Overview
The National Industrial Policy places industrial development at the core of Zambia’s growth agenda, aiming to transform the economy from primary commodity dependence to value-added production. It presents a vision to become an industrialised and competitive nation by 2027, guided by principles of inclusiveness, realism, responsiveness, and policy predictability. The policy prioritizes eight manufacturing sub-sectors—processed foods; textiles and garments; engineering products; wood products; leather; mineral processing and beneficiation; pharmaceuticals; and the blue economy—while leveraging supportive sectors such as construction, agriculture, energy, ICT, health, education, and tourism. Key objectives include increasing manufacturing sector growth to 20% and its GDP contribution to 15% by 2027, doubling employment in manufacturing, upgrading technology and R&D, operationalizing local content, strengthening MSMEs and cooperatives, improving quality infrastructure and standards, promoting environmentally sustainable production, and scaling domestic and foreign investment in priority sectors. Cross-cutting themes address gender, youth, disability inclusion, and HIV and AIDS mainstreaming. The implementation framework spans 2017–2027, led by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, with roles for statutory bodies and agencies in investment promotion, standards, competition, empowerment, and regulatory reform. The policy also proposes legal reforms on investment facilitation, local content, national quality infrastructure, intellectual property, technical education, ICT, and SME growth. Monitoring and evaluation are built around a mid-term (5-year) and final (10-year) review.