Zambia’s Construction Boom Meets Reality as 24-Hour Economy Push Gains Ground”

(Left: professor Paul L.K. Makasa Executive Director NCC and Right side Arch.  Mr. Chance Kaonga, Director Registration and Regulation)

By Daily News Reporter 

On the outskirts of Lusaka, the sounds of construction echo through the morning air—steel striking steel, engines humming, and workers moving with quiet urgency. It is a familiar scene in a sector that is rapidly expanding. But if government ambitions take hold, this activity may soon continue long after dark.

Zambia’s construction industry is entering a transformative phase, driven by rising contractor registrations, increased infrastructure demand, and the push toward a 24-hour economy. Yet beneath the momentum lies a complex mix of opportunity, imbalance, and growing regulatory pressure.

According to the National Council for Construction (NCC), more than 10,000 contractors were registered in the first quarter of 2026—a 23 percent increase from the same period last year. The surge signals a shift toward formalisation, bringing more players into the regulated system.

Speaking to the media in Lusaka NCC Executive Director Paul L. K. Makasa,  that the trend is encouraging—but not sufficient.

“Formalisation is important, but it does not automatically translate into quality or compliance,” he said.

Most of the newly registered contractors fall into lower categories, particularly Grade 6, which is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises. 

 He also noted that These firms play a critical role in delivering community-level projects such as schools, clinics, and local infrastructure.

"however, their growth is constrained by limited access to financing, equipment, and technical expertise—factors that often affect project delivery," Mr. makasa said.

Industry observations show that while some sites meet required standards, others struggle with delays, poor supervision, and funding challenges. In certain cases, regulators have been forced to shut down non-compliant projects, underscoring the gap between registration and actual performance.

Mr Makasa added that despite the high number of local contractors, a significant imbalance persists in the allocation of construction work. Zambian-owned firms make up over 96 percent of registered contractors but account for only about 12 percent of the total value of projects. Large-scale developments remain largely in the hands of foreign companies.

The disparity highlights longstanding challenges around capacity, access to capital, and procurement systems that tend to favour more established international firms.

At the same time, the sector continues to be a major source of employment, with over 94 percent of jobs going to Zambian workers. Yet participation remains uneven, particularly for women, who are still underrepresented on construction sites.

Efforts are underway to address this imbalance. The NCC has introduced outreach programmes aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in construction-related fields, including engineering and skilled trades.

Meanwhile, Arch. Chance Kaonga, Director Registration and Regulation also added that the government’s push for a 24-hour economy is expected to reshape the sector even further.

Mr Kaonga said that implemented effectively, round-the-clock operations could accelerate project delivery, reduce costs, and boost economic activity. But industry experts warn that construction presents unique risks that cannot be ignored.

Unlike manufacturing, construction sites require high levels of supervision and safety control. Night work introduces additional challenges, including reduced visibility, worker fatigue, and security concerns.

There are also broader logistical questions, including the reliability of power supply and the readiness of supporting infrastructure to sustain continuous operations.

For regulators, the priority remains clear: ensuring that increased productivity does not come at the expense of safety and quality.

He added that as Zambia pushes forward with its development agenda, the construction sector stands at a critical juncture—balancing rapid growth with the need for stronger oversight, greater inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.

The foundations being laid today, industry observers say, will determine not only how fast the country builds—but how well it builds for the future.