Zambia’s fintech scene has grown dramatically in recent years, expanding from just 25 companies in 2018 to more than 57 operating today. This surge presents exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the financial technology sector. However, venturing into fintech requires a clear understanding of regulations, the business registration process, funding, and the technology stack you will use. In this guide, you will learn each step of how to start a fintech company in Zambia, from navigating legal requirements to harnessing market opportunities for maximum impact.
Understanding the Regulatory Landscape
The Legal Framework for Fintech Operations
There is no single all-encompassing law that regulates fintech activities in Zambia. Instead, multiple pieces of legislation come into play based on the specific services offered. Key laws include:
- Banking and Financial Services Act No. 7 of 2017 (BFSA): Governs the licensing of financial service providers and defines the obligations they must follow.
- National Payment Systems Act No. 1 of 2007 (NPSA): Covers the safety and dependability of payment systems, including directives for money transfers and mobile payments.
- Data Protection Act No. 3 of 2021: Oversees the collection, storage, and transmission of personal data. It generally requires data to be stored on servers located in Zambia.
- Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act 2021 (to be replaced by Cyber Security Bill 2024): Will establish the Zambia Cyber Security Agency and regulate cybersecurity services.
Regulatory Bodies and Their Roles
Three major authorities supervise the fintech sector:
- Bank of Zambia (BoZ): Issues directives, licenses financial service providers, and enforces banking and payment systems regulations.
- Data Protection Commissioner: Ensures compliance with data protection laws and safeguards the rights of data subjects.
- Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA): Regulates telecommunications, which directly affects mobile money operations.
Business Registration and Licensing
Company Registration Process
Registering a fintech company in Zambia involves several steps:
- Reserve a company name with the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA).
- Complete the required forms (e.g., Form 2, Form 5, and Form 11) and have Form 11 signed by a commissioner of oaths.
- Pay the registration fees and obtain your certificate of incorporation, typically within 10 days.
- Register for tax with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to get a Tax Payer Identification Number.
- Register with the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) if you plan to hire employees.
- Pay your business levy to the local council.
- Register for VAT with ZRA if your company will cross the VAT threshold.
- Open a business bank account for financial transactions.
Fintech-Specific Licensing Requirements
After establishing your business, you must apply for licenses tailored to your specific fintech offerings:
- Non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs): Submit your application to the Registrar of Banks and Financial Institutions at the Bank of Zambia. This involves security checks, application fees, and meeting premises standards.
- Payment system operators: Seek designation under the National Payment Systems Act and comply with electronic money and mobile payment directives.
- Insurance-related fintech: Adhere to the Insurance Act, which now accommodates micro-insurance services.
Capital and Funding Requirements
Minimum Capital Requirements
Capital obligations differ by service type:
- Commercial banks: K104 million for locally owned banks and K520 million for foreign-owned banks.
- Other financial service providers: Capital requirements depend on the business model (e.g., payment system providers must prove initial capital sufficiency).
- Investment incentives: Vary by investor category, from USD 50,000 for local investors to USD 1,000,000 for foreign investors.
Funding Options for Fintech Startups
Fintech startups can explore multiple funding avenues:
- Venture capital: In 2023 alone, $58 million flowed into Zambia’s fintech sector.
- Accelerators: Programs such as BongoHive’s FinTech4U offer early-stage funding and mentorship.
- Angel investors and private equity: Interest in Zambian fintech continues to expand.
- Bank financing: Traditional banks may offer loans for fintech enterprises with proven viability.
- Partnership funding: Collaborating with established financial institutions can expedite market entry and secure resources.
Technology Infrastructure and Stack
Selecting the Appropriate Technology Framework
Your choice of technology shapes user experience, security, and scalability. Common frameworks in fintech include:
- Angular: Ideal for dynamic single-page applications and data-heavy dashboards.
- React Native and Flutter: Streamline cross-platform mobile app development for Android and iOS.
- Spring Boot: Java-based framework offering strong security and support for microservices.
- Onsen UI: Enables hybrid web apps using HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript for mobile-friendly solutions.
Cloud Computing and Infrastructure
Cloud services help manage operational costs and offer scalability. Zambian providers like Infratel and Paratus Zambia allow you to:
- Reduce initial capital expenditure by outsourcing infrastructure needs.
- Scale on demand, especially helpful during high transaction periods.
- “Book” computing resources in advance for anticipated transaction surges.
Security and Compliance Requirements
To maintain trust and meet regulations:
- Comply with PA-DSS and PCI-DSS standards for payment security.
- Securely store personal data on Zambian servers and follow cross-border data transfer guidelines.
- Adhere to the Data Protection Act by obtaining proper consent for data collection and processing.
Market Opportunities and Business Models
Current State of Financial Inclusion in Zambia
Financial inclusion has risen from 59.3% in 2015 to 69.4% in 2020. Yet, gaps persist:
- Urban vs. rural: Urban areas have higher inclusion (83.8%) than rural areas (56.9%).
- Gender gap: 71.2% of males are financially included compared to 67.9% of females.
- Provincial disparities: Lusaka and Copperbelt lead the way, while Western Province lags behind.
Viable Fintech Business Models
Many models thrive in Zambia’s fintech sphere:
- Mobile money services: Rapid adoption by Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money, and Zamtel Money.
- Digital lending: Targets underserved populations and small businesses excluded from traditional financing.
- Payment gateways: For instance, ZynlePay helps merchants process online transactions.
- Electronic voucher systems: 543 Konse Konse by cGrate Zambia streamlines consumer and merchant payments.
- Microfinance and micro-insurance: Offers low-income segments much-needed financial tools.
Payment Infrastructure Integration
Connecting with Zambia’s Payment Systems
Seamless integration is vital:
- ZIPSS (Zambia Interbank Payment and Settlement System): Operated by the Bank of Zambia for real-time gross settlement.
- Mobile money platforms: Necessary integrations with MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, and Zamtel Money.
- Payment gateways: ZynlePay and similar solutions offer APIs for easy ecommerce and enterprise integration.
Types of Merchant Accounts
Fintechs supporting payment services generally provide:
- Real Merchant Accounts: Linked directly to a bank account, with immediate fund settlement.
- Virtual Merchant Accounts: Funds initially go to a collection account, then get transferred to each merchant’s bank account afterward.
Data Protection and Cybersecurity
Compliance with Data Protection Regulations
Under the Data Protection Act No. 3 of 2021:
- Server location: Personal data must be stored on local servers in Zambia, barring few exceptions.
- Cross-border transfers: Require both consent and Data Protection Commissioner approval.
- Sensitive data: Stored exclusively within Zambia, with minimal allowances for special cases.
Cybersecurity Considerations
The upcoming Cyber Security Bill 2024 introduces further obligations:
- Zambia Cyber Security Agency: Will regulate cybersecurity service providers.
- Zambia Cyber Incident Response Team: Created to handle threats rapidly.
- Critical information infrastructure: Must be registered and safeguarded.
Tax and Investment Incentives
Tax Structure for Fintech Companies
Typical fintech entities face:
- Standard corporate tax rate of 30%.
- Telecommunications companies pay 35%.
- Listed companies on the Lusaka Securities Exchange enjoy a 2% tax discount in their first listing year.
Investment Incentives for the ICT Sector
The government fosters growth in ICT through:
- Zero percent import duty on capital equipment for five years.
- Accelerated depreciation on machinery.
- Suspension of customs duties on selected telecom equipment for up to three years.
- Investment guarantees against nationalization.
- Ease of applying for immigration permits and secondary licenses.
Building a Talent Pool
Addressing the Digital Skills Gap
A strong workforce is essential for fintech operations:
- Universities offer general computer science programs, though specific fintech expertise may be limited.
- Innovation hubs like BongoHive facilitate capacity-building, mentoring, and collaboration.
- MTN Skills Academy provides free digital and financial literacy courses to enhance market readiness.
Private Sector Initiatives
Companies can close skill gaps through:
- Internal training and development for specialized roles.
- Educational partnerships to design fintech-focused curricula.
- Mentorship programs that develop junior talent.
- Competitive compensation to attract and retain top-notch professionals.
Conclusion
Starting a fintech company in Zambia can be exceptionally rewarding if you navigate regulatory requirements, secure sufficient capital, and adopt the right technology. The nation’s push for digital financial services, coupled with a supportive regulatory environment, creates fertile ground for startups that address local challenges like financial inclusion gaps.
By focusing on mobile money adoption, payment gateway solutions, and lending platforms aimed at underserved markets, fintech entrepreneurs can unlock numerous opportunities. Success hinges on compliance, strong partnerships with established institutions, and a skilled workforce that understands Zambia’s dynamic fintech arena. In this environment, innovative solutions stand a strong chance of thriving.
