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Country	Pillar	Factor	Framework title	Project cycle	Enforcement practice	Approval body	Approval requirements	Approval timeline	Approval cost	Key provisions	Watch developments
Zambia	Social	Community land use	Customary land rules embedded in Lands Act and customary law practice; district customary certificates, chief’s consent norms; Government guidance on community consultation View source Customary land is often administered by chiefs; developers must secure local consent (often a customary occupancy certificate or MoU). Formal requirements depend on district.	Conception / Feasibility / Permitting	Partly. Customary processes are customary rather than fully codified; practice varies. Developers rely on local facilitators and district councils.	Apply to District Lands Office and negotiate with the chief / village council; obtain customary occupancy documents where applicable.	N/A	Timing: Community consent negotiation 2–8 weeks typically but can be longer.	Unavailable on public domain	Engage chiefs & local stakeholders early; document consultations and produce a short, signed MoU and community grievance mechanism.	Clarifications to customary land documentation and land administration digitisation.
Zambia	Environmental	Environmental disaster management/business continuity plan (Rationale: minigrids are prone to physical climate risks such as extreme heat and given its fundamental infrastructure status in society, some countries may have policies on disaster management in response to unexpected events such as natural disasters. For example, it may require the infrastructure to be able to operate/perform at a given level of risk or incident frequency.)	Disaster Management Act No.13 of 2010; National Disaster Risk Management Policy (2015–2020); National DRM Framework (2017–2030) View source Section 4 establishes DMMU; mandates “anticipation, preparedness, prevention, mitigation and management of disasters.” Requires contingency planning in infrastructure.	Feasibility, Design, O&M	Partly — frameworks exist but weak private project oversight	DMMU HQ and provincial offices	N/A	No SLA published; project-specific	Unavailable on public domain	Avoid high-risk sites (floodplains, erosion zones); integrate redundancy	Zambia drafting new DRM Strategy aligned with Sendai Framework
Zambia	Social	Community consent	EIA Regulations SI 28/1997 (public participation requirements); EMA (2011); international guidance on FPIC (if indigenous communities) View source SI 28 requires public participation during EIA and submission of records. While Zambia does not have a formal national FPIC law, customary consent processes are used; for projects affecting indigenous or vulnerable groups, international lender standards (IFC/WB) require FPIC in certain cases. Verbatim (SI 28/1997 Reg 4/5): procedures for project brief content and circulation for public review; the Council circulates information for review to relevant govt agencies and local government authority.	ESIA / Permitting	Partly. Public consultation is a legal requirement; quality of consultation varies in practice. For donor-funded projects, stricter FPIC practice is used. ZambiaLII+1	Public consultation documented in EIS and submitted to ZEMA; consult local leaders, public notices and record minutes.	N/A	Timing: Public consultation rounds must occur during scoping and EIS stages — plan several weeks for disclosure and comment.	Unavailable on public domain	Document consultations carefully, translate materials to local language, ensure representation of vulnerable groups and record dissenting views.	Adoption of stronger FPIC practice in government guidance for projects affecting customary lands.
Zambia	Social	Customer relations & consumer protection	Electricity Act No. 11 of 2019; Energy Regulation Act / Energy Regulation Board (ERB) Act No.12 of 2019; ERB Mini-Grid Regulatory Framework (2018/2019); Competition & Consumer Protection Act No.24 of 2010 (amended) View source Electricity Act & ERB mini-grid framework outline licensing categories for mini-grids, tariff rules and consumer protection obligations (credit terms, grievance handling). ERB framework categorises mini-grids by capacity and prescribes standard licence and tariff principles (2018 framework).	Permitting / Construction / O&M (licensing before supply)	Partly. ERB has developed mini-grid framework (2018) and pilot approvals have used it, but full gazettement and consistent application across districts is ongoing. BGFA+1	Apply for mini-grid licence / generation & distribution licence with ERB (ERB licensing portal / offices). For consumer complaints, register with CCPC if consumer disputes escalate.	N/A	Timeline: ERB licensing historically long for large projects (many months); mini-grid framework aimed to speed approvals — expect 2–6 months for licence processing under tested frameworks (varies).	Unavailable on public doman. ERB. ERB published mini-grid framework documents but final gazetted mini-grid regs may set fees.	Use ERB standard licence templates; include clear customer terms, pre-paid metering & consumer education; register tariffs per ERB rules or use approved standard tariffs for small systems.	Gazettement of full mini-grid regulations (tasked in National Energy Compact to 2025/2026), Energy Single Licensing / one-stop licensing system.
Zambia	Social	Child labour	Employment Code Act 2019 (prohibitions on employment of children & hazardous work); Zambia ratified ILO conventions (e.g., Convention No.138, No.182) View source The Act prohibits employment of young persons in worst forms of labour; sets minimum age and restrictions. Verbatim (Employment Code Act): provisions prohibiting employment of children/young persons in hazardous occupations (see sections on children & young persons).	Construction / O&M	Partly. Laws strong; enforcement by labour inspectors increasing, but informal child work persists in rural areas. Zambia Laws+1	Labour inspectorate registration & potential certificates if hiring young apprentices; compliance declarations in tender documents sometimes required.	N/A	Labour inspection turnaround for queries weeks–months.	Unavailable on public domain	Do not employ minors for battery handling/roof works; include clause in contractor sub-contracts forbidding child labour and require proof of age.	Labour awareness & enforcement campaigns; any ILO-backed capacity building in inspection.
Zambia	Social	Employment & labour relations	Employment Code Act, No. 3 of 2019 (consolidated employment law), related Statutory Instruments (minimum wages & orders) View source Employment Code regulates employment contracts, termination, minimum conditions, social benefits, labour relations and requires registered employment contracts and statutory contributions (NAPSA, NSSA). There are sexual harassment & non-discrimination provisions.	Use written contracts aligned with Employment Code; ensure payroll deductions and remittances for social security; contract local labour law firms for local contracts.	Penalties: Employment Code contains penalties for breaches, administrative fines and orders to remit arrears; labour inspectorate may prosecute under the Act.	Register employment and contributions with Labour Office / Labour Commissioner, NAPSA (pension), NSSA (social security) and file relevant returns.	N/A	Construction / O&M	Some fees are administrative (registration) but not available on public domain	Partly. Enforcement has improved after 2019 Act but informal employments exist in rural contexts; labour inspections occur mainly in urban/large employer contexts. Zambia Parliament+1	Typical employer obligations for small rural employers; registration thresholds (when must employer register with NAPSA/NSSA); names/contacts of labour inspectorate in province.
Zambia	Environmental	Solid waste & operational pollution	Environmental Management Act (2011); Environmental Management (Licensing) Regulations, SI 112 of 2013; Public Health Act (as relevant to sanitation/waste) View source Stipulates that operators must manage solid waste and ensure no pollution of soils/groundwater and outlines the obligations of license holders e.g., maintenance of records and pollution control measures.	Permitting / Construction / O&M	Partly. Laws robust; enforcement on small operators uneven — larger projects audited. (ZEMA monitoring & audit reports). DBSA	Apply to ZEMA + local council (for local waste collection/disposal approvals).	N/A	Typical practice: include waste plans in EIS/EMP; approval alongside emission/hazardous waste licences — 2–8 weeks for administrative confirmation, longer if on-site inspections are needed.	Unavailable on public domain	Avoid on-site burning; provide bunding, oil separators for generator drains; use licensed waste handlers.	Strengthening of municipal waste management by government projects; donor-funded e-waste schemes.
Zambia	Environmental	ESIA	Environmental Management Act, No.12 of 2011; EIA Regulations S.I. No. 28 of 1997 (procedures for project brief, EIS, public participation); ZEMA EIA guidance View source Verbatim (SI 28/1997, Reg 3(1)): “A developer shall not implement a project for which a project brief or an environmental impact statement is required under these Regulations, unless the project brief or the environmental impact statement has been concluded in accordance with these regulations and the Council has issued a decision letter.” SI 28 sets lists of projects (First Schedule) requiring project brief/EIA and sets procedural steps (project brief → screening → scoping → EIS → review → decision).	Feasibility / ESIA / Permitting (must be complete before land clearing & construction).	Partly. Process is binding and often enforced for medium/large projects; smaller projects sometimes proceed without timely EIA due to resource/capacity constraints. (Academic reviews and ZEMA reports). ZambiaLII+1	Submit Project Brief / EIS to ZEMA (Environmental Licensing / EIA Unit). ZEMA’s online repository accepts EIS documents and ZEMA issues decision letters (register & forms on ZEMA website).	N/A	Timelines: Screening/scoping & project brief review may be 2–8 weeks; full EIS preparation often 2–6 months; ZEMA review can be 2–6 months depending on complexity; total often 4–12 months for full EIA process (practice varies). Sources: SI 28/1997; ZEMA examples; World Bank Zambia ESIA examples.	EIA application fees are sometimes prescribed — Not publicly posted. ZEMA guidance indicates fees but amounts vary historically.	Tip: Include battery storage hazard assessment, inclusive stakeholder mapping (chiefs, women groups), and a clear decommissioning plan in the EMP. Use ZEMA-registered EIA consultants and follow ZEMA’s public disclosure requirements.	Ongoing updates to EIA practice under EMA and digitisation of EIA submissions by ZEMA.
Zambia	Environmental	Emission regulations	Environmental Management Act, No.12 of 2011; Environmental Management (Licensing) Regulations S.I. No.112 of 2013 (Licensing & emission/hazardous waste rules); Environmental Protection & Pollution Control (EIA) Regulations S.I. No.28 of 1997 (supporting EIA requirements) View source The Licensing Regulations set emission permitting and hazardous waste licensing thresholds and procedures; they provide emission limits and require an emission licence for listed activities. E.g., obligations & timeframes for issuance/renewal and grounds for suspension.	Feasibility / ESIA / Permitting (EIA & emission licencing must be completed before construction).	Partly. Legal framework is robust on paper and ZEMA enforces large projects (mining, big industrial plants) regularly, but smaller projects sometimes proceed without full compliance due to capacity constraints at local level and historic legacy of retroactive “make-up” EIAs. (See academic reviews of Zambia EIA practice and ZEMA enforcement reports). DBSA+1	Apply to ZEMA — Licensing & EIA Unit via ZEMA offices / online EIA portal (ZEMA Service pages). EIA project brief/EIS submissions and emission licence applications are made to ZEMA (Environmental Licensing Section).	N/A	Licensing regs: Emission licence decision timelines — e.g., SI 112/2013 indicates some decision windows (e.g., 30 days in some provisions for certain licences; 90 days for renewals is referenced in licensing SI text). EIA process: screening/scoping periods vary — typical practice: screening 2–8 weeks; scoping/EIS preparation 2–6 months; ZEMA review 2–6 months (varies by complexity). Sources: SI 112/2013; SI 28/1997; ZEMA guidance and World Bank project ESIAs in Zambia.	Fees are set in schedules and sometimes vary by licence type; some ZEMA licences list fees in SI or on ZEMA site but many project-specific fees are applied case by case.	Practical tips: Start EIA/EIA-screening early; use ZEMA-registered consultants; include battery storage hazards & waste management in EMP; include noise modelling near villages; map nearest protected areas. Obtain emission licence if any combustion, generators, or battery operations will produce emissions or hazardous effluent.	Implementation of licensing digitisation/one-stop (Energy Single Licensing System noted in National Energy Compact tasking); potential updates to emission limits under subsidiary regs.
Zambia	Environmental	End of life management	Hazardous Waste Management Regulations S.I. No. 125 of 2001 (and related EMA licensing regs SI 112/2013); National E-Waste Strategy / E-Waste Management Plan (2023) (policy guidance) View source Hazardous waste regulations govern storage, transport, disposal and require hazardous waste licensing for generation/disposal of hazardous waste. E.g., the cross-border movementof batteries classified as hazardous is controlled.	Permitting / Construction / O&M / Decommissioning (licences required for operation and decommissioning & disposal).	Partly. E-waste regulation and enforcement are improving (new national e-waste plan 2023) but formal recycling capacity is limited in the country; many small operators use informal channels. (See national E-waste plan). ZamStats+1	Apply to ZEMA — Hazardous Waste Licence / Waste Management Unit (application forms via ZEMA). For transboundary movements, follow Basel Convention obligations via Ministry.	N/A	Typical review: hazardous waste licence decisions often 30–90 days depending on complexity; e-waste plant permits longer. Local practice: GMG projects should allocate 2–3 months for approvals plus time to secure take-back/recycling arrangements.	Not publicly posted — confirm with ZEMA (project dependent; some hazardous waste facility fees are in SIs).	Tips: Plan battery take-back and recycling contracts early; include safe storage and spill plans in O&M manuals; label and manifest batteries; use authorised hazardous waste contractors for disposal.	Implementation of the 2023 E-Waste Plan; any SI updating hazardous waste fee schedules or establishing producer-responsibility schemes.
Zambia	Environmental	Land use changes	Lands Act (Chapter 184); Lands Acquisition Act (Cap 189); customary land governance guidance (Ministry of Lands) View source The Lands Act covers leaseholds and state land and the Acquisition Act covers compulsory acquisition. The customary land governance guidance outlines provisions on compensation for improvements and precedence of customary interests.	Conception / Feasibility / Permitting (land access required early).	Partly. Formal titles and state processes enforced; customary land processes vary by district — developers often negotiate local consent but formalization can be slow. (Literature and case law show delays and some litigation). Zambia Parliament+1	Apply to Ministry of Lands / District Lands Office for leases / consent; if compulsory acquisition is proposed, apply via Ministry and Cabinet processes; for customary land, negotiate with local chiefs and obtain customary certificates.	N/A	Timeline: Lease registration and title grant weeks–months (commonly 1–6 months depending on complexity). Compulsory acquisition processes are longer (months to years).	Not publicly posted — confirm with Ministry of Lands / District Lands Office (processing fees & levies vary by district).	Tip: Map customary tenure early; secure community MoU and customary occupation certificates (signed by chief & district council). Use block agreements for multiple site access.	Any reform to speed land titling and electronic cadastre; clarifications on community consent templates for development projects.
Zambia	Social	Gender, GBV risk management & grievance mechanism	National Gender Policy and EMA EIA guidance that requires social risk assessment; World Bank/IFC social safeguards commonly applied to donor projects View source ESIA guidance and international lenders require gender assessments and GBV risk mitigation measures for projects with community interactions.	Practical: incorporate safe recruitment policies, community sensitisation and GRM accessible to women and vulnerable groups.	Penalties: N/A legal penalties but non-compliance with donor safeguards can trigger funding stoppage and reputational risk.	Include gender & GBV mitigation in EMP / ESIA; register GRM with ZEMA and local authorities.	N/A	Planning stage (ESIA / Feasibility); implementation across Construction & O&M.	Unavailable on public domain	Partly. National policies exist; implementation improves with donor funding and strong contractor practices.	Need to establish if a GBV referral network available locally ane if contractors trained on code of conduct
Zambia	Social	Occupational health & safety	Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2010 (Act No.36 of 2010); related regulations & OHS Institute guidance View source OHS Act requires employers to provide safe workplaces, safety committees (for workplaces with 10+ workers), safety policy, reporting of incidents. Verbatim (OHS Act s.??): duty to provide safe workplace & requirement to establish health & safety committees where 10+ employees are employed (see Act).	Construction / O&M / Decommissioning	Partly. OHS Act robust; compliance is mixed — larger employers comply routinely, small rural employers less so. Recent reports call for stronger inspections. Zambia Laws+1	Register workplace (where applicable) with OHS Institute / Labour Inspectorate; implement safety management systems; notify workplace accidents.	N/A	Timelines: Implementation immediate; inspections as scheduled or reactive. Compliance documentation should be ready prior to site opening.	Unavailable on public domain	Battery hazards: ensure training, signage, ventilation and firefighting equipment; keep Material Safety Data Sheets and emergency response plan.	Strengthened OHS Institute guidance for renewable energy / battery storage workplaces.
Zambia	Environmental	Deforestation	The Forest Act, No. 4 of 2015 (Forest Act 2015) — permits for tree felling, forest produce View source The Forest Act requires tree-felling permits for removal of trees and sets application/decision timelines and outlines the conditions for acceptance or rejection of applications.	Construction / Permitting (if vegetation removal required); also O&M if periodic pruning felling.	Partly. Forest Act provides clear timelines; enforcement varies by district — illegal felling still occurs and Forestry Dept capacity constrained. Zambia Parliament+1	Apply to Director of Forestry / District Forestry Office for tree-felling permits; prescribed forms to be submitted.	N/A	Decision timeline: Director shall within 30 days of receipt of application issue or reject (Forest Act text).	Not posted online. However, fees are payable and must be paid before cutting commences.	Tip: If poles/tree removal required for lines, secure tree-felling permits early and budget for replacement/mitigation. Use local forestry officer to coordinate.	Implementation of regulations under the Forest Act, increased monitoring / community forestry programmes.
Zambia	Environmental	Material sourcing (Rationale: much of the emissions for minigrids come from the supply chain such as material sourcing and transportation so it would be good to include them for assessment.)	Zambia Bureau of Standards Act (2017); Public Procurement Act (2008, revised 2020) View source ZABS mandates certification of electrical equipment; Procurement Act requires adherence to standards for public tenders.	Procurement, Design	Partly — ZABS active, but grey imports common	ZABS (standards); ZPPA (tenders)	N/A	Weeks–months depending on certification backlog	Unavailable on public domain	Use ZABS-certified imports; avoid grey market	Draft Renewable Energy Strategy may add local content rules
Zambia	Environmental	Wildlife	Zambia Wildlife Act, No. 14 of 2015; National Parks and Protected Areas rules & National Biodiversity Strategy View source Wildlife Act allows declaration of parks and sets offences for disturbance. For areas declared national parks, development usually requires Ministerial/statutory order. Projects in or near protected areas may be prohibited or require additional approvals and environmental safeguards.	Feasibility / ESIA / Permitting	Partly. Protected areas have stricter enforcement but encroachment happens in some areas; DNPW enforces high-profile cases. Zambia Parliament+1	Apply to DNPW / Ministry for permits or to obtain evidence that site is outside protected area; include biodiversity assessment in EIA.	N/A	Timeline: DNPW reviews often 4–12 weeks depending on site sensitivity.	Fees & permit processes depend on area).	Avoid siting infrastructure inside protected areas; if near corridor, include wildlife-friendly design and consultations.	Strengthening of community conservancies / community partnership parks and possible buffer zone enforcement.
Zambia	Environmental	Others..	N/A N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Zambia	Social	Slavery	N/A N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Zambia	Social	Agent safety and security (Rationale: this may fall under occupational H&S but given the sunking incidents, we thought it would be good to make it more explicit.)	N/A N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

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