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Istanbul Africa Trade Company

Country Profiles

Zambia

The Republic of Zambia is located in South-Central Africa and it is bordered by Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Tanzania. The population of Zambia is 17 million and its GDP is $25 Billion.

Zambia gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and the current constitution is effective since 2016. English is the official language. Its capital city is Lusaka with a population of around 2 million people. The headquarter of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is located in Lusaka.

Zambia’s largest trade partners are Switzerland, China and South Africa. Zambia also has strong commercial relations with its border countries. It imports 58% of its products from other African countries. Zambia’s economy is driven by copper mining and processing. 74% of total exports is raw and refined copper.

Turkish Embassy in Zambia was opened very recently in 2011. Before the opening of embassy, Turkish embassies in Nairobi and Pretoria are accredited to Zambia. DEIK and Turkish Exporters’ Assembly are working closely with Zambian authorities to promote trade and investment between two countries. According to our research, construction sector has been developing rapidly in Zambia. Building and construction is the largest sector of Zambia comprising around 25% of the GDP and its growth rate is more than 10% each year. We advise Turkish companies to look for opportunities in contracting and construction materials.

Below, you can see the fact sheet, macroeconomic outlook and trade relations of Zambia with Turkey.

Four charts for Zambia. Population rises from about 10.5 million in 2000 to 17 million in 2017. GDP grows from about US$3 billion to a peak near US$28 billion in 2013, ending about US$26 billion. Total exports stay above imports, peaking near US$14 billion in 2014. Exports to Turkey spike to about US$112 million in 2011; imports from Turkey peak near US$55 million in 2015. Turkey's exports to Zambia in 2008 and 2017: a pie chart splitting the ten largest product groups from all others, the total value of exports, and a table naming those ten products with each one's share. The same figures are listed as a table further down this page.
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Country at a glance

Capital city
Lusaka
Official language
English
Population
17 million
GDP
$25 billion
GDP per capita
$1,510
Human Development Index
0.588
Top 3 import partners
South Africa, DRC, China
Top 3 export partners
Switzerland, China, India
Top 3 import products
Copper ore, Refined Petroleum, Cobalt Oxides
Top 3 export products
Raw Copper, Refined Copper, Raw Tobacco
Trade balance
+$1.21B in net exports

Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report (2019). Figures as published, reflecting data to 2017.

Turkey's exports to this market

Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report. Figures as published.

2008

$7 million

Top 10 products account for 74% of the total.

2008
ProductShare of total
Raw Iron Bars22.7%
Industrial Food Preparation Machinery18.6%
Other Iron Bars8.8%
Iron Blocks6.2%
Rubber Tires5.2%
Sulfates3.9%
Synthetic Filament Tow2.8%
Electric Motors2.2%
Tractors1.8%
Vehicle Parts1.7%

2017

$13 million

Top 10 products account for 52.5% of the total.

2017
ProductShare of total
Stone Processing Machines19.8%
Mill Machinery10.1%
Processed Synthetic Staple Fibers5.1%
Large Iron Containers3.3%
Steam Boilers3%
Unglazed Ceramics2.7%
Refrigerators2.4%
Nitrogenous Fertilizers2.3%
Vehicle Parts1.9%
Forging Machines1.8%

Frequently asked questions

Zambia: what does Turkey export there?
In 2017, Turkey's exports to this market were valued at $13 million. The ten largest product groups made up 52.5% of that total, led by Stone Processing Machines; Mill Machinery; Processed Synthetic Staple Fibers.
Zambia: who are its main trading partners?
The three largest import partners are South Africa, DRC, China. The three largest export partners are Switzerland, China, India.
Zambia: what does the country import?
The three largest import products are Copper ore; Refined Petroleum; Cobalt Oxides. The three largest export products are Raw Copper; Refined Copper; Raw Tobacco.
Zambia: how big is the economy?
Population 17 million, GDP $25 billion, and $1,510 per person. The Human Development Index is 0.588.
Zambia: does it run a trade surplus or a deficit?
The trade balance is +$1.21B in net exports.

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Reviewed by Burak Unal, Director of African Markets

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