Two economic zones create 8,000 jobs in Zambia

Two economic zones set up by Chinese enterprises in Zambia have paved the way for the creation of over 8,000 jobs in the African nation.

According to Steven Lindunda, corporate affairs manager at the Zambia-China Economic and Trade Corporation Zone (ZCCZ), there are a total of 41 companies that have invested in the economic zone in Chambishi, while ten others have invested in Lusaka, the nation’s capital.

As of the end of last year, the firms, mostly Chinese, had poured a total of US$2bn in investments into the two facilities.

The ZCCZ has spent a total of US$200m to develop infrastructure in the two economic zones.

Lindunda added that many companies have expressed interest in investing in the zones, but have thus far been deterred by the high electricity tariffs and lack of tax holidays for investors.