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The World Bank has introduced a new project designed to enhance regulatory efficiency and improve public service delivery for businesses in Zambia, with a particular focus on the mining and investment sectors.
Manager of the Regulatory Efficiency Unit at the World Bank, Valentina Saltane, said the initiative assessed how regulatory agencies operate, including the quality of public services, levels of digitalisation, transparency, and accessibility of information for both companies and the public.
She was speaking during a presentation titled Transforming Business Climate Assessments at Regional Level: Natural Resources Sector in Zambia at the Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka in Lusaka on Wednesday.
“We also evaluate how effectively agencies share information and how efficient regulatory processes are for businesses interacting with government at different levels,” Saltane said.
According to her, the project had produced a detailed roadmap outlining every step companies must follow to obtain approvals or licences.
“For instance, to secure a domestic certificate or exploration licence, a company may require approvals from the local council and other agencies,” she explained, adding, “We analyse each stage — from initial application to final approval — to identify bottlenecks that could delay investment.”
“Investors want predictability. If processes are unclear or cumbersome, they may take their capital elsewhere,” Saltane noted.
The findings would be presented at an upcoming conference, where participants will engage in detailed discussions on implementation.
Saltane stressed that the ultimate goal was to streamline regulatory processes and make Zambia a more attractive destination for investment.
“Our work is about providing actionable insights that can help authorities improve service delivery and reduce unnecessary delays for businesses,” she said.
The World Bank initiative is expected to contribute significantly to creating a more transparent and efficient regulatory environment, strengthening investor confidence, and supporting Zambia’s economic growth.
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