Invest in Zambia's Growing Economy
Investing in the Zambian property market is an excellent opportunity for investors who are looking to diversify their portfolio and benefit from a growing economy. Zambia is located in the heart of Southern Africa and is an emerging market with an abundance of investment opportunities. In this blog post, we will discuss why now is a good time to invest in the Zambian property market, the performance of the economy, the new government, opportunities in tourism, agriculture, Zambia's geographic position, growing urban population and middle class, and rental yields.
Zambia's Economy
The Zambian economy has been performing well over the past few years, with an average GDP growth rate of 3.7% from 2016 to 2019. This growth is expected to continue, with projected growth rates of 4.0% in 2022 and 4.2% in 2023. The government has made significant efforts to improve the business environment by implementing policies that promote private sector growth and attract foreign investment. The government's focus on economic diversification has led to the development of various sectors, including mining, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
New Government and New President
In August 2021, Zambia held its presidential elections, which resulted in a change of government. The new president, Hakainde Hichilema, was elected with a large majority, and his party, the United Party for National Development (UPND), secured a landslide victory. Hichilema's presidency has brought renewed hope for Zambia's economic growth and development. The new government has prioritized measures to improve the business environment, reduce corruption, and increase transparency, which will create an attractive investment climate.
Opportunities in Tourism
Zambia's tourism industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country, with visitor numbers increasing year on year. In 2019, the country recorded over 1.1 million tourist arrivals, representing a 6.4% increase from the previous year. Zambia's diverse wildlife, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for tourists. The government has been investing in infrastructure development to enhance the tourism experience, including the construction of airports and the improvement of road networks. Additionally, the government has been promoting private sector investment in the sector, which has resulted in the development of various tourist facilities.
Growing Agriculture Industry
Agriculture is Zambia's primary economic activity, employing over 70% of the population and contributing to over 18% of the country's GDP. The government has been implementing policies to promote investment in the sector, including the allocation of land to investors and the provision of infrastructure such as irrigation systems. There are opportunities for investors in various areas of the agriculture industry, including production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products. With the government's focus on agriculture, the industry is set to continue growing, creating opportunities for investors.
Zambia's Geographic Position
Zambia's geographic position provides numerous advantages for investors. The country is located in the center of Southern Africa, making it a gateway to other countries in the region. Zambia shares borders with eight countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania, making it an important transport hub. Additionally, Zambia is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which provides access to a market of over 600 million people.
Growing Urban Population and Middle Class
Zambia's urban population is growing rapidly, creating a demand for housing and other infrastructure. The country's middle class is also expanding, creating opportunities for investors in the real estate sector. Lusaka, the capital city, and the Copperbelt region are the primary areas of interest for real estate investors due to their growing populations and increased economic activity. The rental yields in these areas are particularly attractive, providing a good return on investment for investors. Additionally, the government has been implementing policies to address the housing deficit, which has resulted in the development of affordable housing projects.
Rental Yields
Rental yields in Zambia are particularly attractive, especially in Lusaka and the Copperbelt region. The rental yield in Lusaka is estimated to be between 7% and 10%, while the rental yield in the Copperbelt region is estimated to be between 8% and 12%. These yields are higher than those in many other African countries, making Zambia an attractive investment destination for real estate investors. Additionally, the government has been implementing policies to support the real estate sector, including the development of a mortgage finance market and the implementation of property rights laws.
Conclusion
Investing in the Zambian property market is an attractive opportunity for investors looking to diversify their portfolio and benefit from a growing economy. The country's performance in recent years, the new government and president, opportunities in tourism and agriculture, Zambia's geographic position, and growing urban population and middle class all make it an attractive investment destination. Additionally, rental yields in Lusaka and the Copperbelt region are particularly attractive, providing a good return on investment for investors. As the government continues to implement policies that support the real estate sector, the opportunities for investment in Zambia's property market are set to continue growing.
At Homenet we have all kinds of investment opportunities available, including Tourism properties in some of the most beautiful destinations in Zambia, agriculture properties all over the country, land ready for development in our towns and cities, as well as along our various rivers. Many of our investment opportunities are very discreet and you won't find them on our website. To find out more about these and many other investments, please contact us.