On 17 June 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO) advised that with the support of the Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF) of Korea, it had provided technical assistance to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) through a national workshop focused on the development and management of Free Zones (FZ). The workshop was held from 02 to 06 June 2025 at the ZRA Training Centre in Lusaka, with the aim of equipping Zambian Customs and key stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement Free Zones in line with international best practices.
Zambia, a landlocked country bordered by eight neighbours, is strategically located to serve as a key commercial hub for southern and Central Africa. In recent years, Zambia has experienced steady growth in both local and foreign investment, particularly in the manufacturing sector. This has created a strong foundation for promoting export-oriented production, mainly to nearby markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Angola, and Burundi. In this context, the introduction of Free Zones is viewed as a catalyst for industrial growth, trade facilitation, and increased foreign direct investment.
The ZRA commissioner of customs officially opened the workshop, expressing appreciation to the WCO and CCF-Korea for their continued support in strengthening Zambia’s customs capabilities. The commissioner highlighted the importance of FZs in advancing Zambia’s national strategy for industrialisation and regional trade facilitation. He noted that FZs, when effectively managed, can offer significant incentives to investors, create employment opportunities, and boost foreign exchange inflows. Of particular interest to Zambia is the proposed establishment of a FZ in Kasumbalesa, a major border post with the DRC. This initiative is expected to improve transit clearance, facilitate cross-border trade, and provide regional markets with direct access to Zambian-manufactured goods.
At the same time, the commissioner noted that FZs may also pose risks if not adequately regulated. Without proper Customs controls, there is potential for illicit activity, tax evasion, and loss of government revenue. The commissioner emphasised the need for robust procedures, effective risk management, and cooperation among relevant authorities to safeguard national interests while promoting legitimate trade.
The training was led by WCO experts and covered key areas, including the legal and territorial framework of FZs, customs’ roles and responsibilities, use of IT systems for reporting and control, safety and security measures, stakeholder cooperation, origin determination, and customs audit and on-site checks. International case studies provided additional insights into effective FZ implementation, including best practices applied in Botswana’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and FZs in Greece.
A total of 17 participants benefited from the workshop, including officials from ZRA, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Zambia Development Agency. The sessions enhanced participants’ understanding of the risks associated with FZs. They equipped them with strategies to mitigate these risks while aligning with international standards. With guidance from the WCO experts, the participants also began drafting an operational and policy framework for the management of FZs in Zambia.
The expected outcomes of the workshop include the development of effective FZ regulations to manage FZs efficiently, as well as the sensitisation of other government agencies and private stakeholders. The workshop also contributes directly to the planned creation of the Kasumbalesa FZ and other future sites across the country.
The ZRA expressed its commitment to using the knowledge gained during the workshop to develop effective regulations and institutional structures. The WCO stands ready to provide further technical assistance as Zambia advances toward the implementation of its FZs agenda. The collaborative efforts between the WCO and ZRA mark a significant step in supporting Zambia’s trade facilitation and industrial development objectives through well-regulated and efficiently managed FZs.