Key Features of Zambia’s Political Economy

Abstract

This chapter discusses the political economy context within which Zambia’s development trajectory since independence has taken place. It identifies the dominance of the copper industry in the national economy, the central place of presidential power combined with the pervasive patronage politics of the ruling elites while large sections of the urban and rural population remain marginalized as key features of this political economy. The chapter explains how the interplay between economic and political, exogenous and endogenous factors, result in development outcomes in the country that are less relative to its potential. The chapter further highlights how, despite two peaceful regime changes, Zambia did not substantially alter the main features of its political economy. Now, in its third successful regime change, it remains to be seen whether the new administration that ascended to power after the elections of 12 August 2021 will chart a new political economy course for the country.