Zambia's New EIA Regulations 2026: What Developers Must Know

If you are planning a new building, estate, factory, mine, quarry, fuel station, farm or energy project in Zambia, the environmental approval rules have changed. The Environmental Management (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 2026 - Statutory Instrument No. 3 of 2026 - took effect on 9 January 2026. They replace the 1997 EIA regulations and are made under the Environmental Management Act of 2011.

Here is what changed and what it means for your project.

Five project classes instead of two

The old rules had a simple split: a short project brief or a full impact statement. The new regulations sort projects into five classes, Class I to Class V, based on their scale, environmental sensitivity and sector.

• Classes I to IV require a full Environmental and Social Impact Statement (ESIS).
• Class V requires an Environmental and Social Project Brief (ESPB).

Examples of Class I projects include large-scale mining, major dams, nuclear power plants and industrial estates of more than 500 hectares. Class V examples include small-scale quarrying, fuel service stations and solar projects below 20MW.

Because most classes now need a full impact statement, many projects should expect a more detailed assessment than before. Screening your project early tells you which class applies and how long to allow.

ZEMA's timelines

The regulations set clear deadlines for the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA):

• 5 days to assess submitted terms of reference.
• 7 days to send a completed ESIS to the relevant authorities.
• 35 days for a final decision, or 45 days where a public hearing is required.

A decision letter lapses if land preparation and construction haven't started within three years of approval, although you can apply for an extension before it expires. Decision letters can also now be transferred - for example when a project is sold - with the old and new holders sharing liability up to the date of transfer.

Much higher penalties

Breaching the regulations can now lead to a fine of up to 300,000 penalty units - roughly K120,000 at K0.40 per penalty unit - and/or up to three years' imprisonment. The old maximum was 556 penalty units. ZEMA can also cancel or suspend a decision letter.

The simplest way to stay on the right side of the rules: do not start site clearing or construction until you have ZEMA's decision letter.

Planning ahead pays

• Screen early. Know your project class before you finalise budgets and timelines.
• Budget for studies. A full ESIS can need specialist studies and stakeholder consultation.
• Plan for management, not just approval. Your assessment will include environmental and waste management commitments you must follow once the project is running - see our guide to waste management plans.
• Mining projects need ZEMA approval as well as a mining licence - see our guide to mining licences under the new law.

How Rayema Enterprise helps

Our Environmental Assessments & Compliance service takes your project from screening to decision letter:

• Screening to confirm your project class.
• Environmental and Social Project Briefs and full Impact Statements, including stakeholder consultation.
• Environmental management and monitoring plans and waste management plans.
• Environmental planning advice for new sites and expansions.
• Submission to ZEMA and follow-up until your decision letter is issued.

Frequently asked questions

Does my project need an EIA under the 2026 regulations?

Most new developments need some form of assessment. Projects are placed in Classes I to V; Classes I to IV need a full Environmental and Social Impact Statement and Class V needs a Project Brief. We can screen your project and tell you which applies.

Is a fuel station a Class V project?

Fuel service stations are listed among the Class V examples, which need an Environmental and Social Project Brief rather than a full impact statement.

How long does ZEMA take to decide?

The regulations give ZEMA 35 days for a final decision, or 45 days if a public hearing is required. Preparing the assessment itself takes additional time before submission.

How long is a decision letter valid?

It lapses if land preparation and construction haven't started within three years of approval, though you can apply for an extension before it expires.

What are the penalties for ignoring the regulations?

Fines of up to 300,000 penalty units and/or up to three years' imprisonment, and ZEMA can suspend or cancel a decision letter.

Planning a project? Request a screening or WhatsApp us on +260 770 578 280.