Investors bring different skills and qualities. Some bring expertise and equipment, other, like Somalian and Lebanese did when they pioneered block-making in the country, bring inspiration.
After joining the business, Zambians are giving foreign nationals hard competition. Zambia has been very hospitable to investors whom in return are expected to follow procedures before setting up their operation in the hosting country.
The first point of contact for foreign investors is the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) which then directs them to their next hubs – may be local authorities, traditional leaders or professionals -.
During these several steps, investors need to understand that Zambia has laws and people. When investors decide to establish and to do business in a foreign country, they need to negotiate with its inhabitants.
Zambian are a nation of welcoming people and they have rarely turned down a request of investment but they believe that there should be a given-take arrangement. Investors are expected to take stock of the inhabitants ‘property and offer a compensation double the value of the stock to the people for it to be displaced.
Even though the government has made efforts to ensure the local people live close to a school, health facility, besides fertile land and water source, some investors believe they can defy the law and abuse the local communities.
Investors come and evict the local people without any compensation. The process was exposed by a video of the Human Rights Watch.
President Lungu is aware of the hundreds of cases reported by the Human Rights Watch
However, it seems like the local leadership is not really taking action on the matter and people are worried but they also believe that the days are almost over for those abusive investors because there is huge evidence against them.
Zambia deserves better investors that respect its people and law.
