1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
The Government of Burundi (GoB) is generally favorable to FDI and seeks investment as a means to promote economic growth. Uneven implementation of laws and regulations, however, limits the predictability of the environment for Burundian and foreign investors alike. The GoB has not implemented laws, regulations, or economic or industrial strategies that limit market access or discriminate against foreign investors. There is a minimum foreign initial investment of USD 50,000, which does not apply to domestic investors. An overview of the legal framework for foreign investment can be found at http://www.eatradehub.org/burundi_investment_policy_assessment_2018_presentation
Based on the Burundi Investment Code enacted in 2008, the government established the Burundi Investment Promotion Agency (API) in 2009. API’s main objective is to boost local investment and attract foreign investment, especially for projects serving long-term development goals and improving competitiveness. API provides investors with information on investment and export promotion, assists them with legal formalities, including obtaining the required documents, and intervenes when laws and regulations are not properly applied. API also designs reforms required for the improvement and the ease of doing business environment and ensures that the impact of investments on development is beneficial and sustainable.
The GoB conducts dialogue with national and foreign investors to promote investment. API is the initial and primary point of entry for investors, but government ministries meet regularly with private investors to discuss regulatory and legal issues. For example, at the beginning of 2020, the API brought together stakeholders in the horticultural sector with the aim of creating a platform of professionals responsible for supporting farmers in order to promote exports of horticultural products. The Burundian horticultural sector being confronted with several challenges related especially to non-compliance with the requirements of the export market, the API allowed the stakeholders to brainstorm ideas on the basis of which a plan support and supervision measures for producers will be developed and submitted to the authority to support this sector.
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
Foreign and domestic companies have the same rights to establish and own businesses in the country and engage in all forms of activities. However, there are restrictions on foreign investments in weaponry, ammunition, and any sort of military or para-military enterprises. There is no other restriction nor are there any sectors in which foreign investors are denied the same treatment as domestic firms. There are no general limits on foreign ownership or control.
Article 63 of the 2013 mining code stipulates that the GoB must own at least 10 percent of shares in any foreign company with an industrial mining license and state participation cannot be diluted in the event of an increase in the share capital.
Burundi does not maintain an investment screening mechanism for inbound foreign investment.
Other Investment Policy Reviews
No investment policy review from a multilateral organization has taken place in the last three years. The most recent review was performed in 2010 by UNCTAD.
Business Facilitation
In addition to fiscal advantages provided in the investment code, Burundi has implemented reforms, including reinforcing its single window for starting a business, simplifying tax procedures for small and medium enterprises, launching an electronic single window for business transactions, and harmonizing commercial laws with those of the East African Community.
The Investment Promotion Agency (API) is a government authority in charge of promoting investment, improving the business climate and facilitating market entry for investors in Burundi. API offers a range of services to potential investors, including assistance in acquiring the licenses, certificates, approvals, authorizations, and permits required by law to set up and operate a business enterprise in Burundi. API has set up a one-stop shop to facilitate and simplify business registration in Burundi. For now, investors must be physically present in country to register with API.
The business registration takes approximately four hours and costs 40,000 Burundian frances (around USD 21). For more details and information on registration procedures, time and costs, investors may visit API’s website on https://www.investburundi.bi/.
There is no specific mechanism for ensuring equitable treatment of women and underrepresented minorities.
Outward Investment
The host government does not have mechanisms for promoting or incentivizing outward investment. The host government does not restrict domestic investors from investing abroad.
Djibouti
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
Djibouti’s laws encourage FDI, with state-run media providing favorable coverage of projects funded by foreign entities. The government sees FDI as a driving force behind Djibouti’s economic growth. Faced with high unemployment rates of over 39%, FDI is expected to generate jobs.
There are no laws, practices, or mechanisms that discriminate against foreign investors. Navigating the bureaucracy, however, can be complicated. Certain sectors, most notably public utilities, are state-owned and are not open to investors. The state-owned company Djibouti Electricity (EDD) had a monopoly on electricity production for decades, however in July 2015, the Djiboutian government approved a bill liberalizing the production of electricity. The energy sector is now open to competition through Power Purchase Agreements, however EDD retains all rights to the transmission and distribution of electricity. The liberalization of production has been a positive step in promoting private investment in the energy sector.
Djibouti’s National Investment Promotion Agency (NIPA), created in 2001 under the Ministry of Finance, promotes private-sector investment, facilitates investment operations, and works to modernize the country’s regulatory framework. NIPA assists foreign and domestic investors by disseminating information and streamlining administrative procedures. In March 2017, NIPA’s one-stop-shop was officially inaugurated. The NIPA is the main coordinator of the one-stop-shop which houses several agencies. NIPA has identified several priority sectors for investment, including infrastructure and renewable energy.
A new Minister of Investment position was created in 2016 to further attract and reach out to potential investors. The Minister reports directly to the presidency.
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
Foreign and domestic private entities have equal rights in establishing and owning business enterprises and engaging in all forms of remunerative activity. Furthermore, foreign investors are not required by law to have a local partner except in the insurance industry, and there, only if the company is registered as a local company and not a branch of an existing foreign company. There is no established screening process for FDI; it is encouraged and given favorable tax status. Specific terms are negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Many companies therefore have a unique status created by agreement with varying preferences and advantages.
Other Investment Policy Reviews
N/A
Business Facilitation
The government of Djibouti has facilitated the registration of business by reducing the capital needed for investment, simplifying the formalities needed to register with the Intellectual Property office, and simplifying certain tax procedures. The most important result is the finalization of a one-stop shop, managed by NIPA. The one-stop-shop brings together all the agencies with which a company must register.
Typically, a company registers with the following offices: Djibouti Office of Intellectual Property, Tax office, and the Social Security office. Online registration is not possible; the normal registration process takes 14 days, according to the World Bank. In Djibouti, new businesses must have every document notarized to begin operations. Djibouti ranked 112 out of 190 countries in the World Bank 2020 Ease of Doing Business report.
Outward Investment
The government neither promotes nor restricts outward investment.
12. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Other Investment Insurance Programs
Djibouti is eligible for Development Finance Corporation (DFC) programs. DFC is authorized to do business in Djibouti with an active bilateral agreement. Djibouti is a member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), which guaranteed the loan for the construction of the Doraleh Container Terminal in 2009. Chinese firms have made significant investment financing in Djibouti, making it difficult for U.S. firms to compete.
Ethiopia
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies towards Foreign Direct Investment
Ethiopia needs significant inflows of FDI to meet its ambitious growth goals. Over the past year, to attract more foreign investment, the government has passed a new investment law, ratified the New York Convention on Arbitration, and streamlined commercial registration and business licensing laws. The government has also started implementing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) proclamation (law), to allow for private investment in the power generation and road construction sectors.
The Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) has the mandate to promote and facilitate foreign investments in Ethiopia. To accomplish this task, the EIC is charged with 1) promoting the country’s investment opportunities to attract and retain investment; 2) issuing investment permits, business licenses, and construction permits; 3) issuing commercial registration certificates and renewals; 4) negotiating and signing bilateral investment agreements; 5) issuing work permits; and 6) registering technology transfer agreements. In addition, the EIC has the mandate to advise the government on policies to improve the investment climate and hold regular and structured public-private dialogue with investors and their associations. At the local level, regional investment agencies facilitate regional investment. Though Ethiopia has shown relative progress in two doing business indicators, specifically the ease of obtaining construction permits and registering property, its overall rank on the 2020 World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index was 159 out of 190 countries, which is the exact same ranking from 2018 and 2019. In order to improve the investment climate, attract more FDI, and tackle unemployment challenges, the Prime Minister’s Office formed a committee to systematically examine each indicator on the Doing Business Index and identify factors that inhibit businesses.
The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) works on voicing the concerns of U.S. businesses in Ethiopia. AmCham provides a mechanism for coordination among American companies and also facilitates regular meetings with government officials to discuss issues that hinder operations in Ethiopia. The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce also organizes a monthly business forum that enables the business community to discuss issues related to the investment climate with government officials by sector.
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
Foreign and domestic private entities have the right to establish, acquire, own, and dispose of most forms of business enterprises. A new Investment Proclamation, approved in early 2020, outlines the areas of investment reserved for government and local investors. There is no private ownership of land in Ethiopia. All land is owned by the state, but can be leased for up to 99 years. Small-scale rural landholders have indefinite use rights, but cannot lease out holdings for extended periods, except in the Amhara Region. The 2011 Urban Land Lease Proclamation allows the government to determine the value of land in transfers of leasehold rights, in an attempt to curb speculation by investors.
A foreign investor intending to buy an existing private enterprise or shares in an existing enterprise needs to obtain prior approval from the EIC. While foreign investors have complained about inconsistent interpretation of the regulations governing investment registration (particularly relating to accounting for in-kind investments), they generally do not face undue screening of FDI, unfavorable tax treatment, denial of licenses, discriminatory import or export policies, or inequitable tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Other Investment Policy Reviews
Over the past three years, the government has not undertaken any third party investment policy review by a multilateral or non-governmental organization. The government has worked closely with some international stakeholders, however, such as the International Finance Corporation, in its recent attempts to modernize and streamline its investment regulations.
Business Facilitation
The EIC has attempted to establish itself as a “one-stop shop” for foreign investors by acting as a centralized location where investors can obtain the visas, permits, and paperwork they need, thereby reducing the time and cost of investing and acquiring business licenses. The EIC has worked with international consultants to modernize its operations, and as part of its work plan has adopted a customer manager system to build lasting relationships and provide post-investment assistance to investors. Despite progress, the EIC readily admits that many bureaucratic barriers to investment remain. In particular, U.S. investors report that the EIC, as a federal organization, has little influence at regional and local levels. According to the 2020 World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report, on average, it takes 32 days to start a business in Ethiopia.
Currently, more than 95 percent of Ethiopia’s trade passes through the Port of Djibouti, with residual trade passing through the Somaliland Port of Berbera or Port Sudan. Ethiopia concluded an agreement in March of 2018 with the Somaliland Ports Authority and DP World to acquire a 19 percent stake in the joint venture developing the Port of Berbera. The agreement will help Ethiopia secure an additional logistical gateway for its increasing import and export trade. Following the July 2018 rapprochement with Eritrea, the Ethiopian government has investigated the opportunity of accessing an alternative port at either Massawa or Assab.
The Government of Ethiopia is working to improve business facilitation services by making the licensing and registration of businesses easier and faster, though online registration is not yet available. An amended commercial registration and licensing law eliminates the requirement to publicize business registrations in local newspapers, allows business registration without a physical address, and reduces some other paperwork burdens associated with business registration. U.S. companies can obtain detailed information for the registration of their business in Ethiopia from an online investment guide to Ethiopia: (https://www.theiguides.org/public-docs/guides/ethiopia). Though the government is taking positive steps to socially empower women (approximately half of cabinet members are women), there is no special treatment provided to women who wish to engage in business.
There is no officially recorded outward investment by domestic investors from Ethiopia as citizens/local investors are not allowed to hold foreign accounts.
Kenya
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
Kenya has enjoyed a steadily improving environment for foreign direct investment (FDI). Foreign investors seeking to establish a presence in Kenya generally receive the same treatment as local investors, and multinational companies make up a large percentage of Kenya’s industrial sector. The government’s export promotion programs do not distinguish between goods produced by local or foreign-owned firms. The major regulations governing FDI are found in the Investment Promotion Act (2004). Other important documents that provide the legal framework for FDI include the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, the Companies Ordinance, the Private Public Partnership Act (2013), the Foreign Investment Protection Act (1990), and the Companies Act (2015). GOK membership in the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) provides an opportunity to insure FDI against non-commercial risk. In November 2019, KenInvest launched the Kenya Investment Policy (KIP) and the County Investment Handbook (CIH) (http://www.invest.go.ke/publications/) which aim to increase foreign direct investment in the country. The investment policy intends to guide laws being drafted to promote and facilitate investments in Kenya.
The Central Bank has successfully maintained macroeconomic stability with relatively low inflation and stable exchange rates. The National Treasury is increasingly focused on efforts to ensure prudent debt management. Kenya puts significant effort into assuring the health and growth of its tourism industry. To strengthen Kenya’s manufacturing capacity, the government offers incentives to produce goods for export.
Investment Promotion Agency
Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), the country’s official investment promotion agency, is viewed favorably by international investors (http://www.invest.go.ke/). KenInvest’s mandate is to promote and facilitate investment by assisting investors in obtaining the licenses necessary to invest and by providing other assistance and incentives to facilitate smoother operations. To help investors navigate local regulations, KenInvest has developed an online database known as eRegulations, designed to provide investors and entrepreneurs with full transparency on Kenya’s investment-related regulations and procedures (https://eregulations.invest.go.ke/?l=en).
KenInvest is part of the National Business and Economic Response of the GOK and has been instrumental in assessing and relaying information about the private sector effects of Covid-19 to inform policy measures during the pandemic. The agency is also tracking post-Covid-19 investment sectors.
The GOK prioritizes investment retention and maintains an ongoing dialogue with investors. All proposed legislation must pass through a period of public consultation in which investors have an opportunity to offer feedback. Private sector representatives can serve as board members on Kenya’s state-owned enterprises. Since 2013, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), the apex private sector business association, has had bi-annual round table meetings with President Kenyatta and his cabinet. Investors’ concerns are considered by a Cabinet committee on the ease of doing business, chaired by President Kenyatta. The American Chamber of Commerce has also taken an increasingly active role in engaging the GOK on Kenya’s business environment, often providing a forum for dialogue.
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
The government provides the right for foreign and domestic private entities to establish and own business enterprises and engage in all forms of remunerative activity. In an effort to encourage foreign investment, the GOK in 2015 repealed regulations that imposed a 75 percent foreign ownership limitation for firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, allowing such firms to be 100 percent foreign-owned. Also in 2015, the government established regulations requiring Kenyans own at least 15 percent of the share capital of derivatives exchanges, through which derivatives such as options and futures can be traded.
Kenya considered imposing “local content” requirements on foreign investments under the Companies Act (2015), which initially contained language requiring all foreign companies to demonstrate at least 30 percent of shareholding by Kenyan citizens by birth. United States business associations, however, raised concerns over the bill, pointing to its lack of clarity and the possibility such measures could run afoul of Kenya’s commitments under the WTO. After the U.S. government also raised the issue with the Kenyan government, the clause was repealed.
Kenya’s National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) policy guidelines, published in August 2020, increase the requirement for Kenyan ownership in foreign companies providing ICT services from 20% to 30%, and broadens its applicability within the telecommunications, postal, courier, and broadcasting industries. The foreign entities will have 3 years to comply with the increased local equity participation rule. The Mining Act (2016) restricts foreign participation in the mining sector and reserves the acquisition of mineral rights to Kenyan companies, requiring 60 percent Kenyan ownership of mineral dealerships and artisanal mining companies. The Private Security Regulations Act (2016) restricts foreign participation in the private security sector by requiring that at least 25 percent of shares in private security firms be held by Kenyans. The National Construction Authority Act (2011) imposes local content restrictions on “foreign contractors,” defined as companies incorporated outside Kenya or with more than 50 percent ownership by non-Kenyan citizens. The act requires foreign contractors to enter into subcontracts or joint ventures assuring that at least 30 percent of the contract work is done by local firms. Regulations implementing these requirements remain in process. The Kenya Insurance Act (2010) restricts foreign capital investment to two-thirds, with no single person controlling more than 25 percent of an insurers’ capital.
Other Investment Policy Reviews
In 2019, the World Trade Organization conducted a trade policy review for the East Africa Community (EAC), of which Kenya is a member (https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp484_e.htm).
Business Facilitation
In 2011, the GOK established a state agency called KenTrade to address trading partners’ concerns regarding the complexity of trading regulations and procedures. KenTrade is mandated to facilitate cross-border trade and to implement the National Electronic Single Window System. In 2017, KenTrade launched InfoTrade Kenya, located at infotrade.gov.ke, which provides a host of investment products and services to prospective investors in Kenya. The site documents the process of exporting and importing by product, by steps, by paperwork, and by individuals, including contact information for officials’ responsible relevant permits or approvals.
In February 2019, Kenya implemented a new Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) which includes automated valuation benchmarking, automated release of green-channel cargo, importer validation and declaration, and linkage with iTax. The iCMS features enable Customs to efficiently manage revenue and security related risks for imports, exports and goods on transit and transshipment.
The Movable Property Security Rights Bill (2017) enhanced the ability of individuals to secure financing through movable assets, including using intellectual property rights as collateral. The Nairobi International Financial Centre Act (2017) seeks to provide a legal framework to facilitate and support the development of an efficient and competitive financial services sector in Kenya. The act created the Nairobi Financial Centre Authority to establish and maintain an efficient operating framework to attract and retain firms. The Kenya Trade Remedies Act (2017) provides the legal and institutional framework for Kenya’s application of trade remedies consistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) law, which requires a domestic institution to both receive complaints and undertake investigations in line with the WTO Agreements. To date, however, Kenya has implemented only 7.5 percent of its commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, which it ratified in 2015. In 2020, Kenya launched the Kenya Trade Remedies Agency for the investigation and imposition of anti-dumping, countervailing duty, and trade safeguards, to protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices.
The Companies Amendment Act (2017) amended the prior Companies Act clarifying ambiguities in the act and conforms to global trends and best practices. The act amends provisions on the extent of directors’ liabilities, on the extent of directors’ disclosures, and on shareholder remedies to better protect investors, including minority investors. The amended act eliminates the requirement for small enterprises to have lawyers register their firms, the requirement for company secretaries for small businesses, and the need for small businesses to hold annual general meetings, saving regulatory compliance and operational costs.
The Business Registration Services (BRS) Act (2015) established a state corporation known as the Business Registration Service to ensure effective administration of the laws relating to the incorporation, registration, operation and management of companies, partnerships, and firms. The BRS also devolves to the counties business registration services such as registration of business names and promoting local business ideas/legal entities, thus reducing costs of registration. The Companies Act (2015) covers the registration and management of both public and private corporations.
In 2014, the GOK established a Business Environment Delivery Unit to address challenges facing investors in the country. The unit focuses on reducing the bureaucratic steps related to setting up and doing business in the country. Separately, the Business Regulatory Reform Unit operates a website (http://www.businesslicense.or.ke/) offering online business registration and providing information on how to access detailed information on additional relevant business licenses and permits, including requirements, costs, application forms, and contact details for the relevant regulatory agency. In 2013, the GOK initiated the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities program, requiring all public procurement entities to set aside a minimum of 30 percent of their annual procurement spending facilitate the participation of youth, women, and persons with disabilities (https://agpo.go.ke/).
An investment guide to Kenya, also referred to as iGuide Kenya, can be found at http://www.theiguides.org/public-docs/guides/kenya/about#. iGuides designed by UNCTAD and the International Chamber of Commerce provide investors with up-to-date information on business costs, licensing requirements, opportunities, and conditions in developing countries. Kenya is a member of UNCTAD’s international network of transparent investment procedures.
Outward Investment
The GOK does not promote or incentivize outward investment. Despite this, Kenya is evolving into an outward investor in tourism, manufacturing, retail, finance, education, and media. Outward investment has been focused in the East Africa Community and select central African countries, taking advantage of the EAC preferential access between the EAC member countries. The EAC advocates for free movement of capital across the six member states – Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
12. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Other Investment Insurance Programs
In 2016, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (formerly OPIC) established a regional office in Nairobi, but the office is not currently staffed. The agency is engaged in funding programs in Kenya with an active in-country portfolio of approximately USD 700 million, including projects in power generation, internet infrastructure, light manufacturing, and education infrastructure. 13. Foreign Direct Investment and Foreign Portfolio Investment Statistics
Malawi
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
Malawi is open for foreign and domestic investment and grants national treatment to foreign investors. The country has hosted Malawi Investment Forums in 2015, 2016 and 2018, and is also planning to host another forum in 2020 (https://mif.mw/) as one way of marketing the country and bringing in FDI. Investors, both foreign and domestic, may invest in any sector of the economy, with no restrictions on ownership and investment incentives are open to both foreign and local investors.
There are no restrictions on the size of investment, the source of funds, the investment sector, or on whether products are destined for export or for the domestic market. Furthermore, an investor can disinvest 100 percent, make international payments and not be forced into local partnerships. However, the Malawi Stock Exchange limits an individual foreign investor to 10 percent of any company’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) and the stake of all foreign investors in an IPO is limited to 49 percent of total shares of the company.
The Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) was established to promote Malawi as a destination for trade and investment. It maintains three websites (www.mitc.mw, http://www.theiguides.org/public-docs/guides/malawi, and trade.mitc.mw) that provide information on potential sectors for investment and relevant regulations. The MITC also operates One Stop Service Centre at its Head Office in Lilongwe. The One Stop Centre has officials from business related government service providers all housed in one room. In practice MITC effectiveness is mixed.
The GOM prioritizes investment retention and maintains an ongoing dialogue with investors through the MITC, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Public Private Partnership Commission and other government agencies. The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) is one of the most successful groupings representing all sectors of the economy and it lobbies the GOM on issues affecting the private sector. (https://www.mccci.org/).
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
The GOM does not impose restrictions on the ownership or location of investments. It permits FDI in all sectors of the economy except for those sectors or activities that may pose a danger to health, the environment or national security. Restrictions are not imposed on fund source, destination or final product. There is, however, a requirement to appoint at least two Malawian residents as directors of companies registered in Malawi.
There are some limitations on foreign ownership of land. Under the Land Act of 2016, neither Malawians nor foreigners can acquire freehold land; foreigners can secure lease-hold land for terms up to 50 years. In addition, foreigners can only secure private land when no citizen has made an equal offer for the same land.
During the privatization of government assets, Malawian nationals are offered preferential treatment, including discounted share prices and subsidized credit. A 2017 amendment to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets (PPDA) Bill includes an indigenization clause that calls for “the prioritization of all bids submitted to give preference to sixty percent indigenous black Malawians.” From July 1, 2019 the GOM started implementation of the guidelines of the PPDA Act of 2017 (https://times.mw/black-empowerment-rule-comes-into-effect/)
There is no government policy to screen foreign direct investment but minimum investment capital for foreign investors is USD 50,000. Such investors must register with MITC (www.mitc.mw) and RBM (www.rbm.mw). Registration of borrowed invested funds allows investors to externalize profits to pay back loans contracted abroad and repatriate funds when disinvesting. MITC has revised the threshold for capital requirements but is waiting for gazetting to make the threshold official. The new thresholds will depend on the sector and will be revised upwards (https://mwnation.com/local-businesses-decry-investor-capital-ceiling/).
Other Investment Policy Reviews
WTO last preformed a periodic Trade Policy Review of Malawi in April 2016. The full report can be accessed at https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp435_e.htm. OECD and UNCTAD have not conducted reviews for Malawi.
Business Facilitation
To facilitate the process of starting a business, the Malawi Investment and Trade Center (MITC) operates a One Stop Center. It assists foreign and domestic investors of all sizes to navigate relevant regulations and procedures. It hosts representatives of the Registrar General, the Malawi Revenue Authority, the Department of Immigration, and the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. MITC’s main website (www.mitc.mw), the iGuides (http://www.theiguides.org/public-docs/guides/malawi), and trade portal (www.trade.mitc.mw) (http://www.malawitradeportal.gov.mw/) provide further information.
In addition to MITC’s One Stop Center, businesses can register online at http://www.registrargeneral.gov.mw/ though the website is often inaccessible. To operate in Malawi, a business must register with the Registrar General, the Malawi Revenue Authority and often the Ministry or regulatory body overseeing their sector of activity. For example, construction companies need to register with the National Construction Industry Council (http://ncic.mw/membership/). Businesses are also supposed to obtain business licenses from the city assembly, register the workplace with Ministry of Labor and Ministry and allow health officials to carry out an inspection of the company premises (https://mitc.mw/trade/index.php/business-registration).
Outward Investment
The mandate of MITC is to promote outward as well as inward investment. However, MITC rarely facilitates outward-bound investment. Domestic investors are not restricted to invest abroad except in the case of the Pension Act of 2010 and accompanying regulations which do not allow for the investment of pension funds or umbrella funds abroad.
12. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Other Investment Insurance Programs
DFC is currently backing a USD 37.5 million Solar Power Generation project in Nkhotakota, Malawi. The project is key to expanding Malawi’s clean energy generation capacity. The solar power agreement is one of the first following the completion of MCC’s first energy compact. DFC has also partnered with a local bank on a USD 5 million facility to enhance lending to small and medium agribusinesses. The loan guarantee facility aims to increase agricultural trade through improving access to markets and financing. Following these threshold projects and with intensive public and private sector engagement, there is potential to unlock more DFC assistance into Malawi. Malawi has had an OPIC (DFC) investment guarantee agreement since 1967.
Mauritius
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
Mauritius actively seeks foreign investment. The Investment Office (formerly the Board of Investment) of the Economic Development Board (EDB) is the single-gateway government agency responsible for promoting investment in Mauritius, and for helping guide investors through the country’s legal and regulatory requirements.
According to a number of surveys and metrics, Mauritius is among the freest and most business-friendly countries in Africa. The 2020 Index of Economic Freedom, published by the Heritage Foundation, ranks Mauritius first in the Sub-Saharan Africa region among 43 countries and 21st globally. For the 12th consecutive year, the World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business report ranked Mauritius first among African economies, and 13th worldwide, in terms of overall ease of doing business.
There is no formal ongoing dialogue with investors. However, one-to-one meetings are usually held with investors while the government prepares its annual budget.
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
A non-citizen can hold, purchase, or acquire real property under the Non-Citizens (Property Restriction) Act, or NCPRA, subject to government approval. A foreigner can acquire residential property and apartments under the government-regulated Property Development Scheme (PDS) http://www.edbmauritius.org/schemes/property-development-scheme. The NCPRA was amended in December 2016 to allow foreigners to purchase certain types of properties, as long as the amount paid is over six million Mauritian rupees (approximately USD 172,000). A non-citizen is eligible for a residence permit upon the purchase of a house under the PDS if the investment made is more than USD 500,000. More information is available at http://dha.pmo.govmu.org/English/Mandate/Pages/Non-Citizens-Property-Restriction.aspx.
Regarding business activities, the GoM generally does not discriminate between local and foreign investment. There are, however, some business activities where foreign involvement is restricted. These include television broadcasting, sugar production, newspaper or magazine publishing, and certain operations in the tourism sector.
In 2019, the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act was amended to increase the allowable equity participation of a foreign company investing in broadcasting to 49.9 percent from 20 percent. Similarly, control by foreign nationals in broadcasting was limited to 49.9 percent. Furthermore, a foreign investor cannot hold 20 percent or more of a company that owns or controls any newspaper or magazine, or any printing press publishing such publications. The IBA Act can be accessed via http://www.iba.mu/legal.htm.
In the tourism sector, there are conditions on investment by non-citizens in guesthouse/tourist accommodation, pleasure crafts, scuba diving, and tour operators. Generally, the limitations refer to a minimum investment amount, number of rooms, or a maximum equity participation, depending on the business activity. Details of the restrictions can be accessed via http://www.tourismauthority.mu/en/licence-categories-11/tourist-accommodation-certificate-30.html.
In the construction sector, foreign consultants or contractors are required to register with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). Details on registration procedures are available at https://www.cidb.mu/registration/contractors.
The Investment Office of the EDB screens foreign investment proposals and provides a range of services to potential investors. The EDB is a useful resource for investors exploring business opportunities in Mauritius and provides assistance with occupation permits, licenses, and clearances by coordinating with relevant local authorities. In 2019, U.S. Embassy Port Louis did not receive negative comments from U.S. businesses regarding the fairness of the government’s investment screening mechanisms.
The Investment Office of the EDB reviews proposals for economic benefit, environmental impact, and national security concerns. EDB then advises the potential investor on specific permits or licenses required, depending on the nature of the business. Foreign investors can also apply through the EDB for necessary permits. In the event an investment fails review, the prospective investor may appeal the decision within the EDB or to the relevant government ministry.
Other Investment Policy Reviews
Mauritius’ most recent third-party investment policy reviews through multilateral organizations were completed in 2014. In June 2014, the GoM conducted an investment policy review with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The review can be accessed via http://www.oecd.org/daf/inv/investment-policy/mauritius-investment-policy.htm. The review concluded that, while policies and legislation in Mauritius support private sector development, incentive schemes tend to bias investment towards real estate and property development. In October 2014, the GoM also conducted a trade policy review with the World Trade Organization (WTO), which can be accessed at https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp404_e.htm. A new trade policy review was expected to start in May 2020.
Business Facilitation
The GoM recognizes the importance of a good business environment to attract investment and achieve a higher growth rate. In 2019, the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act entered into force. The main reforms brought about by this legislation were expediting trade fee payments, reviewing procedures for construction permits, reviewing fire safety compliance requirements, streamlining of business licenses, and implementing numerous trade facilitation measures. The act can be accessed at https://www.edbmauritius.org/resources/legislations.
The incorporation of companies and registration of business activities falls under the provisions of The Companies Act of 2001 and The Business Registration Act of 2002. All businesses must register with the Registrar of Companies. As a general rule, a company incorporated in Mauritius can be 100 percent foreign-owned with no minimum capital. According to the World Bank 2020 Doing Business report, while the procedures for registering a company takes less than a day, actually starting a business takes between four and five days.
After the Registrar of Companies issues a certificate of incorporation, foreign-owned companies must register their business activities with the EDB. The company can then apply for occupation permits (work and residence permits) and incentives offered to investors. EDB’s investment facilitation services are available to all investors, domestic and foreign.
In partnership with the Corporate and Business Registration Department (a division of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development), the Mauritius Network Services (MNS) has implemented the Companies and Business Registration Integrated System, a web-based portal that allows electronic submission for incorporation of companies and application for the Business Registration Number, file statutory returns, pay yearly fees, register businesses, and search for business information. Applicants can register with MNS at https://portalmns.mu/cbris. In March 2019, the National Electronic Licensing System (NELS), which is co-financed by the European Union, was officially launched. NELS is a single point of entry for the processing of permits and licenses needed to start and operate a business. It can be accessed at https://business.edbmauritius.org.
Outward Investment
The GoM imposes no restrictions on capital outflows. Due to the small size of the Mauritian economy, the government encourages Mauritian entrepreneurs to invest overseas, particularly in Africa, to expand and grow their businesses. As part of its Africa Strategy, the government has established the Mauritius Africa Fund: a public company with USD 13.8 million capitalization to support Mauritian investment in Africa. Through the Fund, the government participates as an equity partner up to 10 percent of the seed capital invested by Mauritian investors in projects targeted towards Africa. The government has signed agreements with Senegal, Madagascar, and Ghana establishing and managing Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in these countries and has invited local and international firms to set up operations in the SEZs. As per the 2018 Finance Act, Mauritian companies collaborating with the Mauritius-Africa Fund for development of infrastructure in the SEZs benefit from a five-year tax holiday. To further facilitate investment, Mauritius has also signed Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements with African states.
Since 2012, the Board of Investment (now restructured as the Investment Office of the EDB) has been operating an Africa Center of Excellence, a special office dedicated to facilitating investment from Mauritius into Africa. It acts as a repository of business information for Mauritian entrepreneurs about investment opportunities in different sectors in Africa.
In 2018, the most recent year for which the Central Bank of Mauritius has published data, gross direct investment flows abroad (excluding the global business sector) amounted to USD 106 million. The top three sectors for outward investment were manufacturing (38 percent), finance and insurance activities (30 percent), and accommodation and food service activities (10 percent). Investment abroad was mainly geared toward developing countries, and Africa was the biggest recipient region of foreign direct investment, amounting to USD 44 million. Kenya was the top recipient country with USD 31 million. Data on outward investment can be obtained at https://www.bom.mu/publications-and-statistics/statistics/external-sector-statistics/direct-investment-flows.
12. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Other Investment Insurance Programs
In December 1997, Mauritius signed an investment incentive agreement with OPIC: https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/12912-Mauritius-Finance-Guarantees-12.15.1997.pdf. Mauritius, being classified as an upper-middle income country, is not a priority for DFC programs, but may be considered for programs that address key agency priorities. Mauritius is also a member of the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. Countries with significant government-financed investment in Mauritius include India, France, and China.
Mozambique
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
The government of Mozambique welcomes foreign investment and sees it as a key driver of economic growth and job creation. With the exception of a few sectors related to national security, all business sectors are open to foreign investment.
Mozambique’s Law on Investment, Decree No. 3/93, passed in 1993, and its related regulations, govern national and foreign investment. In August 2009, Decree No. 43/2009 replaced earlier amendments from 1993 and 1995, providing new regulations to the Investment Law. In general, large investors receive more support from the government than small and medium-sized investors. Government authorities must approve all foreign and domestic investment requiring guarantees and incentives. Regulations for the Code of Fiscal Benefits were established by Decree No. 56/2009 and approved in October 2009. The Code of Fiscal Benefits, Law No. 4/2009, passed in January 2009, can be found at: http://investmentpolicyhub.unctad.org/InvestmentLaws/laws/110.
The Agency for Promotion of Investments and Exports (APIEX, Agencia para a Promocao de Investimentos e Exportacoes) is the primary investor contact within the GRM, operating under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Its objective is to promote and facilitate private and public investment. It also oversees the promotion of national exports. APIEX can assist with administrative, financial, and property issues. Through APIEX, investors can receive exemptions from some customs and value-added tax (VAT) duties when importing “class K” equipment, which includes capital investments.
Contact information for APIEX is:
Agency for Promotion of Investments and Exports http://www.apiex.gov.mz/
Rua da Imprensa, 332 (ground floor)
Tel: (+258) 21313310
Ahmed Sekou Toure Ave., 2539
Telephone: (+258) 21 321291
Mobile: (+258 ) 823056432
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
Mozambique investment law and its regulations generally do not distinguish between investor origin or limit foreign ownership or control of companies. With the exception of security, safety, media, entertainment, and certain game hunting concessions, there were no legal requirements that Mozambican citizens own shares of foreign investments until 2011.
Law No. 15/2011, passed in August 2011 and often referred to as the “Mega-Projects Law,” governs public-private partnerships, largescale ventures, and major business concessions. It states that Mozambican persons must hold between 5 percent to 20 percent of the equity capital of the project company. Implementing regulations were approved by the Council of Ministers in June 2012.
Article 4.1 in Law 14/2014, often referred to as the “Petroleum Law,” states that the GRM regulates the exploration, research, production, transportation, trade, refinery, and transformation of liquid hydrocarbons and their by-products, including petrochemical activities. Article 4.6 established the state-owned oil company, the National Hydrocarbon Company (ENH, Empresa National das Hidorcorbonetos) as the government’s exclusive representative for investment and participation in oil and gas projects. ENH typically owns up to 15 percent of shares in oil and gas projects in the country.
Depending on the size of the investment, the government approves both domestic and foreign investments at the provincial or national level–there is no other formal investment screening process.
Other Investment Policy Reviews
Mozambique has undergone investment policy reviews by the following international organizations:
APIEX promotes and facilitates investment in Mozambique. It provides multiple services to investors including: incorporation, business licensing, entrance visas, work permits, residence permits, identification and licensing of land, identification of business partners, troubleshooting, project monitoring, and implementation follow-up.
Lengthy registration procedures can be problematic for any investor – national or foreign – but those unfamiliar with Mozambique and the Portuguese language face greater challenges. Some foreign investors find it beneficial to work with a local equity partner familiar with the bureaucracy at the national, provincial, and district levels.
In 2019, Mozambique ranked 135 among 190 countries in the World Bank Doing Business report. Mozambique performs slightly better than the sub-Saharan average for the ease of doing business but below peers such as Botswana and South Africa in the Southern African region. Mozambique ranks 174 out of 190 countries in how easy it is to start a business, taking 17 days to complete the process, requiring 10 procedures, and costing 120 percent of the per capita income. The report also indicates that access to credit and enforcing contracts are comparatively more challenging in Mozambique than most countries. The GRM has made improvements in areas such as getting construction permits and electricity.
Outward Investment
The government does not promote or incentivize outward investment. It also does not restrict domestic investors from investing abroad. The law does request that domestic investors remit investment income from overseas, except for amounts required to pay debts, taxes, or other expenses abroad.
12. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Other Investment Insurance Programs
The DFC (then OPIC) signed an investment incentive agreement with Mozambique in 1999. In September 2019, the DFC announced it would provide up to $5 billion in financing to support the development of Mozambique’s LNG resources. DFC’s Development Credit Agency is also actively engaged in lending in partnership with five local banks to support investment in the agricultural sector.
Rwanda
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
Over the past decade, the GOR has undertaken a series of policy reforms intended to improve the investment climate, wean Rwanda’s economy off foreign assistance, and increase FDI levels. Rwanda enjoyed strong economic growth up until March 2020, averaging over seven percent annually over the last decade, high rankings in the World Bank’s Doing Business report (38 out of 190 economies in 2020, and second best in African, compared to 29 in 2019 and 41 in 2018), and a reputation for low corruption. GDP growth in 2020 is expected to be negative due to the dampening economic effects of COVID-19. The RDB was established in 2006 to fast track investment projects by integrating all government agencies responsible for the entire investor experience under one roof. This includes key agencies responsible for business registration, investment promotion, environmental compliance clearances, export promotion and other necessary approvals. New investors can register online at the RDB’s website and receive a certificate in as fast as six hours, and the agency’s “one-stop shop” helps investors secure required approvals, certificates, and work permits. RDB states its investment priorities are: innovation and technology, particularly ICT and green innovation; tourism and real estate; agriculture and food security; energy and infrastructure; and mining.
In 2020, The World Bank Ease of Doing Business report indicated that Rwanda made doing business easier by exempting newly formed small and medium businesses from paying for a trading license during their first two years of operation. In addition, the GOR reduced the time to obtain water and sewage connections in order to facilitate construction permits and improved building controls by requiring construction professionals to obtain liability insurance. The country also upgraded its power grid infrastructure and improved its regulations on weekly rest, working hours, severance pay and reemployment priority rules.
A number of investors have said a top concern affecting their operations in Rwanda is that tax incentives included in deals negotiated or signed by the RDB are not fully honored by the RRA. Investors further cite the inconsistent application of tax incentives and import duties as a significant challenge to doing business in Rwanda. For example, a few investors have said that local customs officials have attempted to charge them duties based on their perception of the value of an import, regardless of the actual purchase price.
Under Rwandan law, foreign firms should receive equal treatment with regard to taxes, as well as access to licenses, approvals, and procurement. Foreign firms should receive VAT tax rebates within 15 days of receipt by the RRA, but firms complain that the process for reimbursement can take months, and occasionally years. Refunds can be further held up pending the results of RRA audits. A number of investors cited punitive retroactive fines following audits that were concluded after many years. RRA aggressively enforces tax requirements and imposes penalties for errors – deliberate or not – in tax payments. Investors cited lack of coordination among ministries, agencies and local government (districts) leading to inconsistencies in implementation of promised incentives and other facilitation. Others pointed to lack of clarity on who the regulator is on certain matters. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) has provided tax consultants to RRA to review auditing practices in Rwanda. The OTA program concluded in 2020 and produced a standardized tax audit handbook for RRA’s auditors to use.
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
Rwanda has neither statutory limits on foreign ownership or control nor any official economic or industrial strategy that discriminates against foreign investors. Local and foreign investors have the right to own and establish business enterprises in all forms of remunerative activity.
Foreign nationals may hold shares in locally incorporated companies. The GOR has continued to privatize state holdings, although the government, ruling party, and military continue to play a dominant role in Rwanda’s private sector. Foreign investors can acquire real estate but with a general limit on land ownership. While local investors can acquire land through leasehold agreements that extend to a maximum of 99 years, foreign investors can be restricted to leases up to 49 years with the possibility of renewal. The government published a new Investment Code in 2015 aimed at providing tax breaks and other incentives to boost FDI. The Investment Code includes equal treatment for foreigners and nationals with regard to certain operations, free transfer of funds, and compensation against expropriation. In April 2018, Rwanda introduced new laws to curb capital flight. Management, loyalty and technical fees a local subsidiary can remit to its related non-residential companies (parent company) are capped at two percent of turnover. Companies resolving to go beyond the cap are subject to a 30 percent corporate tax on turnover, in addition to 15 percent withholding tax and 18 percent reserve charge.
RDB offers one of the fastest business registration processes in Africa. New investors can register online at RDB’s website (http://org.rdb.rw/busregonline) or register in person at RDB offices in Kigali. Once a certificate of registration is generated, company tax identification and employer social security contribution numbers are automatically generated. The RDB “One Stop Center” assists firms in acquiring visas and work permits, connections to electricity and water, and support in conducting required environmental impact assessments.
RDB is prioritizing additional reforms to improve the investment climate. By 2020, it hopes to amend the land policy to merge issuance of freehold titles and occupancy permits; introduce online notarization of property transfers; implement small claims procedure to allow self-representation in court and reduce attorney costs; launch electronic auctioning to reduce time to enforce judgments, reducing court fees and allowing payments electronically; and establish a commercial division at the Court of Appeal to fast-track commercial dispute resolution.
Rwanda promotes gender equality and has pioneered a number of projects to promote women entrepreneurs, including the creation of the Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs within the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF). Both men and women have equal access to investment facilitation and protections.
Outward Investment
The government does not have a formal program to provide incentives for domestic firms seeking to invest abroad, but there are no restrictions in place limiting such investment.
12. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Other Investment Insurance Programs
DFC (Former Overseas Private Investment Corporation) has provided financing and political risk insurance to more than a dozen U.S. projects in Rwanda since 1975. DFC officials have expressed interest in expanding the corporation’s portfolio in Rwanda and are currently evaluating potential projects. The Export-Import Bank continues its program to ensure short-term export credit transactions involving various payment terms, including open accounts that cover the exports of consumer goods, services, commodities, and certain capital goods. The 1965 U.S.-Rwanda Investment Incentive Agreement remains in force; Rwanda and the United States are discussing potential updates to this agreement.
Seychelles
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
Seychelles has a favorable attitude toward most foreign direct investment, though the GOS reserves certain types of business activities for domestic investors only. The Seychelles Investment (Economic Activities) Regulations provide a detailed list of 65 types of business in which only Seychellois may invest, available here: https://www.investinseychelles.com/component/edocman/si-71-seychelles-investment-economic-activities/download?Itemid=0. The Regulations also provide details on the limitations on foreign equity for certain types of businesses and a list of economic activities in which need-based investment may be allowed by a foreigner. In June 2015, Seychelles implemented a moratorium on the construction of large hotels of 25 rooms and above in the island. In 2017, the President announced the decision to extend the moratorium until the end of 2020.
The Seychelles Investment Board (SIB) is the national single gateway agency for the promotion and facilitation of investment in Seychelles. The government’s objective is to promote economic and commercial relationships to diversify the economy, as well as to sustain its tourism and fishing industries, which are currently the main drivers of economic growth. The SIB organizes sector specific meetings with investors periodically and hosts a National Business Forum every two years to engage with the private sector.
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
The Seychelles Investment Act of 2010 and Seychelles Investment (Economic Activities) Regulations 2014 govern foreign direct investment (FDI) in Seychelles and are available at: https://www.investinseychelles.com/investors-guide/policies-guidelines-acts. Since the financial crisis of 2008 and the implementation of subsequent IMF reforms, Seychelles has successfully attracted FDI. According to the Central Bank of Seychelles, gross FDI inflows in 2019 amounted to $246 million, representing a decrease of $62 million compared to 2018. This decrease is principally due to delays in the implementation of a number of tourism projects that were not affected by the 2015-2020 moratorium on large tourism developments. The SIB advises foreign investors on the laws, regulations, and procedures for their activities in Seychelles.
The Seychelles Investment (Economic Activities) Regulations of 2014 lists the economic activities in which only Seychellois can invest. This regulation is currently being reviewed to convert the list into a list of foreign activities in which foreigners can invest to allow for increased transparency and better governance. Seychelles also places financial limits on foreign equity in certain types of resident companies – these limits are detailed in the Seychelles Investment (Economic Activities) Regulations 2014. The Regulations also provide a list of economic activities in which need-based foreign investment may be allowed. While SIB and the GOS encourage foreign investors to collaborate with a local partner, there is no formal requirement.
SIB also assists in screening potential investment projects in cooperation with other government agencies. For a business to operate, investors need to apply for a license from the Seychelles Licensing Authority. The GOS established an Investment Appeal Panel in 2012 to provide an appeal mechanism for investors to challenge GOS decisions regarding investments or proposed investments in Seychelles. More information is available in the Seychelles Investment Act 2010: https://seylii.org/sc/Act%2031%20of%202010%20Seychelles%20Investment%20Act%20%5BNo%20subsidiary%5D.pdf
Other Investment Policy Reviews
To date, Seychelles has not conducted an investment policy review through the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) or the World Trade Organization (WTO). Seychelles became the 161st WTO member in April 2015. UNCTAD is currently conducting an investment policy review in Seychelles and the report is expected to be finalized by the end of 2020.
Business Facilitation
The GOS committed to improving the business environment through measures such as using public-private partnerships (PPP) to upgrade the country’s infrastructure. The GOS announced a draft PPP law in 2018; as of March 2020, the National Assembly had not yet voted on the measure. In his 2018 budget speech, the Minister of Finance announced that the Customs Department would be restructured to modernize its activities and facilitate trade. Seychelles reviewed its Customs Management Tariff Classification of Goods Regulations and adopted the 2017 version of the Harmonized System of classification in 2018. The GOS is also currently reviewing the Companies Act of 1972.
Seychelles is ranked 100th in the World Bank’s 2020 Ease of Doing Business Report. On average, it takes eight days to obtain a certificate of incorporation and 14 days to obtain a business license. Details on starting a business in Seychelles are available on the World Bank website: https://www.doingbusiness.org/en/data/exploreeconomies/seychelles#.
Information on registering a business in Seychelles can be obtained on the SIB website: https://www.investinseychelles.com/investors-guide/start-your-business. Companies, including those foreign-owned, can register business names online through the business registration portal: http://www.sqa.sc/BizRegistration/WebBusinessRegsitration.aspx. However, part of the registration process, such as payment of fees, still must be completed in-person.
The Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA) is responsible for providing business development services to improve the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises in Seychelles. Services provided by ESA include business planning, training, marketing expertise, and identification of business opportunities for SMEs.
Outward Investment
The GOS does not promote or incentivize outward investment. However, it does not restrict local investors from investing abroad.
South Sudan
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
As of April 2020, the government was actively seeking foreign direct investment, but had not undertaken meaningful steps to facilitate it. Reported unfair practices have included effective expropriation of assets, inconsistent taxation policies, harassment by security services, extortion attempts, and a general perception that foreigners are not afforded fair results in court proceedings or labor disputes.
The country makes few investment facilitation efforts. In March South Sudan upgraded the South Sudan Investment Authority (SSIA) to the Ministry of Investment, as recommended in Chapter I of the peace agreement. In theory the Ministry of Investment has a One Stop Shop Investment Center. However, both organizations are poorly resourced and neither maintains an active website, though the Ministry of Investment plans to launch one this year. There is no business registration website. The ministries that handle company registration include the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Justice. There is no single window registration process, and an investor must visit all the above-mentioned agencies to complete the registration of a company. It is estimated that the registration process could take several months.
In January 2018, South Sudan joined the African Trade and Insurance Agency (ATI), which provides export insurance and other assistance to foreign investors and traders. Several local lawyers are willing to advise investors and guide them through the registration process, for a fee. There is a private-sector Chamber of Commerce, but it is a government run organization. There is no ombudsman.
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
Foreign and domestic private entities have the right to establish and own business enterprises and engage in all forms of remunerative activity, as well as freely establish, acquire and dispose of interests in business enterprises. Under the investment law, the government of South Sudan leases land to foreign investors for limited periods of time, generally not to exceed 30-60 years, with the possibility of renewal. In the case of leases for mining or quarrying, the lease shall not exceed the life of the mine or quarry. Under the 2009 Land Act, non-citizens are not allowed to own land in South Sudan. Years of conflict and internal displacement have left a complex land rights picture with many properties having been usurped by squatters or soldiers. There is no title insurance to speak of and no formal way to determine ownership outside of current possession. Particularly lucrative extractive or land-based ventures should assume claims on ownership, and therefore claims to royalties or rents, will abound.
For investors who wish to start a business in South Sudan, there is a local shareholder requirement, but the foreign investor can usually retain majority control. For foreign-based companies who wish to establish a subsidiary in South Sudan, the local shareholder requirement does not apply. South Sudanese businesses are given priority in several areas, including micro-enterprises, postal services, car hire and taxi operations, public relations, retail, security services, and the cooperative services. Exact details, and the extent of enforcement of these requirements, are sometimes unclear.
Subject to the Private Security Companies Rules and Regulations of 2013, registering and setting up a protection services security company in South Sudan requires a South Sudanese citizen to hold at least 51 percent of the company. Companies in the extractives sector must also have a South Sudanese national as part owner, but the exact percentage of ownership required is not always clear.
According to the Investment Act, foreign investors must apply for an investment certificate from the Ministry of Investment to ensure that the investment will be beneficial to the economy or of general benefit to South Sudan.
Other Investment Policy Reviews
In the past three years, the government has not undergone any third-party investment policy reviews.
Other Investment Policy Reviews
The government’s fiscal and economic strategy sees government facilitating investment in economic priority sectors, particularly in agriculture, transport infrastructure, petroleum, mining, and energy, to unlock South Sudan’s economic potential and boost diversified growth. Investment incentives exist, but the exact procedures are somewhat opaque.
There is no business registration website. The process to register a business is lengthy and complex, and involves visiting multiple offices at the national, state, and local levels. The Chamber of Commerce recommends hiring a local lawyer to register a business. To register a new company, investors can get a check list with the steps and the name of ministries they need to visit to complete registration process from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Outward Investment
The government does not have a policy for promoting or incentivizing outward investment. The government does not have a policy restricting domestic investors from investing abroad.
12. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Other Investment Insurance Programs
There is potential for successful DFC operations in South Sudan, but projects will need to be informed by best practices for operations in conflict-affected and fragile states. The DFC, and predecessor Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), has been open to business in South Sudan since 2012. South Sudan ratified its Investment Incentive Agreement (IIA) with OPIC in 2013. South Sudan is a member country of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.
Tanzania
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
The United Republic of Tanzania, according to Government officials, welcomes foreign direct investment (FDI) as it pursues its industrialization and development agenda. However, in practice, government policies and actions do not effectively keep and attract investment. The 2019 World Investment Report indicates that FDI flows to Tanzania increased from USD 938 million in 2017 to USD 1.1 billion in 2018, although they have not recovered to pre-2015 levels. (The Bank of Tanzania reports 2018 FDI as USD 2.82 billion, down from USD 5.07 billion in 2017.). Investors and potential investors note the biggest challenges to investment include difficulty in hiring foreign workers, reduced profits due to unfriendly and opaque tax policies, increased local content requirements, regulatory/policy instability, lack of trust between the GoT and the private sector, and mandatory initial public offerings (IPOs) in key industries.
The United Republic of Tanzania has framework agreements on investment, and offers various incentives and the services of investment promotion agencies. Investment is mainly a non-Union matter, thus there are different laws, policies, and practices for the Mainland and Zanzibar. Zanzibar updated its investment policy in 2019, while the Mainland/Union policy dates from 1996. Efforts to update the Mainland Investment Policy and Investment Act were underway, but incomplete as of the date of this publication.. International agreements on investment are covered as Union matters and therefore apply to both regions.
The Tanzania Investment Center (TIC) is intended to be a one-stop center for investors, providing services such as permits, licenses, visas, and land. The Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) provides the same function in Zanzibar.
The Government of Tanzania has an ongoing dialogue with the private sector via the Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC). TNBC meetings are chaired by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and co-chaired by the head of the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF). Unfortunately, the TNBC has only met twice in the past five years. There is also a Zanzibar Business Council (ZBC), as well as Regional Business Councils (RBCs), and District Business Councils (DBCs).
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
Foreign investors generally receive treatment equivalent to domestic investors but limits still persist in a number of sectors. Tanzania conforms to best practice in several cases. There are no geographical restrictions on private establishments with foreign participation or ownership, no limitations on number of foreign entities that can operate in a given sector, and no sectors in which approval is required for foreign investment greenfield FDI but not for domestic investment.
However, Tanzania discourages foreign investment in several sectors through limitations on foreign equity ownership or other activities, including aerospace, agribusiness (fishing), construction and heavy equipment, travel and tourism, energy and environmental industries, information and communication, and publishing, media, and entertainment.
Specific examples include the following: The Tourism Act of 2008 bars foreign companies from engaging in mountain guiding activities, and states that only Tanzanian citizens can operate travel agencies, car rental services, or engage in tour guide activities (with limited exceptions). Per the Merchant Shipping Act of 2003, only citizen-owned ships are authorized to engage in local trade, a requirement that can be waived at the Minister’s discretion. Furthermore, the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Act of November 2017 gives exclusive monopoly power to the Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation (TASAC) to conduct business as shipping agents, shipping regulator, and licensor of other private shipping agencies. The Act also gives TASAC an exclusive mandate to provide clearing and forwarding functions relating to imports and exports of minerals, mineral concentrates, machinery and equipment for the mining and petroleum sector, products and/or extracts related to minerals and petroleum arms and ammunition, live animals, government trophies and any other goods that the Minister responsible for maritime transport may specify.
The Tourism Act of 2008 bars foreign companies from engaging in mountain guiding activities, and states that only Tanzanian citizens can operate travel agencies, car rental services, or engage in tour guide activities (with limited exceptions). Per the Merchant Shipping Act of 2003, only citizen-owned ships are authorized to engage in local trade, a requirement that can be waived at the Minister’s discretion. Furthermore, the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Act of November 2017 gives exclusive monopoly power to the Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation (TASAC) to conduct business as shipping agents, shipping regulator, and licensor of other private shipping agencies. The Act also gives TASAC an exclusive mandate to provide clearing and forwarding functions relating to imports and exports of minerals, mineral concentrates, machinery and equipment for the mining and petroleum sector, products and/or extracts related to minerals and petroleum arms and ammunition, live animals, government trophies and any other goods that the Minister responsible for maritime transport may specify.
A 2009 amendment to the Fisheries Regulations imposes onerous conditions for foreign citizens to engage in commercial fishing and the export of fishery products, sets separate licensing costs for foreign citizens and Tanzanians, and limits the types of fishery products that foreign citizens may work with.
Foreign construction contractors can only obtain temporary licenses, per the Contractors Registration Act of 1997, and contractors must commit in writing to leave Tanzania upon completion of the set project. 2004 amendments to the Contractors Registration By-Laws limit foreign contractor participation to specified, more complex classes of work.
Foreign capital participation in the telecommunications sector is limited to a maximum of 75 percent.
All insurers require one-third controlling interest by Tanzania citizens, per the Insurance Act.
The Electronic and Postal Communications (Licensing) Regulations 2011 limits foreign ownership of Tanzanian TV stations to 49 percent and prohibits foreign capital participation in national newspapers.
Mining projects must be at least partially owned by the GoT and “indigenous” companies, and hire, or at least favor, local suppliers, service providers, and employees. (See Chapter 4: Laws and Regulations on FDI for details.). Gemstone mining is limited to Tanzanian citizens with waivers of the limitation at ministerial discretion. In February 2019, responding to low growth and investment in the sector, the government revised the 2018 Mining Regulations to reduce local ownership requirements from 51 percent to 20 percent.
Currently, foreigners can invest in stock traded on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), but only East African residents can invest in government bonds. East Africans, excluding Tanzanian residents, however, are not allowed to sell government bonds bought in the primary market for at least one year following purchase.
Other Investment Policy Reviews
There have not been any third-party investment policy reviews (IPRs) on Tanzania in the past three years, the most recent OECD report is for 2013. The World Trade Organization (WTO) published a Trade Policy Review in 2019 on all the East African Community states, including Tanzania.
The World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 Indicators rank Tanzania 141 out of 190 overall for ease of doing business, and 162nd for ease of starting a business. There are 10 procedures to open a business, higher than the sub-Saharan Africa average of 7.4. The Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA) issues certificates of compliance for foreign companies, certificates of incorporation for private and public companies, and business name registration for sole proprietor and corporate bodies. After registering with BRELA, the company must: obtain a taxpayer identification number (TIN) certificate, apply for a business license, apply for a VAT certificate, register for workmen’s compensation insurance, register with the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA), receive inspection from the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA), and obtain a Social Security registration number.
The TIC provides simultaneous registration with BRELA, TRA, and social security (http://tiw.tic.co.tz/) for enterprises whose minimum capital investment is not less than USD 500,000 if foreign owned or USD 100,000 if locally owned.
In May 2018, the government adopted the Blueprint for Regulatory Reforms to improve the business environment and attract more investors. The reforms, which were developed as a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the private sector, seek to improve the country’s ease of doing business through regulatory reforms and to increase efficiency in dealing with the government and its regulatory authorities. The official implementation of the Business Environment Improvement Blueprint started on July 1, 2019, though there have been little tangible changes or advancements. A new Business Facilitation Act aimed at implementing key actions from the Blueprint is pending adoption by Parliament.
Outward Investment
Tanzania does not promote or incentivize outward investment. There are restrictions on Tanzanian residents’ participation in foreign capital markets and ability to purchase foreign securities. Under the Foreign Exchange (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (FEAR), however, there are circumstances where Tanzanian residents may trade securities within the East African Community (EAC). In addition, FEAR provides some opportunities for residents to engage in foreign direct investment and acquire real assets outside of the EAC.
12. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Other Investment Insurance Programs
In 1996, the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the predecessor agency to U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), signed an incentive agreement with the GoT. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has in principle agreed that the existing OPIC agreement will allow for the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to operate in Tanzania. The current portfolio includes projects in agriculture, energy, micro-finance, and logistics. In addition, the DFC inherits USAID’s Development Credit Authority (DCA)’s active portfolio including guarantees to several banks to encourage lending to small and medium sized enterprises.
Tanzania is also a member of the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), which offers political risk insurance and technical assistance to attract FDI.
Uganda
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
The Ugandan government and authorities vocally welcome FDI, and the country’s free market economy, liberal financial system, and more than 40 million-person consumer market attract investors. However, rampant corruption, weak rule of law, and an increasingly aggressive Uganda Revenue Authority create a challenging business environment.
The 2019 Investment Code Act (ICA) established both benefits and challenges to FDI. It abolished restrictions on technology transfer and repatriation of funds by foreign investors, and established new incentives (e.g., tax waivers) for investment. However, the ICA also set a minimum value of USD 250,000 for FDI and a yet-to-be-specified minimum value for portfolio investment. Additionally, the ICA authorized the Government of Uganda (GOU) to alter these thresholds at any time, thereby creating potential uncertainty for investors. Under the ICA, investment licenses carry specific performance conditions varying by sector, such as requiring investors to permit the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) to monitor operations, or to employ or train Ugandan citizens, or use Ugandan goods and services to the greatest extent possible. Further, the ICA empowers the GOU to revoke investment licenses of entities that “tarnish the good repute of Uganda as an attractive base for investment.” The government has yet to revoke any investor license on this ground.
In October 2019, the GOU passed the Communications Licensing Framework (CLF) which requires telecommunication (telecom) companies to list 20 percent of their equity on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE), with the aim of increasing local ownership and reducing the repatriation of profits. Additionally, the CLF requires communication infrastructure companies to sell 20 percent of their equity to citizens of Uganda. However, no company has yet implemented these requirements, and in the first “test case,” the GOU exempted a telecom infrastructure company from the required equity sale.
The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) facilitates investment by granting licenses to foreign investors, as well as promoting, facilitating, and supervising investments. It provides a “one-stop” shop online where investors can apply for a license, pay fees, register businesses, apply for land titles, and apply for tax identification numbers. In practice, investors may also need to liaise with other authorities to complete legal requirements. The UIA also triages complaints from foreign investors. The UIA’s website (www.ugandainvest.go.ug) and the Business in Development Network Guide to Uganda (www.bidnetwork.org) provide information on the laws and reporting requirements for foreign investors. In practice, investors often ultimately end up bypassing the UIA after experiencing bureaucratic delays and corruption. For larger investments, companies have reported that political support from a high-ranking Ugandan official is a prerequisite.
President Museveni hosts an annual investors’ roundtable to consult a select group of foreign and local investors on increasing investment, occasionally including U.S. investors. Every Ugandan embassy has a trade and investment desk charged with advertising investment opportunities in the country.
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
Except for land, foreigners have the right to own property, establish businesses, and make investments. Ugandan law permits foreign investors to acquire domestic enterprises and to establish green field investments. The Companies Act of 2010 permits the registration of companies incorporated outside of Uganda.
Foreigners seeking to invest in the oil and gas sector must register with the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) to be added to its National Supplier Database. More information on this process is available on the Embassy’s website (select – Registering a U.S. Firm on the National Supplier Database): https://ug.usembassy.gov/business/commercial-opportunities/
The Petroleum Exploration and Development Act and the Petroleum Refining, Conversion, Transmission, and Midstream Storage Act require companies in the oil sector to prioritize using local goods and labor when possible, and give the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) the authority to determine the extent of local content requirements in the sector.
All investors must obtain an investment license from the UIA. The UIA evaluates investment proposals based on a number of criteria, including potential for generation of new earnings; savings of foreign exchange; the utilization of local materials, supplies, and services; the creation of employment opportunities in Uganda; the introduction of advanced technology or upgrading of indigenous technology; and the contribution to locally or regionally balanced socioeconomic development.
The UIA one-stop shop website assists in registering businesses and investments. In practice, investors and businesses may need to liaise with multiple authorities to set up shop, and the UIA lacks the capacity to play a robust business facilitation role. According to the 2020 World Bank Doing Business report, business registration takes an average of 25 days.
Prospective investors can also register online and apply for an investment license at https://www.ebiz.go.ug/. The UIA also assists with the establishment of local subsidiaries of foreign firms by assisting in registration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) (http://ursb.go.ug/). New businesses are required to obtain a Tax Identification Number from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), which they can do online (https://www.ura.go.ug/myTin.do) or through the UIA. Businesses must also secure a trade license from the municipality or local government in the area in which they intend to operate. Investors in specialized sectors such as finance, telecoms, and petroleum often need an additional permit from the relevant ministry in coordination with the UIA.
Under the Uganda Free Zones Act of 2014, the government continues to establish free trade zones for foreign investors seeking to produce goods for export and domestic use. Such investors receive a range of benefits including tax rebates on imported inputs and exported products. An investor seeking a free zone license may lodge an application with the Uganda Free Zones Authority (https://freezones.go.ug/).
Outward Investment
The GOU does not promote or incentivize outward investment, nor restrict domestic investors from investing abroad.
12. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Other Investment Insurance Programs
The DFC is currently funding several projects in Uganda and maintains a bilateral agreement with the government of Uganda. Active projects in Uganda can be found here: https://www3.opic.gov/ActiveProjectsMap/Default.aspx#
Zambia
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
In general, Zambian law does not restrict foreign investors in any sector of the economy, although there are a few regulations and practices limiting foreign control laid out below. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) continues to play an increasing role in Zambia’s economy, contributing to increased capital inflows and overall investment. The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), which is responsible for promoting trade and investment and coordinating the private sector-led economic development strategy, is the agency charged with attracting more FDI to Zambia.
Zambia has undertaken institutional reforms aimed at improving its attractiveness to investors; these reforms include the Private Sector Development Reform Program (PSDRP), which addresses issues related to cost of doing business through legislation and institutional reforms, and the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), which addresses some issues relating to transparency and good governance. However, frequent government policy changes create uncertainty for foreign investors. Recent examples include: a planned, rapid transition from a value-added tax regime to a sales tax that was planned to take effect in July 2019 but was scrapped in September 2019 after multiple last minute delays; taxes and royalty increases in the mining sector that took effect in January 2019 and marked the tenth significant change to mining taxes and regulations in 16 years; a labor law update that significantly increased costs of formal businesses without sufficient public consultation, and constant and unpredictable limits on various crop exports.
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
The ZDA does not discriminate against foreign investors, and all sectors are open to both local and foreign investors. Foreign and domestic private entities have a right to establish and own business enterprises and engage in all forms of remunerative activities, and no business ventures are reserved solely for the government. Although private entities may freely establish and dispose of interests in business enterprises, investment board approval is required to transfer an investment license for a given enterprise to a new owner.
Currently, all land in Zambia is considered state land and ownership is vested in the president. Land titles held by foreigners are for renewable 99-year leases; ownership is not conferred. According to the government, the current land administration system leaves little room for the empowerment of citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable rural communities. The government began reviewing the current land policy in earnest in March 2017; though shorter terms continue to be suggested, no changes have been adopted to date.
Foreign investors in the telecom sector are required to disclose certain proprietary information to the ZDA as part of the regulatory approval process. Further information regarding information and communication regulation can be found at the website of the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority at http://www.zicta.zm
The ZDA board screens all investment proposals and usually makes its decision within 30 days. The reviews appear routine and non-discriminatory and applicants have the right to appeal the investment board decisions. An investment application is screened to determine: the extent to which the proposed investment will help create employment; the development of human resources; the degree to which the project is export-oriented; the likely impact on the environment; the amount of technology transfer; and any other considerations the Board considers appropriate.
The following are the requirements for registering a foreign company in Zambia:
At least one and not more than nine local directors must be appointed as directors of a majority foreign-owned company. At least one local director of the company must be resident in Zambia, and if the company has more than two local directors, more than half of them shall be residents of Zambia.
There must be at least one documentary agent (a firm, corporate body registered in Zambia or an individual who is a resident in Zambia).
A certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation from the country of origin must be attached to Form 46.
The charter, statutes, regulations, memorandum and articles, or other instrument relating to a foreign company must be submitted.
The Registration Fee of K4,170 (~ USD 250.00) must be paid.
The issuance and sealing of the Certificate of Registration marks the end of the process for registration.
This information can also be found at the web address of the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA), http://www.pacra.org.zm
Other Investment Policy Reviews
The GRZ conducted a trade policy review through the World Trade Organization (WTO) in June 2016. The report found that Zambia recorded relatively strong economic growth at an average rate of 6.6 percent per year up to 2015. The improvement was attributed to growing demand for copper (the main export product) and its spillover effects on some other sectors such as transport, communications, and wholesale and retail trade. Buoyant construction activity and higher agricultural production also helped.
The trade policy review report of 2016 reached the following conclusions: the government will continue to implement programs and initiatives directed at attaining inclusive growth and job creation and pay particular attention to macroeconomic stability, diversification of the economy, support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), engagement with cooperating partners, and promotion of investment. Zambia also uses bilateral, regional, and multilateral frameworks to support economic growth and development.
The Zambian government, often with support from cooperating partners, has undertaken economic reforms to improve its business facilitation process and attract foreign investors, including steps to support transparent policymaking and to encourage competition. The impact of these progressive policies, however, has been undermined by persistent fiscal deficits and widespread corruption. Business surveys generally indicate that corruption in Zambia is a major obstacle for conducting business in the country.
The Zambian Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) manages Regulatory Services Centers (RSCs) that serve as a one-stop shop for investors. RSCs provide an efficient regulatory clearance system by streamlining business registration processes; providing a single licensing system; reducing the procedures and time it takes to complete the registration process; and increasing accessibility of business registration institutions by placing them under one roof.
The government established RSCs in Lusaka, Livingstone, Kitwe, and Chipata, and has plans to establish additional RSCs so that there is at least one in each of the country’s 10 provinces. Information about the RSCs can be found at the following links: http://www.brra.org.zm/index.php/656-2/
The Companies Act No. 10 of 2017 was operationalized through a statutory instrument (June 2018) and implementing regulations (February 2019) aimed at fostering accountability and transparency in the management of companies. Companies are required to maintain a register of beneficial owners, and persons holding shares on behalf of other persons or entities must now disclose those beneficial owners.
In order to facilitate improved access to credit the Patents and Company Registration Office (PACRA) established the collateral registry system, a central database that records all registrations of charges or collaterals created by borrowers to secure credits provided by lenders. This service allows lenders to search for collateral offered by loan applicants to see if that collateral already has an existing claim registered against it. Creditors can also register security interests against the proposed collateral to protect their priority status in accordance with the Movable Property (Security Interest) Act No. 3 of 2016. Generally, the first registered security interest in the collateral has first priority over any subsequent registrations.
Parliament passed the Border Management and Trade Facilitation Act in December 2018. The Act, among other things, calls for coordinated border management and control to facilitate the efficient movement and clearance of goods; puts into effect provisions for one-stop border posts; and simplifies clearance of goods with neighboring countries. While one-stop border posts have existed for several years and agencies are co-located at some border crossings, agencies still had conflicting regulations and processes. The new law seeks to harmonize outstanding issues.
Outward Investment
Through the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), the government continues to undertake a number of activities to promote investment through provision of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, establishment of Multi-Facility Economic Zones (MFEZs), the development of SMEs, as well as the promotion of skills development, productive investment, and increased trade. However, there is no incentive for outward investment nor is there any known government restriction on domestic investors from investing abroad.
12. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Other Investment Insurance Programs
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), formally the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), is active in Zambia: several projects are already underway and more opportunities exist in strategic sectors. OPIC and Zambia signed an agreement in June 1999 that provides for ongoing DFC support through the African Trade Insurance Agency. This institution, open to all African states that are members of the AU, provides exporters with insurance against receivables on export trade deals and political risk insurance for trade transactions. Zambia is also a signatory to MIGA, which guarantees foreign investment protection in cases of war, strife, disasters, other disturbances, or expropriation.
Host country currency exchange restrictions can affect the commercial viability of a project, making it difficult to convert and transfer profits. DFC inconvertibility coverage can ensure conversion and transfer of earnings, returns of capital, principal, and interest payments, technical assistance fees, and similar remittances pursuant to the bilateral agreement providing for the DFC program while giving priority for U.S. government expenses.
Zimbabwe
1. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment
Policies Towards Foreign Direct Investment
In order to attract greater FDI and improve the country’s competitiveness, the government has encouraged public-private partnerships and emphasized the need to improve the investment climate by lowering the cost of doing business and restoring the rule of law and sanctity of contracts. Implementation, however, has been limited.
Zimbabwe’s Indigenization and Economic Empowerment law limits the amount of shares owned by foreigners in the diamonds and platinum sectors to 49 percent with specific indigenous organizations owning the remaining 51 percent. The government has signaled it intends to remove these restrictions. There are also smaller sectors “reserved” for Zimbabweans.
The Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) promotes and facilitates both foreign direct investment and local investment. ZIA facilitates and processes investment applications for approval. ZIA’s website is http://www.investzim.com/. The country encourages companies to register with ZIA and the process currently takes approximately 90 days. The government has formed a more powerful, but not yet fully functional streamlined entity (a “one-stop shop”) – the Zimbabwe Investment Development Authority (ZIDA).
While the government has committed to prioritizing investment retention, there are still no mechanisms or formal structures to maintain ongoing dialogue with investors.
Limits on Foreign Control and Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
While there is a right for foreign and domestic private entities to establish and own business enterprises and engage in all forms of remunerative activity, foreign ownership of businesses in the diamond and platinum sectors is limited to 49 percent (or less in certain reserved sectors), as outlined above.
In 2007, the government passed the Indigenization and Economic Empowerment Act, which required that “indigenous Zimbabweans” (i.e. black Zimbabweans) own at least 51 percent of all enterprises valued over USD 500,000. A March 2018 amendment to the law limits these restrictions to the diamond and platinum sectors. The government has promised to repeal the Indigenization and Economic Empowerment Act by removing diamonds and platinum from the reserved list. According to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, shareholding on platinum and diamonds will be based on open negotiations between the government and interested investors.
Foreign investors are free to invest in the vast majority of non-resource sectors without any restrictions as the government aims to bring in new technologies, generate employment, and value-added manufacturing. The government reserves certain sectors for Zimbabweans such as passenger buses, taxis and car hire services, employment agencies, grain milling, bakeries, advertising, dairy processing, and estate agencies.
The country screens FDI through the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) in liaison with relevant line ministries to confirm compliance with the country’s investment regulations. Once an investor meets the criteria, ZIA issues the company or entity with an investment certificate.
According to the country’s laws, U.S. investors are not especially disadvantaged or singled out by any of the ownership or control mechanisms relative to other foreign investors. In its investment guidelines, the government states its commitment to non-discrimination between foreign and domestic investors and among foreign investors.
Other Investment Policy Reviews
In the past three years, the government has not conducted an investment policy review through the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization (WTO) or the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Business Facilitation
Policy inconsistency, administrative delays and costs, and corruption hinder business facilitation. Zimbabwe does not have a fully online business registration process, though one can begin the process and conduct a name search online via the ZimConnect web portal. In February 2020, the government passed legislation creating the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) to act as a one-stop investment center (and to replace the still-operational Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA)). The ZIDA, which is still not fully functional, will house several agencies that play a role in the licensing, establishment, and implementation of investment projects including the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), National Social Security Authority (NSSA), Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the State Enterprises Restructuring Agency, and specialized investment units within relevant line ministries.
The Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) facilitates both foreign direct investment and local investment. ZIA’s website is http://www.investzim.com/. According to the World Bank, business registration requires nine distinct processes and takes an average of 27 days.
Outward Investment
Zimbabwe does not promote or incentivize outward investment due to the country’s tight foreign exchange reserves. Although the government does not restrict domestic investors from investing abroad, any outward investment requires approval by exchange control authorities. Firms interested in outward investment would face difficulty accessing the limited foreign currency at the more favorable official exchange rate.
12. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Other Investment Insurance Programs
The U.S. government and Zimbabwe concluded an OPIC (now DFC) agreement in April 1999, which permits OPIC to conduct transactions in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe acceded to the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency in September 1989. Support from the Export-Import Bank of the United States is not available in Zimbabwe. Finance and export promotion programs, as well as investment insurance offered through international financial institutions, remain limited due largely to Zimbabwe’s mounting multilateral and bilateral debt arrears.