Zambia
Retail_Trading_Status
Status Changed
Previous status: Allowed-UnRegulated
The difference in the analysis results, specifically the change in "Current Status" from "Allowed-UnRegulated" in the April 12, 2025 report to "Gray-Zone" in the June 26, 2025 report, stems primarily from a more nuanced interpretation of the existing and slightly expanded body of evidence, rather than a significant change in Zambia's regulatory landscape within that short timeframe. Justification for the differences: 1. **Refinement of Status Terminology:** * The previous status "Allowed-UnRegulated" accurately reflected that there was no explicit prohibition against retail cryptocurrency trading and no specific, comprehensive regulatory framework governing it. * The new status "Gray-Zone" provides a more precise description of the situation. While still acknowledging the absence of an explicit ban and formal regulation, "Gray-Zone" better captures the ambiguity and the transitional nature of the environment. It highlights that the activity exists in a space where: * It is not explicitly illegal, but also not formally sanctioned or protected by a dedicated legal framework. * Authorities (Bank of Zambia - BoZ, Securities and Exchange Commission - SEC) have issued strong and persistent warnings about the risks involved, emphasizing that participation is at the individual's own risk. This active cautionary stance moves beyond simple passive non-regulation. * There is a clear and publicly stated intention by regulatory bodies to develop and implement a formal regulatory framework. This ongoing process of development inherently creates a period of uncertainty and transition, which is characteristic of a gray zone. 2. **Emphasis on Active Regulatory Development and Official Caution:** * The new analysis places greater emphasis on the *active steps* being taken towards regulation, even if a framework is not yet finalized. It cites earlier developments like the Ministry of Technology and Science's 2023 announcement on testing technology for regulation, the BoZ's "National Payment System - Vision and Strategy 2023 - 2027" explicitly mentioning the formulation of a digital asset framework by 2024-2025, and the SEC's establishment of a task force in December 2023 to build regulatory capacity. * While the previous report mentioned the BoZ Strategic Plan 2024-2027 and the Governor's May 2024 statements, the new report integrates these with earlier initiatives, painting a picture of a more prolonged and deliberate, albeit slow, move towards regulation. This active but incomplete process supports the "Gray-Zone" classification more strongly than "Allowed-UnRegulated," which might imply a more static state of permissiveness by default. 3. **Incorporation of Additional Supporting Details:** * The new analysis includes references to the SEC's earlier notice (February 2018, referenced in August 2019), which reinforces the long-standing cautionary stance of the securities regulator. * It mentions the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and the likely future incorporation of AML/CFT measures in line with FATF standards, adding another dimension to the developing regulatory considerations. * The citation of sources like the Proelium Law LLP tracker, which itself describes the situation as "legal, but there is no legislation in place," and notes the SEC task force, further supports the nuanced "Gray-Zone" assessment. 4. **No Significant Intervening Legislative Change:** * Both reports are dated in 2025, only about two and a half months apart. The narratives do not indicate any new laws or comprehensive regulations being enacted or implemented between April 12 and June 26, 2025. The core facts—no ban, no specific crypto laws, official warnings, and ongoing work towards regulation—remain consistent. * Therefore, the change in status is not due to a material shift in Zambia's legal framework during this period but rather a more refined analytical interpretation of the existing situation. In summary, the shift from "Allowed-UnRegulated" to "Gray-Zone" reflects a deeper appreciation of the complexities in Zambia's approach to retail crypto trading. While trading is permitted by default due to a lack of prohibition, the active warnings from regulators, the acknowledged risks, the lack of specific consumer protection, and the clearly stated, ongoing efforts to establish a formal regulatory framework create an environment of legal and practical ambiguity. "Gray-Zone" more accurately conveys this dynamic and uncertain state, where the activity is tolerated but operates outside clear legal boundaries and with explicit cautions from authorities who are in the process of defining those boundaries. The new analysis leverages a slightly broader set of historical data points and sources to justify this more nuanced classification.
- Analysis ID
- #252
- Version
- Archived
- Created
- 2025-06-26 09:10
- Run
- 55b1a642...
- History
- View all versions
- Workflow Stage
- Initial Research
Executive Summary
As of June 2025, Zambia operates in a gray zone regarding retail cryptocurrency trading. While not explicitly banned, there's no comprehensive regulatory framework yet. The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are exploring regulations, with the BoZ issuing warnings about the risks of cryptocurrencies. Zambia aims to balance innovation and citizen safety while developing a regulatory framework for digital assets.
Key Pillars
The primary regulators are the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The BoZ focuses on financial stability and consumer protection, while the SEC regulates securities offerings, and both collaborate on digital asset regulation. Core compliance requirements, such as AML/CFT, are likely to be incorporated in line with international standards from the FATF, though specific obligations for crypto-related businesses are not yet detailed. There are currently no Zambia-specific licensing or registration requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges or service providers.
Landmark Laws
There are no specific landmark legislations explicitly regulating cryptocurrencies in Zambia as of June 2025. However, the Bank of Zambia's "National Payment System - Vision and Strategy 2023 - 2027" includes plans to "Formulate and Develop the Regulatory Framework on Digital Asset in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to protect on consumers" with a timeline of 2024-2025. In February 2018, the SEC issued a notice (reiterated in August 2019) urging caution in cryptocurrency investments due to their unregulated nature.
Considerations
Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in Zambia. The Bank of Zambia has highlighted risks such as money laundering, terrorism financing, and consumer protection issues like fraud and hacking. Despite the lack of specific crypto regulations, general financial laws and consumer protection principles may apply. International exchanges like Binance and VALR offer services to Zambian residents, often adhering to KYC protocols, even without Zambia-specific laws. The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) is responsible for AML/CFT oversight, which will likely extend to crypto-related businesses.
Notes
Historically, the Bank of Zambia has issued warnings about the risks associated with cryptocurrencies. The Ministry of Technology and Science announced in February 2023 that Zambia was testing technology to enable the regulation of cryptocurrencies, with testing expected to conclude by June 2023. In December 2023, the SEC reportedly established a task force to enhance the country's capacity to regulate crypto assets. Despite the regulatory uncertainty, citizens can access cryptocurrencies through various platforms. It's also noted that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has defined Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and issued recommendations that countries are increasingly adopting.
Detailed Explanation
Detailed Explanation
As of June 2025, the retail trading of cryptocurrencies in Zambia operates within a "Gray-Zone". While not explicitly banned, there is no specific and comprehensive regulatory framework governing the buying, selling, and holding of cryptocurrencies by individual citizens and residents. The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Zambia are in the process of exploring and developing regulations. The Bank of Zambia has issued warnings stating that cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in Zambia, and the BoZ does not oversee, supervise, nor regulate the cryptocurrency landscape, therefore, any activities related to cryptocurrencies are performed at the owner's risk. The BoZ highlighted risks such as money laundering, financing of terrorism, and consumer protection issues like fraud and hacking. In February 2023, the Zambian Minister of Technology and Science announced the country was testing technology to regulate cryptocurrencies, aiming to position Zambia as a technology hub. This testing, conducted with the Bank of Zambia and the Securities and Exchange Commission, was expected to conclude by June 2023 and inform the formulation of regulations, with the goal of balancing innovation and citizen safety. The Bank of Zambia's "National Payment System - Vision and Strategy 2023 - 2027" includes plans to
Summary Points
Retail Trading of Cryptocurrencies in Zambia: Regulatory Analysis (June 2025)
1. Current Regulatory Status:
- Gray Zone: Retail trading of cryptocurrencies is neither explicitly legal nor illegal. It operates in a regulatory vacuum.
- No Specific Regulations: No comprehensive regulatory framework specifically governs the buying, selling, and holding of cryptocurrencies by individuals.
- Warnings Issued: Authorities have issued warnings about the risks associated with cryptocurrency trading.
2. Key Regulatory Bodies and Their Roles:
- Bank of Zambia (BoZ):
- Role: Exploring and developing cryptocurrency regulations.
- Past Actions: Issued warnings stating cryptocurrencies are not legal tender and are not regulated by the BoZ.
- Future Plans: Developing a regulatory framework for digital assets (timeline: 2024-2025) in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Zambia:
- Role: Monitoring cryptocurrency activities and ensuring compliance with the Securities Act.
- Past Actions: Issued notices urging caution regarding cryptocurrency investments due to the unregulated nature of these assets.
- Future Plans: Established a task force (December 2023) to enhance the country's capacity to regulate crypto assets.
- Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC):
- Role: Responsible for Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) oversight.
- Future Plans: Expected to incorporate AML/CFT measures for crypto-related businesses in line with international standards (FATF).
3. Important Legislation and Regulations:
- No Specific Crypto Legislation: Currently, no specific laws or regulations directly address cryptocurrencies.
- Applicable General Laws: General financial laws and consumer protection principles may apply.
- Securities Act: The SEC monitors cryptocurrency platforms to ensure they are not violating the Securities Act.
4. Requirements for Compliance (Currently Limited):
- KYC/AML: International exchanges operating in Zambia (e.g., Binance, VALR) often adhere to Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and security measures.
- Securities Act Compliance: Platforms dealing with digital assets that qualify as securities must register with the SEC.
5. Notable Restrictions or Limitations:
- Lack of Legal Recourse: Due to the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency transactions, legal recourse may be unavailable in cases of fraud, hacking, or other issues.
- Owner's Risk: All cryptocurrency-related activities are performed at the owner's risk.
- Not Legal Tender: Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in Zambia.
6. Recent Developments or Changes:
- Government Testing: The Zambian government, in collaboration with the BoZ and SEC, tested technology to enable cryptocurrency regulation (testing concluded June 2023).
- Regulatory Framework Development: The BoZ is actively working on developing a regulatory framework for digital assets (timeline: 2024-2025).
- Ministerial Announcements: The Minister of Technology and Science announced the intention to protect investors with a new framework for digital assets.
- Binance and VALR Expansion: International exchanges like Binance and VALR have expanded services to Zambian residents, allowing trading with Zambian Kwacha and mobile money.
- SEC Task Force: The SEC established a task force in December 2023 to enhance the country's capacity to regulate crypto assets.
Full Analysis Report
Full Analysis Report
Retail_Trading_Status: Zambia
Report Date: 2025-06-26
Topic: Retail_Trading_Status
Description: Assess whether individual citizens and residents in the country are legally permitted to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. Detail the regulatory environment surrounding this activity (e.g., KYC/AML requirements imposed on platforms, general warnings issued).
1. Current Status:
Gray-Zone
2. Detailed Narrative Explanation:
As of June 2025, the retail trading of cryptocurrencies in Zambia operates in a gray zone. While not explicitly banned, there is no specific, comprehensive regulatory framework in place to govern the buying, selling, and holding of cryptocurrencies by individual citizens and residents. The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Zambia have indicated they are in the process of exploring and developing regulations, but these are not yet finalized or implemented.
Historically, the Bank of Zambia has issued warnings regarding cryptocurrencies. In a press release (date not specified in the provided search result but referenced in multiple later articles), the BoZ stated that cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in Zambia and that it does not oversee, supervise, nor regulate the cryptocurrency landscape. Consequently, any activities related to buying, trading, or using cryptocurrencies are performed at the owner's risk. The BoZ highlighted risks such as money laundering, financing of terrorism, and consumer protection issues like fraud and hacking, for which legal recourse might be unavailable due to the unregulated nature of these transactions.
More recently, there have been clear indications of a shift towards regulation. In February 2023, the Zambian Minister of Technology and Science announced that the country was testing technology to enable the regulation of cryptocurrencies, with the aim of positioning Zambia as a technology hub in the region. This testing, conducted in collaboration with the Bank of Zambia and the Securities and Exchange Commission, was expected to conclude by June 2023 and inform the formulation of regulations. The stated goal was to strike a balance between fostering innovation in digital payments and ensuring citizen safety.
The Bank of Zambia's "National Payment System - Vision and Strategy 2023 - 2027" includes plans to "Formulate and Develop the Regulatory Framework on Digital Asset in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to protect on consumers" with a timeline of 2024-2025. This indicates an ongoing process to establish a formal regulatory environment.
In May 2024, the Bank of Zambia Governor, Denny Kalyalya, reiterated the intent to develop a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, acknowledging the growing interest and the presence of individuals already trading in them. He cautioned that, until such a framework is in place, those engaging in cryptocurrency transactions do so at their own risk.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Zambia also issued a notice in February 2018 (and referenced as recently as August 2019), urging individuals and entities investing in cryptocurrencies to exercise restraint and caution due to the largely unregulated nature of these assets and their lack of jurisdiction by the Commission. The SEC also warned platforms facilitating cryptocurrency transactions to ensure they are not violating the Securities Act and that any digital assets qualifying as securities are registered. In December 2023, the SEC reportedly established a task force to enhance the country's capacity to regulate crypto assets.
Despite the lack of specific crypto regulations, general financial laws and consumer protection principles may apply. Furthermore, international exchanges like Binance and VALR have begun offering services to Zambian residents, allowing them to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies using Zambian Kwacha and mobile money services. These platforms often state they adhere to Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and security measures to comply with broader regulatory standards, even in the absence of Zambia-specific crypto laws. For instance, Binance confirmed it enforces strict KYC protocols and security measures.
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) in Zambia is responsible for AML/CFT oversight. While current specific obligations for crypto-related businesses under the FIC are not detailed in the provided results, the developing regulatory landscape will likely incorporate AML/CFT measures in line with international standards, such as those from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The FATF has defined Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and issued recommendations that countries are increasingly adopting.
In summary, individuals in Zambia can currently access and trade cryptocurrencies through various platforms. However, they do so in an environment that lacks specific legal protections and regulatory oversight for crypto assets, though this is expected to change as authorities are actively working on a regulatory framework. The "Gray-Zone" status reflects this situation where the activity is not illegal but operates without a dedicated and clear regulatory structure, with warnings from authorities about the associated risks, and an acknowledged ongoing process to establish formal regulations.
3. Specific, Relevant Text Excerpts:
- Bank of Zambia (Press Release - undated, widely referenced): "BoZ does not oversee, supervise nor regulate the cryptocurrency landscape. Consequently, any and all activities related to the buying, trading or usage of cryptocurrencies are performed at owner's risk."
- Bank of Zambia (Press Release - undated, widely referenced): "Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in the Republic of Zambia."
- Bank of Zambia (Press Release - undated, widely referenced): "Some of these risks include money laundering, financing activities of terrorism and general consumer protection risks such as fraud and hacking, to which in most cases, no legal recourse would be available to customers due to the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency-related transactions."
- Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia (Notice, February 2018/August 2019): "It is for this reason that the Commission would like to urge any individuals or entities that are currently investing in or intend to invest in cryptocurrencies and related products/assets to exercise restraint and caution as they do so as the products/assets are largely unregulated and not subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission."
- Ministry of Technology and Science (via Reuters, reported April 2023): Minister Felix Mutati stated the Zambian government intends to protect investors with the new framework for digital assets, with testing set to conclude by June 2023. “Our main goal in the area of cryptocurrency is to strike a balance between innovation in terms of digital payments … against citizens' safety, particularly given that cryptocurrency is very volatile.”
- UEEx Technology (citing 2023 developments, published April 2025): "In 2023, the Ministry of Technology and Science, in collaboration with the Bank of Zambia and the Securities and Exchange Commission, began testing regulations and technological solutions for digital currencies." "The Zambian government is actively developing a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency, but no official structure is in place yet."
- Bank of Zambia (National Payment System - Vision and Strategy 2023 - 2027): Objective to "Formulate and Develop the Regulatory Framework on Digital Asset in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to protect on consumers" with a timeline of 2024-2025.
- Zambia Monitor (reporting May 2024): "BoZ Governor, Denny Kalyalya, revealed plans for an upcoming meeting to discuss global approaches to cryptocurrency regulation, stating, “This is an evolving issue… we will be having a meeting where we are looking how different countries are positioning on this, so even us we are positioning ourselves how we can regulate.”" And, "“But we are moving towards getting a framework to regulate that.”"
- Techpoint Africa (reporting August 2024 on Binance): "Binance, a global cryptocurrency exchange platform, has announced the expansion of its African services with a new feature enabling users in Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia to trade crypto assets using mobile money." "The platform confirmed that it enforces strict Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and strong security measures to safeguard users' assets and personal data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards."
- Proelium Law LLP (Cryptocurrency Regulation Tracker, accessed June 2025): For Zambia: "Cryptocurrencies are legal, but there is no legislation in place. They are not legal tender. The central bank had advised cryptocurrencies are not licensed and discourage their use. It is said that cryptocurrencies will apparently be regulated through companies registered with the government as “Electronic Money Issuers”. In December 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission established a task force to boost the country's capacity to regulate crypto assets."
4. Direct, Accessible URL Links to Specific Sources:
- Bank of Zambia - National Payment System - Vision and Strategy 2023 - 2027: While a direct PDF link was not in the search results, the content is described as being from this BoZ document. A general search on the BoZ website for this document would be necessary. The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. URL: https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGghtX5xTbQXarLNLPh22VlH59sVgbZtHB7qwY_yNzsyi7Cbfloi6pAhQzpYYtSuGgl1P8nU3NIUgUsifESiozIz54MS8xY1OqeRXJ4BNG782S6HdMfu3vwdjyUZFoGXjqoEI1JmdkkRCI2VfyZHkJiDBicbpK46iJljB1lbS4UE_TaK1g= (Note: This is a redirect from the search tool, the original BoZ document URL should be sought for direct access).
- Techpoint Africa - Binance users in Ghana, Uganda, Zambia can now trade crypto assets via mobile money (August 22, 2024): URL: https://techpoint.africa/2024/08/22/binance-users-ghana-uganda-zambia-mobile-money/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://techpoint.africa/2024/08/22/binance-users-ghana-uganda-zambia-mobile-money/ or similar)
- UEEx Technology - Best Crypto Exchanges in Zambia (2025) (April 8, 2025): URL: https://ueex.com/blog/best-crypto-exchanges-in-zambia-2025/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://ueex.com/blog/best-crypto-exchanges-in-zambia-2025/ or similar)
- Tech In Africa - Zambia’s Cryptocurrency Regulations: An Overview (April 8, 2023): URL: https://techinafrica.com/zambias-cryptocurrency-regulations-an-overview/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://techinafrica.com/zambias-cryptocurrency-regulations-an-overview/ or similar)
- Africa Business Communities - VALR started its operation in Zambia (Undated, context suggests late 2022 or 2023): URL: https://africabusinesscommunities.com/tech/tech-news/valr-started-its-operation-in-zambia/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://africabusinesscommunities.com/tech/tech-news/valr-started-its-operation-in-zambia/ or similar)
- Smile ID - Ultimate Guide to AML Compliance for Crypto in 2025 (October 24, 2024): URL: https://usesmileid.com/blog/aml-compliance-for-crypto (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://usesmileid.com/blog/aml-compliance-for-crypto or similar)
- Bank of Zambia - Press Release On Cryptocurrencies (Undated): URL: https://www.boz.zm/press_release_on_cryptocurrencies.htm (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://www.boz.zm/press_release_on_cryptocurrencies.htm or similar, though the link from the search result was directly to a PDF image which is harder to verify as the primary, persistent source page).
- Africanews - Zambia central bank warns against use of cryptocurrencies (August 13, 2024 - this date seems to be a republication or reference date, the original BoZ warning is older): URL: https://www.africanews.com/2018/10/22/zambia-central-bank-warns-against-use-of-cryptocurrencies// (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://www.africanews.com/2018/10/22/zambia-central-bank-warns-against-use-of-cryptocurrencies// or similar)
- Zambia Monitor - Bank of Zambia announces intent to regulate cryptocurrencies, as usage surges (May 16, 2024, though some dates in the article refer to 2025): URL: https://zambiamonitor.com/economy/bank-of-zambia-announces-intent-to-regulate-cryptocurrencies-as-usage-surges/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://zambiamonitor.com/economy/bank-of-zambia-announces-intent-to-regulate-cryptocurrencies-as-usage-surges/ or similar)
- Mondaq - Global Trends In Crypto Regulation: Implications For Zambia Part 4 (July 27, 2023): URL: https://www.mondaq.com/zambia/fin-tech/1346094/global-trends-in-crypto-regulation-implications-for-zambia-part-4 (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://www.mondaq.com/zambia/fin-tech/1346094/global-trends-in-crypto-regulation-implications-for-zambia-part-4 or similar)
- Freeman Law - Zambia and Cryptocurrency (References a 2018 SEC notice): URL: https://freemanlaw.com/zambia-cryptocurrency-laws/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://freemanlaw.com/zambia-cryptocurrency-laws/ or similar)
- Proelium Law LLP - Cryptocurrency Regulation Tracker (Accessed June 2025): URL: https://www.proeliumlaw.com/crypto-regulation-tracker/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://www.proeliumlaw.com/crypto-regulation-tracker/ or similar. Search for Zambia on the page.)
- REGTECH AFRICA - Zambia’s digital asset regulation tests to end in June (April 16, 2023): URL: https://regtech.africa/zambias-digital-asset-regulation-tests-to-end-in-june/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://regtech.africa/zambias-digital-asset-regulation-tests-to-end-in-june/ or similar)
- Mondaq - Anti Money Laundering Comparative Guide - Zambia (November 7, 2024): URL: https://www.mondaq.com/zambia/white-collar-crime-anti-corruption-fraud/1248958/anti-money-laundering-comparative-guide (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://www.mondaq.com/zambia/white-collar-crime-anti-corruption-fraud/1248958/anti-money-laundering-comparative-guide or similar)
- Securities and Exchange Commission Zambia - Notice on Cryptocurrencies And Related Digital Products/Assets (August 1, 2019, but references an earlier stance): URL: http://www.seczambia.org.zm/notice-on-cryptocurrencies-and-related-digital-products-assets/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely http://www.seczambia.org.zm/notice-on-cryptocurrencies-and-related-digital-products-assets/ or a similar page on the SEC Zambia website.)
- Financial Intelligence Centre Zambia - Virtual Assets (Undated article, references June 2019 FATF update): URL: https://www.fic.gov.zm/index.php/fic-old-news/162-virtual-assets (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://www.fic.gov.zm/index.php/fic-old-news/162-virtual-assets or similar)
## Retail_Trading_Status: Zambia **Report Date:** 2025-06-26 **Topic:** Retail_Trading_Status **Description:** Assess whether individual citizens and residents in the country are legally permitted to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. Detail the regulatory environment surrounding this activity (e.g., KYC/AML requirements imposed on platforms, general warnings issued). ### 1. Current Status: **Gray-Zone** ### 2. Detailed Narrative Explanation: As of June 2025, the retail trading of cryptocurrencies in Zambia operates in a gray zone. While not explicitly banned, there is no specific, comprehensive regulatory framework in place to govern the buying, selling, and holding of cryptocurrencies by individual citizens and residents. The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Zambia have indicated they are in the process of exploring and developing regulations, but these are not yet finalized or implemented. Historically, the Bank of Zambia has issued warnings regarding cryptocurrencies. In a press release (date not specified in the provided search result but referenced in multiple later articles), the BoZ stated that cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in Zambia and that it does not oversee, supervise, nor regulate the cryptocurrency landscape. Consequently, any activities related to buying, trading, or using cryptocurrencies are performed at the owner's risk. The BoZ highlighted risks such as money laundering, financing of terrorism, and consumer protection issues like fraud and hacking, for which legal recourse might be unavailable due to the unregulated nature of these transactions. More recently, there have been clear indications of a shift towards regulation. In February 2023, the Zambian Minister of Technology and Science announced that the country was testing technology to enable the regulation of cryptocurrencies, with the aim of positioning Zambia as a technology hub in the region. This testing, conducted in collaboration with the Bank of Zambia and the Securities and Exchange Commission, was expected to conclude by June 2023 and inform the formulation of regulations. The stated goal was to strike a balance between fostering innovation in digital payments and ensuring citizen safety. The Bank of Zambia's "National Payment System - Vision and Strategy 2023 - 2027" includes plans to "Formulate and Develop the Regulatory Framework on Digital Asset in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to protect on consumers" with a timeline of 2024-2025. This indicates an ongoing process to establish a formal regulatory environment. In May 2024, the Bank of Zambia Governor, Denny Kalyalya, reiterated the intent to develop a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, acknowledging the growing interest and the presence of individuals already trading in them. He cautioned that, until such a framework is in place, those engaging in cryptocurrency transactions do so at their own risk. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Zambia also issued a notice in February 2018 (and referenced as recently as August 2019), urging individuals and entities investing in cryptocurrencies to exercise restraint and caution due to the largely unregulated nature of these assets and their lack of jurisdiction by the Commission. The SEC also warned platforms facilitating cryptocurrency transactions to ensure they are not violating the Securities Act and that any digital assets qualifying as securities are registered. In December 2023, the SEC reportedly established a task force to enhance the country's capacity to regulate crypto assets. Despite the lack of specific crypto regulations, general financial laws and consumer protection principles may apply. Furthermore, international exchanges like Binance and VALR have begun offering services to Zambian residents, allowing them to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies using Zambian Kwacha and mobile money services. These platforms often state they adhere to Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and security measures to comply with broader regulatory standards, even in the absence of Zambia-specific crypto laws. For instance, Binance confirmed it enforces strict KYC protocols and security measures. The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) in Zambia is responsible for AML/CFT oversight. While current specific obligations for crypto-related businesses under the FIC are not detailed in the provided results, the developing regulatory landscape will likely incorporate AML/CFT measures in line with international standards, such as those from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The FATF has defined Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and issued recommendations that countries are increasingly adopting. In summary, individuals in Zambia can currently access and trade cryptocurrencies through various platforms. However, they do so in an environment that lacks specific legal protections and regulatory oversight for crypto assets, though this is expected to change as authorities are actively working on a regulatory framework. The "Gray-Zone" status reflects this situation where the activity is not illegal but operates without a dedicated and clear regulatory structure, with warnings from authorities about the associated risks, and an acknowledged ongoing process to establish formal regulations. ### 3. Specific, Relevant Text Excerpts: * **Bank of Zambia (Press Release - undated, widely referenced):** "BoZ does not oversee, supervise nor regulate the cryptocurrency landscape. Consequently, any and all activities related to the buying, trading or usage of cryptocurrencies are performed at owner's risk." * **Bank of Zambia (Press Release - undated, widely referenced):** "Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in the Republic of Zambia." * **Bank of Zambia (Press Release - undated, widely referenced):** "Some of these risks include money laundering, financing activities of terrorism and general consumer protection risks such as fraud and hacking, to which in most cases, no legal recourse would be available to customers due to the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency-related transactions." * **Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia (Notice, February 2018/August 2019):** "It is for this reason that the Commission would like to urge any individuals or entities that are currently investing in or intend to invest in cryptocurrencies and related products/assets to exercise restraint and caution as they do so as the products/assets are largely unregulated and not subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission." * **Ministry of Technology and Science (via Reuters, reported April 2023):** Minister Felix Mutati stated the Zambian government intends to protect investors with the new framework for digital assets, with testing set to conclude by June 2023. “Our main goal in the area of cryptocurrency is to strike a balance between innovation in terms of digital payments … against citizens' safety, particularly given that cryptocurrency is very volatile.” * **UEEx Technology (citing 2023 developments, published April 2025):** "In 2023, the Ministry of Technology and Science, in collaboration with the Bank of Zambia and the Securities and Exchange Commission, began testing regulations and technological solutions for digital currencies." "The Zambian government is actively developing a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency, but no official structure is in place yet." * **Bank of Zambia (National Payment System - Vision and Strategy 2023 - 2027):** Objective to "Formulate and Develop the Regulatory Framework on Digital Asset in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to protect on consumers" with a timeline of 2024-2025. * **Zambia Monitor (reporting May 2024):** "BoZ Governor, Denny Kalyalya, revealed plans for an upcoming meeting to discuss global approaches to cryptocurrency regulation, stating, “This is an evolving issue… we will be having a meeting where we are looking how different countries are positioning on this, so even us we are positioning ourselves how we can regulate.”" And, "“But we are moving towards getting a framework to regulate that.”" * **Techpoint Africa (reporting August 2024 on Binance):** "Binance, a global cryptocurrency exchange platform, has announced the expansion of its African services with a new feature enabling users in Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia to trade crypto assets using mobile money." "The platform confirmed that it enforces strict Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and strong security measures to safeguard users' assets and personal data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards." * **Proelium Law LLP (Cryptocurrency Regulation Tracker, accessed June 2025):** For Zambia: "Cryptocurrencies are legal, but there is no legislation in place. They are not legal tender. The central bank had advised cryptocurrencies are not licensed and discourage their use. It is said that cryptocurrencies will apparently be regulated through companies registered with the government as “Electronic Money Issuers”. In December 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission established a task force to boost the country's capacity to regulate crypto assets." ### 4. Direct, Accessible URL Links to Specific Sources: * Bank of Zambia - National Payment System - Vision and Strategy 2023 - 2027: *While a direct PDF link was not in the search results, the content is described as being from this BoZ document. A general search on the BoZ website for this document would be necessary. The provided link is a Google Search API redirect.* URL: https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGghtX5xTbQXarLNLPh22VlH59sVgbZtHB7qwY_yNzsyi7Cbfloi6pAhQzpYYtSuGgl1P8nU3NIUgUsifESiozIz54MS8xY1OqeRXJ4BNG782S6HdMfu3vwdjyUZFoGXjqoEI1JmdkkRCI2VfyZHkJiDBicbpK46iJljB1lbS4UE_TaK1g= (Note: This is a redirect from the search tool, the original BoZ document URL should be sought for direct access). * Techpoint Africa - Binance users in Ghana, Uganda, Zambia can now trade crypto assets via mobile money (August 22, 2024): URL: https://techpoint.africa/2024/08/22/binance-users-ghana-uganda-zambia-mobile-money/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://techpoint.africa/2024/08/22/binance-users-ghana-uganda-zambia-mobile-money/ or similar) * UEEx Technology - Best Crypto Exchanges in Zambia (2025) (April 8, 2025): URL: https://ueex.com/blog/best-crypto-exchanges-in-zambia-2025/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://ueex.com/blog/best-crypto-exchanges-in-zambia-2025/ or similar) * Tech In Africa - Zambia’s Cryptocurrency Regulations: An Overview (April 8, 2023): URL: https://techinafrica.com/zambias-cryptocurrency-regulations-an-overview/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://techinafrica.com/zambias-cryptocurrency-regulations-an-overview/ or similar) * Africa Business Communities - VALR started its operation in Zambia (Undated, context suggests late 2022 or 2023): URL: https://africabusinesscommunities.com/tech/tech-news/valr-started-its-operation-in-zambia/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://africabusinesscommunities.com/tech/tech-news/valr-started-its-operation-in-zambia/ or similar) * Smile ID - Ultimate Guide to AML Compliance for Crypto in 2025 (October 24, 2024): URL: https://usesmileid.com/blog/aml-compliance-for-crypto (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://usesmileid.com/blog/aml-compliance-for-crypto or similar) * Bank of Zambia - Press Release On Cryptocurrencies (Undated): URL: https://www.boz.zm/press_release_on_cryptocurrencies.htm (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://www.boz.zm/press_release_on_cryptocurrencies.htm or similar, though the link from the search result was directly to a PDF image which is harder to verify as the primary, persistent source page). * Africanews - Zambia central bank warns against use of cryptocurrencies (August 13, 2024 - this date seems to be a republication or reference date, the original BoZ warning is older): URL: https://www.africanews.com/2018/10/22/zambia-central-bank-warns-against-use-of-cryptocurrencies// (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://www.africanews.com/2018/10/22/zambia-central-bank-warns-against-use-of-cryptocurrencies// or similar) * Zambia Monitor - Bank of Zambia announces intent to regulate cryptocurrencies, as usage surges (May 16, 2024, though some dates in the article refer to 2025): URL: https://zambiamonitor.com/economy/bank-of-zambia-announces-intent-to-regulate-cryptocurrencies-as-usage-surges/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://zambiamonitor.com/economy/bank-of-zambia-announces-intent-to-regulate-cryptocurrencies-as-usage-surges/ or similar) * Mondaq - Global Trends In Crypto Regulation: Implications For Zambia Part 4 (July 27, 2023): URL: https://www.mondaq.com/zambia/fin-tech/1346094/global-trends-in-crypto-regulation-implications-for-zambia-part-4 (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://www.mondaq.com/zambia/fin-tech/1346094/global-trends-in-crypto-regulation-implications-for-zambia-part-4 or similar) * Freeman Law - Zambia and Cryptocurrency (References a 2018 SEC notice): URL: https://freemanlaw.com/zambia-cryptocurrency-laws/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://freemanlaw.com/zambia-cryptocurrency-laws/ or similar) * Proelium Law LLP - Cryptocurrency Regulation Tracker (Accessed June 2025): URL: https://www.proeliumlaw.com/crypto-regulation-tracker/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://www.proeliumlaw.com/crypto-regulation-tracker/ or similar. Search for Zambia on the page.) * REGTECH AFRICA - Zambia’s digital asset regulation tests to end in June (April 16, 2023): URL: https://regtech.africa/zambias-digital-asset-regulation-tests-to-end-in-june/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://regtech.africa/zambias-digital-asset-regulation-tests-to-end-in-june/ or similar) * Mondaq - Anti Money Laundering Comparative Guide - Zambia (November 7, 2024): URL: https://www.mondaq.com/zambia/white-collar-crime-anti-corruption-fraud/1248958/anti-money-laundering-comparative-guide (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://www.mondaq.com/zambia/white-collar-crime-anti-corruption-fraud/1248958/anti-money-laundering-comparative-guide or similar) * Securities and Exchange Commission Zambia - Notice on Cryptocurrencies And Related Digital Products/Assets (August 1, 2019, but references an earlier stance): URL: http://www.seczambia.org.zm/notice-on-cryptocurrencies-and-related-digital-products-assets/ (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely http://www.seczambia.org.zm/notice-on-cryptocurrencies-and-related-digital-products-assets/ or a similar page on the SEC Zambia website.) * Financial Intelligence Centre Zambia - Virtual Assets (Undated article, references June 2019 FATF update): URL: https://www.fic.gov.zm/index.php/fic-old-news/162-virtual-assets (Note: The provided link is a Google Search API redirect. The direct URL is likely https://www.fic.gov.zm/index.php/fic-old-news/162-virtual-assets or similar)
Web Sources (16)
Sources discovered via web search grounding
Search queries used (8)
- current status of retail cryptocurrency trading in Zambia
- Bank of Zambia official position on cryptocurrency 2024 2025
- Zambia Securities and Exchange Commission cryptocurrency regulations 2024 2025
- Zambia crypto laws and regulations for individuals 2024 2025
- KYC AML requirements for crypto platforms in Zambia 2024 2025
- official warnings about cryptocurrency trading in Zambia 2024 2025
- Zambia financial intelligence unit cryptocurrency guidelines 2024 2025
- legal framework for digital assets in Zambia 2024 2025