The perceived level of corruption in Zambia remains unchanged since 2020, after a steady increase from 2012.Zambia ranks 116th among the 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index. According to Gan Integrity, “the development of Zambia's business environment is hindered by corruption and a weak institutional framework. “Companies encounter red tape and rampant bribery in all business operations, including company registration, obtaining a construction permit, setting up utilities, and paying taxes. “As a result of the inefficient and corrupt judicial system, foreign investors' property rights are not accurately protected nor enforced. “In addition, international trade is impeded by pervasive corruption and crime in Zambia's customs.“Companies regularly pay kickbacks and bribes in the tendering process for government contracts”.This is despite the passing of the Zambian Anti-Corruption Act in 2012, which criminalises corruption, extortion, bribery of a foreign public official, abuse of office and money laundering.Gan Integrity’s report adds that Zambia's legislation does not address facilitation payments, and the maximum allowable value of gifts or hospitality is not clearly regulated. “Enforcement of Zambia's anti-corruption legislation is lacking,” it states.There are, however, some positive signs that the government of Hakainde Hichilema has been clamping down on corruption. Arrests and investigations of high-profile corruption, particularly involving PF (opposition) members, increased significantly during 2022. In March, acting PF president Given Lubinda was arrested for possessing allegedly ill-gotten gains, including property. In July, former first lady Esther Lungu disclosed that the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) had seized properties belonging to her over similar concerns; she was questioned later that month. In October, former health minister Chitalu Chilufya was arrested over allegations of official corruption. In June 2022, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), a government anticorruption watchdog, reported 3.56 billion kwacha ($208.9 million) in suspicious transactions in 2021, up from 3.14bn kwacha ($184.2m) in 2020
