investment licences, providing advisories for mining startups, and rendering opinions on one of Zambia’s biggest disputes which involved Mopani Copper Mines and the government, whose investment arm bought a majority stake during the pandemic.
And just as Zambian businesses are evolving and innovating, so is legal practice. Chikuba is proud to lead a firm that’s using and exploring legaltech – from document management to AI – and alternative billing, to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions tailored to their clients in complex corporate transactions.
Even more importantly, they get very close to their clients’ business to ensure they have a good grasp on what they need. “We are very personable with the way we do our work,” he said. “Most of our clients end up becoming very close associates; we get involved in their affairs, internalise their problems, and come up with practical solutions. Sometimes solutions are not just about the law; there can be a social aspect too, so we do as much as possible to find win-win solutions.”
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