Zambia’s growing conversation around the possibility of a 24‑hour economy has captured national attention. Although the idea has not been adopted or formalised, it has sparked meaningful debate about what it would take for the country to operate at a higher level of productivity and competitiveness. As the discussion evolves, one area stands out as both foundational and often overlooked: immigration governance.
A 24‑hour economy depends on the smooth movement of people and skills. It requires the ability to bring in short‑term technical experts, regional consultants, engineers, and specialists who support essential sectors such as mining, ICT, health, logistics, and manufacturing. These sectors already rely on cross‑border expertise, and any expansion of economic activity would only deepen that reliance. For Zambia to position itself competitively, its immigration systems must be modern, predictable, and aligned with the realities of a fast‑moving regional economy.
Recent updates to Zambia’s immigration framework reflect an important step in this direction. The business visa has now been revised to allow up to 90 days within a 12‑month period, giving organisations greater flexibility when engaging foreign consultants for short‑term assignments. This is a welcome improvement, but it does not eliminate the need for compliance. A business visa still has clear limitations: it is intended strictly for short‑term business engagements, not for ongoing technical work or employment. Once the 90‑day threshold is reached, the appropriate route remains the Temporary Employment Permit, which is valid for 90 days and renewable once. These distinctions matter, especially as more organisations engage foreign expertise to support complex projects.
Despite these provisions, many organisations continue to misuse tourist visas for business or technical work — a practice that remains illegal under the Immigration and Deportation Act of 2010. A tourist visa does not permit any form of consultancy, advisory work, or operational involvement. As Zambia’s economic ambitions grow, the risks associated with non‑compliance will only increase. Organisations must ensure that their internal processes reflect the law, not convenience or past practice.
Beyond compliance challenges, the administrative processes themselves still present obstacles. Permit applications often require physical submissions, manual follow‑ups, and extended waiting periods. In an economy aspiring to operate around the clock, such delays become structural barriers to growth. Countries that have successfully expanded economic activity have done so alongside reforms that digitise visa processing, clarify categories for short‑term technical workers, and streamline border operations. Zambia’s ongoing debate presents an opportunity to consider similar reforms, even before any formal policy shift occurs.
What is clear is that organisations cannot afford to wait for policy changes before strengthening their own internal immigration governance. Whether or not Zambia adopts a 24‑hour economic model, the expectations around compliance are rising. Businesses must ensure that they are using the correct visa categories, tracking business‑visa days accurately, applying for Temporary Employment Permits when required, and building internal systems that reduce the risk of penalties or operational disruption. As Chaman Consultants has consistently emphasised;
“Compliance is not a reaction to regulation; it is a foundation for credibility, continuity, and long‑term competitiveness.” — Chaman Consultants,2026.
The discussion around a 24‑hour economy is still in its infancy, but it has already highlighted the need for a more agile, transparent, and business‑friendly immigration system. Modernising this framework would not only support future economic ambitions — it would strengthen Zambia’s position today, ensuring that organisations can operate confidently within the law while accessing the skills they need to thrive.
Chaman Consultants remains committed to guiding organisations through this evolving landscape, offering clarity, compliance assurance, and strategic insight as Zambia continues to explore new pathways for economic growth.
