Greenfield investment monitor fDi Markets has tracked a marked increase in the levels of FDI that went into Zambia in 2013, when compared with data from the previous year. The $1.07bn-worth of FDI that entered Zambia last year represented a 31% increase on 2012, when $749m was recorded. The increased capital investment was accompanied by an increase in project numbers, however the number of companies investing in the country remained the same in 2013 as in 2012, at 18.

In 2013, Africa was the dominant source continent for Zambia-destined FDI projects. During 2013, Africa accounted for 65% of all tracked projects entering Zambia, an increase from 36% in 2012. Africa also accounted for the largest proportion of capital inflows into Zambia, accounting for 41% of all capital, an increase of $377m when compared with 2012 figures.

The financial services sector has remained the dominant sector in Zambia and has increased its share of total FDI between 2012 and 2013, accounting for 39% of inward investment in 2013. Despite accounting for the largerest share of recorded projects however, the financial services sector was responsible for just 9% of inward capital, with the communications sector attracting the greatest amount of capital, with $300m recorded.