Named after the Zambezi River, Zambia is home to one of Africa’s most extensive wetlands, the Barotse Floodplain; Victoria Falls (known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “Smoke that Thunders”); and a local population comprised of more than 70 different ethnicities.
Zambia also has a skilled workforce and a cost-effective business environment, making it an attractive choice for global businesses hiring remote employees.
Advantages of Hiring in Zambia
Zambia has invested heavily in education, particularly engineering, technology, and business. The result is a growing talent pool of skilled professionals eager for remote work opportunities with global companies.
In addition, the official language of Zambia is English, simplifying communication for remote workers collaborating with international teams.
Here are some quick facts about Zambia:
- Languages: English, as well as several regional languages
- Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
- Capital City: Lusaka
- Population: 20.5 Million
- Cost of Living Rank: 90th
A Skilled Workforce
Since gaining its independence in 1961, Zambia has made significant strides in education and infrastructure. It boasts a growing entrepreneurial environment and is ranked 85th in ease of doing business in the World Bank’s 2022 Doing Business Report.
This, coupled with a strong emphasis on English education and labor costs that are generally lower than those of many Western countries, makes the country an attractive option for businesses seeking global talent.
Popular Remote Job Roles
Common job sectors for hiring remote Zambian top talent include:
- IT and software development: Software engineers, programmers, and IT support specialists
- Finance and accounting: Accountants, financial analysts, and data analysts
- Customer service: Customer support representatives and call center agents
- Administrative and office support: Virtual assistants, data entry specialists, and administrative support staff
- Content creation and marketing: Content writers, social media managers, and digital marketers
Employment Laws: Hiring Compliantly in Zambia
Employment Contracts
There are several different types of employment contract options for companies hiring employees in Zambia, including:
- Permanent contracts: These indefinite-term contracts are open-ended and meant for long-term employment.
- Fixed-term contracts: Fixed-term contracts are intended for temporary projects or positions. The maximum duration is normally two years, but they can be renewed for up to four years.
- Probationary contracts: Typically lasting three to six months, probationary contracts give employers an opportunity to assess new hires before committing to a permanent contract.
- Part-time contracts: These contracts accommodate reduced work hours while providing employees access to benefits, such as social security.
All employment contracts in Zambia must include details about job roles, working hours, benefits, termination procedures, and salary.
Working Hours & Pay
Zambia’s standard workday is eight hours, including breaks, with a maximum of 48 hours per week. Specific industries, however, may require fewer weekly hours.
The minimum monthly wage in Zambia varies by employment category. For example, the minimum wage for domestic workers is generally lower than average but includes allowances for housing and meals.
Probation Periods
There are no legal requirements governing probation periods in Zambia, although three months is the most common time frame. However, for more senior roles, this can be extended by an additional three months to ensure a good fit for both employer and employee.
Employer Taxes
Employers and employees are each responsible for contributing 5% of an employee’s salary to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) and 1% to the National Health Insurance Management Authority. In addition, employers must contribute 0.5% of the employee’s salary to the Skills Development Levy.
Termination Process & Severance Pay
Employers must have a valid reason for terminating a contract, such as misconduct, poor performance, or operational necessity. The required notice period is based on contract length and ranges from 24 hours to 30 days.
Employers must provide written notice for termination for contracts lasting longer than 60 days.
While not mandatory in all cases, severance pay might be required under certain circumstances, such as termination due to redundancy or after a particular service period.
Specific entitlements can vary based on individual employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements.
Paid Leave Laws in Zambia
Vacation and Holiday
Employees in Zambia receive up to 24 vacation days per year, accrued at the rate of two days per month. Zambian employees are entitled to multiple paid days off for national holidays, including New Year’s Day, Africa Freedom Day, and Independence Day.
Sick Leave
Employees can receive up to six months of paid sick leave, depending on their contract and amount of time they’ve worked for a company.
Sick leave is fully paid for the first three months and paid at 50% for the remaining three months. Employees must have worked for their employer for at least six months to qualify for sick leave.
Maternity Leave
Pregnant employees are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave. Employees are required to take at least six weeks of leave following the child’s birth.
Paternity Leave
Fathers receive five days of paid paternity leave within seven days of their child’s birth.
Emerging Possibilities for Digital Nomads in Zambia
As the country’s tech ecosystem continues to grow, Zambia is emerging as a promising African destination for digital nomads and freelancers.
While not yet a top global destination, Zambia’s capital and largest city, Lusaka, is one of the fastest-growing cities in southern Africa, making it an attractive option for international talent.
Zambia doesn’t offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. However, there are five different types of visas available, including a tourist visa, study visa, business visa, short-term work visa, and long-term work visa.
Hire in Zambia with Remofirst
As an Employer of Record (EOR), Remofirst helps companies with their global hiring needs in more than 180 countries, including Zambia.
An EOR acts as the legal employer for your remote team. That means they take on HR duties, including onboarding new employees, payroll processing, benefits, and ensuring adherence to tax and labor laws. An EOR streamlines the process and ensures compliance.
Book a demo today to learn more.
