Vision: To be an industrialised and competitive nation with a diversified, innovative and globally competitive industrial base by 2027.
Zambia’s National Industrial Policy (NIP) provides a strategic framework to transform the country from a producer of raw materials into a value-adding, export-driven industrial economy. Anchored in Vision 2030, the policy aims to drive sustainable economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction through industrialisation.
🎯 Policy Goals
- Increase manufacturing’s contribution to GDP from 8% to 15% by 2027.
- Double employment in the manufacturing sector.
- Promote value addition, innovation, and competitiveness.
- Strengthen linkages between sectors and support inclusive industrial growth.
🛠️ Priority Sectors
The policy focuses on eight key manufacturing sub-sectors:
- Processed Foods
- Textiles and Garments
- Engineering Products
- Wood and Wood Products
- Leather and Leather Products
- Mineral Processing (metallic and non-metallic)
- Pharmaceuticals
- Blue Economy (aquaculture, inland water transport, tourism)
Supportive sectors include agriculture, construction, tourism, education, energy, ICT, and health.
📌 Strategic Focus Areas
- Develop industrial clusters, economic zones, and value chains.
- Promote cooperatives and MSMEs in industrial development.
- Enhance research, innovation, and technology transfer.
- Improve quality infrastructure and standards compliance.
- Encourage environmentally sustainable industrial practices.
- Mainstream gender, youth, disability, and HIV/AIDS in industrialisation.
🤝 Implementation & Partnerships
Led by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI), the policy involves:
- Statutory bodies like ZDA, CEEC, ZABS, PACRA, and others.
- Line ministries, regulators, and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
- Private sector, academia, and cooperating partners.
💰 Financing & Legal Reforms
The policy promotes:
- Public and private investment in priority sectors.
- Development of supportive legislation on local content, quality standards, IP rights, and SME growth.
📊 Monitoring & Evaluation
The policy will be implemented over 10 years (2017–2027), with mid-term and final reviews to ensure alignment with national goals and evolving economic conditions.
💡 Why It Matters
Industrialisation is key to Zambia’s economic transformation. This policy lays the foundation for a resilient, inclusive, and competitive industrial economy that creates jobs, boosts exports, and improves livelihoods.
