Oil
ZAMBIA PETROLEUM SECTOR KEY FIGURES
| Private Sector Participation Since | TAZAMA Reform | Import Growth (Q4 2024) | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | TAZAMA Open Access Framework | +31.1% | Higher petroleum imports |
Zambia has, since 2022, been facilitating private sector participation in fuel procurement, implementing the TAZAMA Open Access Framework to liberalise petroleum transportation and allow Oil Marketing Companies to transport diesel through the TAZAMA pipeline.
Merchandise imports rose 31.1% to USD 3.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, largely on higher petroleum imports, with the reforms already contributing to a general reduction in diesel prices.
Petroleum Sector Liberalisation
In the petroleum sub-sector, Government has since 2022 been facilitating private sector participation in fuel procurement[1]. The TAZAMA Open Access Framework, implemented to liberalise the petroleum transportation system and improve transparency and efficiency, allows Oil Marketing Companies to transport diesel through the TAZAMA pipeline, a reform the government credits with contributing to a general reduction in diesel prices[1].
Import Trends
Merchandise imports rose 31.1% to USD 3.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, from USD 2.5 billion a year earlier, largely on higher petroleum imports[2].
Investment Opportunities
The liberalisation of petroleum transportation through the TAZAMA Open Access Framework, opening pipeline access to Oil Marketing Companies rather than a single operator, marks a direct entry point for private fuel logistics and distribution businesses into a market Government has explicitly opened up since 2022, detailed further on the dedicated Energy page[1].
Last Update: September 2026
