2014年-世界发展银行全球_Enterprise_Surveys___Zambia_Country_Profile_2013_15页_790kb

Zambia Country Profile 2013 Summary

Core Content Overview

The Zambia Country Profile 2013 is part of the World Bank Group's Enterprise Surveys, which evaluate the business environment and firm performance across various economic sectors. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing firms in Zambia, comparing them to regional and income group averages. It covers a wide range of indicators, including corruption, regulations, taxes, business licensing, infrastructure, trade, crime, informality, finance, innovation, and workforce characteristics.

Main Topics and Key Indicators

1. Business Environment Obstacles

• The business environment in Zambia is seen as moderate, with firms facing significant challenges.
• The top constraints include corruption, inefficiencies in regulations, and delays in infrastructure services.
• These obstacles impact firm productivity, profitability, and the ability to expand operations.

2. Average Firm Characteristics

• The average firm age is 14.3 years, with small firms being younger (11.7 years) and large firms older (20.8 years).
• Female participation in management is 23.8%, with small firms showing higher representation (29.1%) compared to large firms (11.0%).
• Female ownership is more common in small firms (48.1%) than in medium (53.4%) or large firms (36.3%).
• Ownership composition shows that domestic private firms dominate, accounting for 76.8% of firms, followed by foreign private firms (18.4%).

3. Infrastructure

• Electricity is a major concern, with 5.2 power outages per month and 5.5% of sales lost due to these outages.
• Water shortages occur 2.6 times per month, with an average 2.3-hour duration, and 74.7 days delay in obtaining a water connection.
• Telephone connections have no data for Zambia, but the regional average is 28.3 days.
• Infrastructure deficiencies increase operational costs and reduce productivity.

4. Trade

• 12.3% of firms in Zambia are exporters, with medium firms being more likely to export (15.9%) than small firms (10.2%).
• 49.1% of firms use foreign material inputs or supplies, primarily in the manufacturing sector.
• Average time to clear customs for exports is 10.7 days, and for imports is 14.6 days.
• Export losses due to theft and breakage are 4.0% and 2.3%, respectively, indicating transport risks.

5. Regulations, Taxes, and Business Licensing

• Regulatory burden is a key concern, with 14.0% of firms expecting to pay bribes to secure government contracts.
• Bribes are also expected in obtaining construction permits (13.6%) and import licenses (6.7%).
• Time spent dealing with regulations by senior management is 8.8%, with 1.4 average visits to tax officials.
• Legal forms show a high proportion of sole proprietorships (47.1%) and limited partnerships (22.1%).

6. Corruption

• The Graft Index for Zambia is 10.5, indicating a moderate level of corruption.
• Corruption is more prevalent in small firms (12.9%) than in large firms (4.2%).
• Bribes are expected in meetings with tax inspectors (9.0%), government contracts (14.0%), and construction permits (13.6%).

7. Crime and Informality

• 60.5% of firms believe the court system is fair and impartial, but security costs are 3.9% of sales.
• Losses due to crime (theft, robbery, vandalism, arson) amount to 2.3% of sales.
• Formal registration at the time of firm establishment is 83.9%, suggesting a relatively low level of informality.

8. Finance

• Internal finance is the primary source of investment, with 80.5% of firms relying on it.
• Bank finance accounts for 6.6%, and trade credit for 3.9%.
• Collateral requirements are high, with 236.6% of the loan amount required on average.
• Access to financial services is relatively high, with 86.1% of firms having a checking or savings account.

9. Innovation and Workforce

• 15.5% of firms have internationally recognized quality certifications, which can help in market access.
• 54.3% of firms have annual financial statements reviewed by external auditors.
• 20.3% of firms use their own website, and 53.1% use email for communication.
• Workforce composition shows 3.0 average temporary workers and 22.8 permanent workers.
• Female participation in full-time employment is 38.1%, with small firms showing the highest percentage (41.1%).

Key Findings

• Corruption and informal payments are significant challenges in Zambia, especially for small firms.
• Infrastructure deficiencies such as electricity and water supply issues increase operational costs and reduce productivity.
• Regulatory and licensing processes are time-consuming and costly, with large firms facing the highest delays.
• Trade activity is moderate, with a high reliance on foreign inputs.
• Finance access is limited, with firms heavily dependent on internal funds and requiring substantial collateral for loans.
• Innovation and digital adoption are relatively low, but some firms are beginning to use ICT tools.
• Female participation in management and ownership is moderate, with small firms having the highest representation.
• Formal registration is common, suggesting a low level of informality in the private sector.

Conclusion

The Zambia Country Profile 2013 highlights the challenges in the business environment, particularly corruption, infrastructure, and regulatory inefficiencies. Despite these issues, the country shows some strengths in formal business practices, female participation, and access to basic financial services. Improvements in regulatory processes, infrastructure development, and financial inclusion could significantly enhance firm productivity and economic growth in Zambia.