Zambian agricultural policy rests on the Second National Agricultural Policy of 2016, the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme for 2024–2033 and the Eighth National Development Plan. Its legal base combines land and input laws from the 1960s with recent acts on food safety, animal identification, plant health and finance. Laws on the Food Reserve Agency, warehouse receipts and agricultural marketing, assented to on 31 March 2026, were awaiting commencement orders in October 2026.
This note explains how the entries are linked. Each act links to its consolidated text on ZambiaLII, the free legal information service, and to its page on the National Assembly website. Numbers, dates and commencement status were checked on 16 October 2026. Acts that come into force by statutory instrument are marked as not yet in force where no commencement order appears in the Government Gazette (checked to 24 July 2026) or the statutory instruments indexed by ZambiaLII.
Milestones in agricultural and agri-finance policy
Drought disaster declared, CATSP launched, Stability and Resilience Facility141516Strategy
2025
Plant Health Act, Cotton Act, maize export quotas, e-voucher extension planned for the remaining 42 districts17181920Law
Mar–Apr 2026
Food Reserve, warehouse receipts, agricultural marketing and banking Acts assented and published, export restrictions removed212219Law
8.1
Land, food reserve and marketing
Lands ActAct No. 29 of 1995, Cap. 1841995, amended by Act No. 41 of 2010 and Act No. 20 of 2015 (assent 17 Dec 2015)
The Lands Act provides for the continuation of leasehold tenure, the continued vesting of all land in the President, and the statutory recognition and continuation of customary tenure2. It allows a holder of land under customary tenure to convert it into leasehold tenure, a procedure further set by the Lands (Customary Tenure) (Conversion) Regulations as amended in 201523. The Act also establishes a Land Development Fund and a Lands Tribunal2. ZambiaLII holds a consolidated text as at 1 January 201623.
Agricultural Lands ActCap. 187 (1960)1960, Agricultural Lands (Amendment) Act No. 39 of 2026 assented, not yet commenced
The Act establishes the Agricultural Lands Board and provides for tenant farming schemes under which settled tenant farmers hold land on conditions set by the Board2526. Parliament passed an amending Act in 2026, which ZambiaLII listed as not yet commenced on 16 October 20262726.
Recent changes: Agricultural Lands (Amendment) Act No. 39 of 2026, dated 12 June 2026 and listed as uncommenced2627.
Food Reserve ActAct No. 6 of 2020 (in force), replaced on commencement by Act No. 6 of 2026Assent 23 Oct 2020, gazetted 26 Oct 2020, new Act assent 31 Mar 2026, gazetted 8 Apr 2026, not yet commenced
The Food Reserve Agency was first established by the Food Reserve Act of 1995 (Cap. 225), which also created a national food reserve128. The Food Reserve Act No. 6 of 2020 continues the Agency, re-constitutes its Board and continues the National Strategic Food Reserve, with the Agency able to market, trade, purchase, import, sell and export designated agricultural commodities2930. The Food Reserve Act No. 6 of 2026 will repeal the 2020 Act and refocus the reserve on maintaining designated commodities for food relief during emergencies or market and economic shocks, with a ministerial power to designate commodities and collaboration on market information31. ZambiaLII listed the 2026 Act as not yet commenced on 16 October 202632.
Recent changes: The 1995 Act was amended by Act No. 20 of 2005 and replaced in 202030. The 2026 Act forms part of a package with the Agricultural Marketing Act and the Agricultural Credits and Warehouse Receipts Act of the same date32.
Agricultural Marketing Act, 2026Act No. 8 of 2026Assent 31 Mar 2026, gazetted 8 Apr 2026, not yet commenced
The Act establishes the Zambian Agricultural Marketing Council to regulate and support agricultural markets and to promote an efficient, private sector driven marketing system33. It creates an Agricultural Marketing Observatory Unit to manage data on agricultural products and markets and sets a framework for intervention measures relating to an agricultural product33. Persons engaged in agricultural marketing must register under the Act34. It was introduced as Bill No. 35 of 2025 and ZambiaLII listed it as not yet commenced on 16 October 202634.
Co-operative Societies ActAct No. 20 of 19981998, commenced by SI No. 24 of 1999 (8 Feb 1999)
The Act revises the law on the formation, registration and regulation of co-operative societies and repealed the Co-operative Societies Act of 197035. It was brought into force by a commencement order in February 1999, and the Co-operative Societies Regulations, 1999 apply under it36. The Second National Agricultural Policy lists support to co-operatives and other farmer organisations among its areas of focus6.
Seeds, plant and animal health, food safety and commodities
Plant Variety and Seeds ActCap. 236 (1967)1967, amended 1995 (Act No. 21 of 1995), regulations SI No. 23 of 2018
The Act regulates the production, sale, import and export of seed for sowing, sets minimum standards of germination and purity and provides for seed certification37. It provides for the registration of seed producers and official seed testers38. The Plant Variety and Seeds Regulations, 2018 and their 2021 amendment are the current subsidiary rules38. Seed certification is carried out by the Seed Control and Certification Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture3918.
Plant Breeder's Rights ActAct No. 18 of 200731 Aug 2007, forms and fees regulations SI No. 46 of 2011
The Act provides the legal basis for plant breeders' rights over plant varieties in Zambia40. The Plant Breeder's Rights (Forms and Fees) Regulations, 2011 set the application procedure and fees40.
Plant Health Act, 2025Act No. 1 of 202515 Apr 2025, not yet commenced
The Act sets the functions of the Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service Department, provides for the registration of pest controllers and plant related structures and regulates imports and exports to prevent the introduction or spread of pests41. It gives effect to the International Plant Protection Convention and will repeal the Plant Pests and Diseases Act of 195841. Until it commences, phytosanitary control continues under the 1958 Act and its 2020 certification and fee regulations1742.
Agriculture (Fertilisers and Feed) ActCap. 226 (1966)1966, amended by Act No. 32 of 2010 (assent 14 Aug 2010)
The Act regulates the manufacture, processing, importation and sale of agricultural fertilisers and farm feed and sets minimum standards of effectiveness and purity4344. It was amended in 201045.
Animal Health ActAct No. 27 of 201016 Aug 2010, amended by Act No. 7 of 2025 (19 Aug 2025)
The Act provides for the appointment of the Director responsible for veterinary services, the prevention and control of animal diseases, quarantine and the regulation of imports and exports of animals, animal products and feed46. It establishes the Animal Disease Control Fund and replaced the Stock Diseases Act of 196146. Import and export conditions are set by regulations issued in 202047.
Recent changes: Animal Health (Amendment) Act No. 7 of 20254847.
Animal Identification and Traceability Act, 2024Act No. 2 of 202418 Apr 2024, not yet commenced
The Act establishes an Animal Identification and Traceability Unit and a national system for the traceability of animals, animal products and by-products, including registration of identification marks and agents49. It will replace the Animal Identification Act No. 28 of 2010, which remains the applicable law while ZambiaLII lists the 2024 Act as not yet commenced50.
The Act provides for the Director of Fisheries and fisheries officers, promotes sustainable development and a precautionary approach in fisheries management, and establishes fisheries management areas and committees51. It regulates commercial fishing and aquaculture, establishes the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Fund and replaced the Fisheries Act of 19745152.
Food Safety ActAct No. 7 of 201912 Aug 2019, commenced by SI No. 19 of 2020
The Act protects the public against health hazards and fraud in the manufacture, sale and use of food and streamlines regulatory clearances for food premises53. It establishes the Food Safety Coordinating Committee and the National Food Laboratory and repealed the Food and Drugs Act of 197253. A commencement order was issued in March 202054.
Biosafety ActAct No. 10 of 20073 May 2007, commenced by SI No. 31 of 2008, amended by Act No. 49 of 2026
The Act regulates the research, development, application, import, export and transit of genetically modified organisms and establishes the National Biosafety Authority55. Parliament passed an amending Act in 202656.
Dairy Industry Development ActAct No. 22 of 2010Assent 13 Apr 2010, commenced by SI No. 19 of 2011
The Act regulates the dairy industry with the aim of an efficient and self sustaining industry that contributes to poverty alleviation, household food security and employment57. It establishes the Dairy Industry Development Board, promotes self regulation through codes of practice and repealed the Dairies and Dairy Produce Act of 19315758.
Cotton ActAct No. 21 of 2005 (in force), replaced on commencement by Act No. 14 of 2025Assent 28 Sep 2005, new Act assent 23 Dec 2025, gazetted 30 Dec 2025, not yet commenced
The 2005 Act established the Cotton Board and regulates the production, ginning and marketing of seed cotton59. The Cotton Act No. 14 of 2025 continues the Cotton Board of Zambia, provides for the grading and classification of seed cotton, establishes a Price Consultative Forum and provides for seed production zones designated in consultation with the Seed Control and Certification Institute6018. ZambiaLII listed the 2025 Act as not yet commenced on 16 October 202618.
Tobacco ActAct No. 10 of 2022Assent 9 Aug 2022, gazetted 11 Aug 2022, amended by Act No. 26 of 2026 (not yet commenced)
The Act provides for the promotion, regulation and monitoring of the production, marketing and packing of tobacco and regulates tobacco imports61. It continues the Tobacco Board of Zambia, imposes a levy on tobacco grown in Zambia and replaced the Tobacco Act and the Tobacco Levy Act of 19676162.
Recent changes: Tobacco (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2026, dated 12 June 2026 and listed as uncommenced62.
Agricultural Credits Act and Agricultural Credits and Warehouse Receipts ActAct No. 35 of 2010 (in force), replaced on commencement by Act No. 7 of 2026Assent 14 Nov 2010, commenced by SI No. 25 of 2011, new Act assent 31 Mar 2026, gazetted 8 Apr 2026, not yet commenced
The Agricultural Credits Act of 2010 established the Warehouse Licensing Authority and allows borrowing on the security of charges over farming stock and other agricultural assets, with registration of charges, certification of warehouses and negotiable warehouse receipts563. The Agricultural Credits and Warehouse Receipts Act No. 7 of 2026 continues the Authority, establishes an Electronic Warehouse Receipt System and regulates contracts of advance and agricultural charges as security for agricultural commodities21. The Authority licenses warehouse operators and certifies their warehouses, and the Act links agricultural charges to the collateral registry under the Movable Property (Security Interest) Act64. ZambiaLII listed the 2026 Act as not yet commenced on 16 October 202664.
Recent changes: The 2026 Act will repeal the Agricultural Credits Act and was introduced as Bill No. 34 of 202564.
Banking and Financial Services ActAct No. 7 of 2017 (in force), replaced on commencement by Act No. 9 of 2026Assent 12 Apr 2017, commenced by SI No. 38 of 2018, new Act assent 31 Mar 2026, gazetted 8 Apr 2026, not yet commenced
The 2017 Act provides a licensing system for banking and financial business, corporate governance standards, consumer protection and the regulation and supervision of banks and financial institutions by the Bank of Zambia865. The Banking and Financial Services Act No. 9 of 2026 adds environmental, social and governance standards, resolution powers for failed institutions, innovative and inclusive financial services and market conduct rules, and repeals the Money-lenders Act22. ZambiaLII listed the 2026 Act as not yet commenced on 16 October 202665.
Recent changes: Amended by Act No. 7 of 202065. The Zambia Deposit Insurance Corporation Act No. 11 of 2026 establishes a Deposit Insurance Fund to protect depositors and was assented on 31 March 2026, published on 8 April 2026 and not yet commenced6667.
The Act sets the additional functions, operations and management of the Bank of Zambia, the composition of its Board and the establishment of the Monetary Policy Committee and the Financial Stability Committee10. Its objectives include price stability and financial stability, and the Bank regulates and supervises financial service providers and credit reporting agencies68. It replaced the Bank of Zambia Act of 199668.
Movable Property (Security Interest) ActAct No. 3 of 2016Assent 5 Apr 2016, general and fees regulations of 2016
The Act provides for the creation, perfection and priority of security interests in movable property, with the aim of making low-cost secured credit available against the full value of borrowers' assets7. It establishes a Collateral Office and Collateral Registry for a single registration regime, administered by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency769. General and fee regulations were issued in late 201670.
Credit Reporting ActAct No. 8 of 2018Assent 28 Jul 2018, gazetted 31 Jul 2018, commenced by SI No. 70 of 2019
The Act provides for the licensing and regulation of credit reporting agencies by the Bank of Zambia, the establishment of a Credit Registry and the protection of data subjects71. It governs information sharing used to assess the creditworthiness of borrowers71. A commencement order was issued in October 201972.
Insurance ActAct No. 38 of 202120 May 2021, commenced by SI No. 83 of 2022
The Act regulates the insurance industry and the supervision of insurers, reinsurers and intermediaries, including microinsurance business73. It continues the Policyholders' Protection Committee and the Insurance Fidelity Fund, provides for a National Reinsurance Company and replaced the Insurance Act of 199773. A commencement order was issued in December 202274.
Securities ActAct No. 41 of 2016Assent 19 Dec 2016, amended by Act No. 21 of 2022
The Act regulates the capital markets, continues the Securities and Exchange Commission, first established in 1993, and provides for the licensing of securities exchanges, clearing and settlement agencies, market operators and credit rating agencies75. It also regulates collective investment schemes75. The Commission's green finance page links the Act to its green bond guidelines76.
Recent changes: Securities (Amendment) Act No. 21 of 202275.
Citizens Economic Empowerment ActAct No. 9 of 200619 May 2006, amended 2010, 2021 and 2026
The Act established the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission to promote broad based and equitable economic empowerment of citizens who are or have been marginalised or disadvantaged783. Regulations under the Act cover preferential procurement and a reservation scheme for citizen businesses3.
Recent changes: Amended by Act No. 43 of 2010, Act No. 5 of 2021 and Act No. 43 of 2026379.
Development Bank of Zambia ActAct No. 35 of 1972, Cap. 3631972, amended 1982, 2001 and 2005
The Act establishes the Development Bank of Zambia to assist in the economic development of Zambia and sets its constitution, duties and powers80. It was amended in 1982, 2001 and 200580.
Bank of Zambia refinancing facilities open to agriculture
Facility
Launched
Size
Terms
Use and status
Targeted Medium-Term Refinancing Facility
April 2020
K10 billion
Priced at the policy rate, up to 5 years, 60% for priority sectors including agriculture
23 approvals worth K7.8 billion and K3.3 billion drawn by end-2020, balance K4,129.5 million at end-2025
Stability and Resilience Facility
30 December 2024
K5.0 billion
Up to 7 years, 24-month moratorium, policy rate minus 1 point (minus 3 points for green loans)
For agriculture and businesses hit by power shortages after the drought, K3,528.0 million of principal disbursed by end-2025
Source: BoZ — The Bank of Zambia does not publish the share of either facility lent to agriculture. The Stability and Resilience Facility was worth about US$179 million at the end-2024 rate (own calculation).
8.4
Strategies and plans
Vision 2030Ministry of Finance and National PlanningDec 2006
Vision 2030 sets the long term goal of a prosperous middle-income nation by 20304. It was prepared from 2005 through consultations in all 72 districts of the time and is implemented through medium term national development plans4.
Eighth National Development Plan 2022-2026Ministry of Finance and National PlanningAug 2022
The 8NDP, themed Socio-economic Transformation for Improved Livelihoods, is organised around four strategic development areas, namely economic transformation and job creation, human and social development, environmental sustainability and good governance11. Annual progress reports for 2022 to 2025 are published by the Ministry83. The page for the Ninth National Development Plan existed in October 2026 but carried no documents83.
Second National Agricultural PolicyMinistry of Agriculture and Ministry of Fisheries and LivestockFeb 2016
The policy replaced the National Agricultural Policy 2004-2015 and covers food and nutrition security, production, diversification, research and extension, irrigation, value addition, marketing, livestock and fisheries6. Its vision is an efficient, competitive and sustainable agricultural sector that assures food and nutrition security, employment and incomes6. One objective is to improve access to agricultural finance, with measures that include a warehouse receipt system under a warehouse licensing authority and a repayment culture in agricultural credit6.
Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (Second National Agriculture Investment Plan 2024-2033)Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock2024
CATSP is Zambia's second National Agriculture Investment Plan, aligned with the 8NDP and Vision 2030, and the national vehicle for the CAADP commitments, including at least 10 percent of public expenditure for agriculture84. Its budget was estimated at USD 5.7 billion, about K113.8 billion84. It provides for a Zambia Agriculture Transformation Trust Fund with risk-sharing, financial services and non-financial pillars, including an Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme84.
Farmer Input Support Programme and Comprehensive Agriculture Support ProgrammeMinistry of AgricultureCASP announced in the 2023 Budget Address, FISP e-voucher round for 2026/27
The 2023 Budget Address stated that the Farmer Input Support Programme would continue and be expanded into a Comprehensive Agriculture Support Programme covering extension, irrigation, access to finance, value addition and storage logistics85. The Minister of Agriculture told Parliament that FISP is one component of CASP85. For the 2026/27 season the Ministry is running FISP through electronic vouchers, targeting 1,024,434 farmers in 116 districts86.
National Livestock Development PolicyMinistry of Fisheries and LivestockOct 2020
This is the first standalone livestock policy, prepared because livestock issues were not addressed separately under the Second National Agricultural Policy87. Its overall objective is to transform the livestock industry to enhance socio-economic development, with specific objectives on production, research, animal genetic resources, animal health services and a Livestock Information Management System87.
National Fisheries and Aquaculture PolicyMinistry of Fisheries and LivestockMar 2023, implementation plan 2022-2026
The policy guides fisheries and aquaculture programmes with the aim of raising production and productivity in a sustainable and inclusive manner and closing the national fish deficit88. Its foreword puts the subsector at about 3.2 percent of agricultural GDP88. The Ministry publishes an implementation plan for 2022-202689.
National Financial Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028Ministry of Finance and National PlanningMar 2024
The strategy targets 85 percent of the population financially included and 80 percent of adults formally included by 2028, after inclusion rose from 59.3 percent in 2015 to 69.4 percent in 2020 under the first strategy for 2017-202290. Agriculture is one of its thematic areas, which notes that only 11 percent of the small and emergent agriculture sector received formal credit in the fourth quarter of 202290. It reports agricultural insurance outreach of 1,024,434 farmers in 202390.
Source: MoF · MoFNP · Parliament — Allocations announced in the budget address, not outturns. The 2026 allocation for agriculture, fisheries and livestock is worth about US$815 million at the end-August 2026 rate (own calculation). Budget addresses for 2018–2022 were not opened.
8.5
International commitments and trade
Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade AreaAfrican UnionSigned 10 Feb 2019, ratified 28 Jan 2021, instrument deposited 5 Feb 2021
Zambia signed the AfCFTA Agreement on 10 February 2019, ratified it on 28 January 2021 and deposited the instrument on 5 February 202194. The African Union status list of 22 May 2026 records 49 ratifications in total94.
SADC and COMESA membershipRegional economic communitiesOngoing
Zambia is a Member State of the Southern African Development Community95. It is also a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, formed in December 1994 to replace the Preferential Trade Area of 198196.
AI-assisted content, human-reviewed: This page was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by a human editor. (last review: October 2026) Despite review, errors or outdated values may remain; please verify critical figures against the linked primary sources before relying on them. Nothing here is investment, legal or financial advice.
