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Zambia’s construction sector is witnessing a strong rise in contractor registrations amid tighter regulatory oversight, though significant disparities in project allocation persist, the National Council for Construction (NCC) claimed on Tuesday.
NCC Chief Executive Officer Professor, Paul Makasa, told a media briefing in Lusaka that the council issued 1,017 contractor registration certificates between January and March 2026, up from 839 during the same period last year.
He said the increase reflected improving compliance as more contractors formalise their operations.
Makasa said the rise in registrations signaled a gradual shift toward adherence to regulatory standards, but he warned that certification alone did not guarantee quality.
He emphasised the need for continuous monitoring and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
According to NCC data, lower-tier contractors continue to dominate the sector, with Grade Six companies accounting for about 57 percent of all registrations in the first quarter.
About 83 percent of the certificates issued were renewals, which Makasa said showed that most contractors were maintaining their compliance status.
He noted, however, that the expanding participation of small and medium-sized enterprises brought additional challenges, including limited technical capacity, access to equipment, and financing constraints.
Makasa said Zambian-owned companies made up 96.3 percent of all registered contractors, underscoring strong local involvement.
Hiwever, he pointed to a deep imbalance, with local firms accounting for only 12 percent of the total value of construction projects, while foreign contractors controlled 88 percent.
He attributed the disparity to factors such as high financing requirements, procurement barriers, and inadequate sector capacity.
He said the NCC was working with government and industry players to address the gaps by promoting joint ventures, strengthening subcontracting frameworks and facilitating skills transfer.
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As part of its inclusivity drive, the council claimed it had also expanded outreach programmes, including career guidance sessions targeting more than 1,800 female Grade 12 pupils in North-Western and Southern provinces.
Makasa said capacity building remained central to the council’s strategy, with the National Construction School continuing to offer training aimed at bridging skills gaps and improving industry standards.
He added that the NCC was tightening inspection systems and developing guidelines to ensure that extended working hours do not compromise safety or quality. Sustained 24-hour operations, he said, required adequate power supply, security measures and transport infrastructure.
Makasa argued that while the sector had made progress in compliance and broader participation, significant work remained to address persistent inequalities in project allocation and to strengthen regulatory enforcement.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to ensuring that the construction industry operated in a manner that supported sustainable national development while upholding safety, quality and professionalism.
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