Nikolai Timofejev
15 years in FinTech and payments. Maps your business model to the right route - the SEC sandbox, the Zambian base, or a paired licensed hub - and leads it to a compliant launch, including banking and payment rails.
Get a crypto license in Zambia.
Zambia has no crypto licence - and we say so plainly. What it has is a real engagement path: the Securities and Exchange Commission runs a regulatory sandbox, built with the UN Capital Development Fund, where capital-market innovations including tokenisation are tested live under set conditions and limits. Around it sit a company, real AML and a readiness file. We structure it honestly.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
400+
Crypto licenses obtainedlicenses obtained
Updated
Zambia in brief
No dedicated law - one structured door, open now.
Zambia does not have a dedicated crypto law, and it is important to be plain about that. The Bank of Zambia set out its position in October 2018: cryptocurrencies are not legal tender, and Section 30 of the Bank of Zambia Act vests the exclusive right to issue notes and coins in the central bank. No licensing regime has followed. What Zambia does have is a structured way in. The Securities and Exchange Commission - the capital-markets regulator under the Securities Act No. 41 of 2016 - runs a Regulatory Sandbox, built with the UN Capital Development Fund, where innovations including tokenisation and other crypto-adjacent models are tested live under conditions and limits designed to protect investors. The Bank of Zambia and the SEC have also jointly studied crypto policy, and in 2023 the government said it was testing technology to support future regulation.
So the honest route has two layers. Where a model fits the capital-markets frame - tokenised instruments, investment platforms - the SEC sandbox is a genuine, published-guidelines path to test it under a regulator's eye rather than in a grey zone. Underneath sits the structure that works regardless: a Zambian company registered with PACRA under the Companies Act No. 10 of 2017, anti-money-laundering practice to the Financial Intelligence Centre Act No. 46 of 2010 standard, clean tax registrations on the 30% base, and a readiness file kept current for whatever regime the joint policy work produces. Where the model needs a standing permission now - exchange or custody at scale - we pair a licensed hub alongside. We build all of it end to end.
No dedicated crypto law in Zambia - honestly. The Bank of Zambia said in October 2018 that crypto is not legal tender. The real path is the SEC regulatory sandbox, built with UNCDF, where tokenisation and similar models are tested live under set conditions.
Underneath: a PACRA-registered company, AML to the FIC Act 2010 standard and a readiness file for whatever the BoZ-SEC policy work produces. We pair a licensed hub where a standing permission is needed now.
The honest picture
The sandbox route - readiness for a regime.
Two workstreams, honestly scoped: the SEC sandbox plus company route that operates today, and the readiness that converts it if Zambia's joint policy work becomes a licensing regime.
The sandbox + company route operates today; a readiness file converts it if Zambia's joint policy work becomes a regime.
01 - SEC SANDBOX + COMPANY · TODAY
Test live under set conditions
The working route: a Zambian company registered with PACRA, a well-prepared application to the SEC Regulatory Sandbox where the model fits the capital-markets frame, and AML practice to the Financial Intelligence Centre standard.
The working route: a Zambian company registered with PACRA, a well-prepared application to the SEC Regulatory Sandbox where the model fits the capital-markets frame, and AML practice to the Financial Intelligence Centre standard.
- ✓Zambian company registered with PACRA
- ✓SEC Regulatory Sandbox application
- ✓Live testing under conditions and limits
- ✓AML to the FIC Act 2010 standard
- ✓KYC, monitoring and record-keeping
- ✓Banking arranged on full disclosure
02 - READINESS FOR A REGIME
Two regulators studyingPrepared if Zambia legislates
The Bank of Zambia and the SEC have jointly studied crypto policy, and sandbox findings feed the thinking. The readiness file - governance, AML and custody on licence-grade patterns - converts the structure into an applicant if a regime lands.
The BoZ and SEC have jointly studied crypto policy - licence-grade compliance now means first in line if a regime lands.
- ✓BoZ and SEC joint crypto-policy work
- ✓Regulation technology tested by the state in 2023
- ✓Sandbox findings feeding future rules
- ✓Compliance built to licence-grade now
- ✓Regulatory monitoring - we track the moves
- ✓Paired licensed hub meanwhile
Costs and timelines are confirmed for your case before any work begins. Zambia has no standing crypto licence - the sandbox and company route is the real path today, and we pair a licensed hub where your model needs a standing permission now.
Why Zambia
A real sandbox, a clear line, set rules.
No dedicated licence - but a published sandbox run by the securities regulator, a stated central-bank position and a company framework that works.
✓
A structured door, in force
The SEC Regulatory Sandbox exists now, on published guidelines - live testing of capital-market innovations under conditions and limits designed to protect investors. It is the way to engage the regulator early rather than operate around it.The SEC sandbox - live testing on published guidelines.
✓
Built with the UNCDF
The sandbox was developed with the UN Capital Development Fund as part of a policy programme for Zambia's capital markets. That pedigree matters: the framework was designed to admit innovation, tokenisation named among the targets.A development-grade programme; tokenisation named.
✓
A clear central-bank position
The Bank of Zambia said in October 2018 that crypto is not legal tender, resting on Section 30 of the Bank of Zambia Act. A stated line beats silence - you know exactly where it sits, and we design flows that respect it.October 2018: not legal tender - a known line.
✓
Two regulators engaged
The Bank of Zambia and the SEC have jointly studied crypto policy, and in 2023 the government said it was testing technology to support regulation. The groundwork is being done in public, which is what readiness is for.BoZ and SEC joint policy work, done in public.
✓
A stable base with set rules
Companies register with PACRA under the Companies Act No. 10 of 2017, AML runs under the FIC Act No. 46 of 2010, and the standard corporate rate is 30% - cut from 35% in the 2022 budget. The general framework is predictable.PACRA, FIC Act 2010, 30% rate since 2022.
✓
Honest guidance on scope
Our value here is candour. We will not sell a «Zambian crypto licence» that does not exist - we use the sandbox and company route for what they offer, and pair a licensed hub where your model needs one now.No selling a licence that does not exist.
How it compares
How Zambia differs from other routes.
Zambia is the sandbox play: a structured engagement path with the securities regulator, not a licensing regime. The honest comparison is below.
Zambia vs other jurisdictions
| Feature |  Zambia | Other jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Regime | SEC sandbox, no dedicated law | Standing VASP licences |
| Standing licence | None - pair elsewhere | Often available |
| Engagement path | Sandbox under set conditions | Licence applications |
| Corporate tax | 30% standard | Ranges widely |
Regime
ZambiaSEC sandbox, no dedicated law
Other jurisdictionsStanding VASP licences
Standing licence
ZambiaNone - pair elsewhere
Other jurisdictionsOften available
Engagement path
ZambiaSandbox under set conditions
Other jurisdictionsLicence applications
Corporate tax
Zambia30% standard
Other jurisdictionsRanges widely
Country by country
| Country | License type | Taxation | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zambia | SEC sandbox + company (no law) | 30% corporate | Conditions and limits, live tests |
 South Africa | CASP under FAIS (FSCA) | 27% corporate | Licensed, established |
 Kenya | VASP Act 2025 (CBK/CMA) | 30% corporate | New regime, deadline Nov 2026 |
 Botswana | VASP registration (NBFIRA) | 22% corporate | Due diligence + consumer protection |
ZambiaLicense typeSEC sandbox + company (no law)
Taxation30% corporate
RequirementsConditions and limits, live tests
South AfricaLicense typeCASP under FAIS (FSCA)
Taxation27% corporate
RequirementsLicensed, established
KenyaLicense typeVASP Act 2025 (CBK/CMA)
Taxation30% corporate
RequirementsNew regime, deadline Nov 2026
BotswanaLicense typeVASP registration (NBFIRA)
Taxation22% corporate
RequirementsDue diligence + consumer protection
Doing it properly
What the compliant structure contains.What the compliant structure contains.
No dedicated law does not mean no standards - the sandbox runs on conditions and the FIC Act obligations are real. The checklist below is what we build.
01
Zambian company - incorporated with PACRA under the Companies Act No. 10 of 2017, with clean governance and transparent ownership to UBOs.
02
Honest scope assessment - a clear read on whether the sandbox fits your model, or whether a licensed hub is needed alongside now.
03
Sandbox application - a well-prepared submission under the SEC's published sandbox guidelines, framed for the capital-markets remit.
04
Test plan and exit plan - the sandbox runs on conditions, limits and reporting; we draft them so the SEC can actually say yes.
05
AML/CFT practice - KYC, EDD, monitoring and reporting built to the Financial Intelligence Centre Act 2010 standard, with a named compliance officer.
06
Custody and systems documentation - wallet architecture described to international standards.
07
Tax registrations - ZRA registration and the 30% corporate position handled from day one.
08
Readiness file - governance, AML and custody built to licence-grade for whatever regime the joint policy work produces.
09
Banking file - accounts arranged on full disclosure, matched to the flows.
10
Clean books - accounting a bank and a future regulator read as an asset.
11
Paired licence where needed - a standing permission in a licensed hub, sequenced with Zambia.
01
Zambian company with PACRA, clean governance.
02
Honest scope assessment - sandbox fit or pairing.
03
Sandbox application under the SEC guidelines.
04
Test plan and exit plan the SEC can approve.
05
AML practice to the FIC Act 2010 standard.
06
Custody and systems documentation.
07
ZRA registrations on the 30% base.
08
Licence-grade readiness file for a future regime.
09
Banking file on full disclosure.
10
Clean books from day one.
11
Paired licence where a standing permission is needed.
Reflects Zambia's sandbox, general company and AML framework (Companies Act 2017, FIC Act 2010) as of 2026. There is no dedicated crypto law or licence - in writing, not in small print.Sandbox + general company/AML framework (Companies Act 2017, FIC Act 2010), as of 2026. No dedicated crypto law or licence.
How it works
From first call to a compliant structure.
01
Strategy and honesty
The real status - sandbox fit or paired hub - and the tax and banking plan, fixed in writing before anything incorporates.Sandbox fit or pairing; tax and banking - in writing.
02
Zambian company
Incorporation with PACRA under the Companies Act 2017, clean governance and transparent ownership - the base everything sits on.PACRA incorporation, clean governance, UBOs.
03
Sandbox and AML
The SEC sandbox application with a test plan the regulator can approve, plus AML to the FIC Act 2010 standard.The SEC application plus the FIC programme.
04
Readiness and pairing
The licence-grade readiness file for any future regime, and a paired permission in a licensed hub where needed now.A file for a future regime; a paired hub if needed.
05
Banking and launch
Accounts arranged on disclosure; the structure live, compliant and honestly scoped.Accounts on disclosure; honestly scoped and live.
Quick facts
Dedicated crypto lawNone
RouteSEC sandbox + company
Sandbox partnerUNCDF
Legal tenderKwacha only
BoZ positionStated October 2018
Corporate tax30% standard
VAT16%
Company registryPACRA
Anyone selling a «Zambian crypto licence» in 2026 is selling paper. The honest products are the SEC sandbox route, the compliant company and - where a standing permission is needed now - a paired licensed hub.
On the ground in Zambia
Run from our Dubai office, with Zambian counsel.
Prifinance - Zambia desk
Lusaka · Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia
01
Zambian incorporation
Company formation with PACRA under the Companies Act 2017, with clean governance - the corporate layer the sandbox route sits on.PACRA registration, clean governance.
02
Sandbox application
A submission under the SEC's published guidelines, with the test plan, limits and reporting drafted so the regulator can say yes.A submission the SEC can say yes to.
03
AML to the FIC standard
A programme built to the Financial Intelligence Centre Act 2010 - KYC, monitoring and reporting with a named compliance officer.The 2010 Act programme, built properly.
04
Readiness and pairing
A licence-grade file for any future regime, and an honest read on where a licensed hub should sit alongside meanwhile.A file for a future regime; a hub alongside.
We also have offices in
Tallinn
Estonia
Roseni 13
Vilnius
Lithuania
Gedimino pr. 2
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Dubai
UAE
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
Madeira
Portugal
Rua da Alegria 31, 1F
Istanbul
Turkey
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Good to know
Taxation of crypto companies in Zambia.
No crypto-specific levy - company profits carry the 30% standard corporate rate, cut from 35% in the 2022 budget, with VAT at 16%. The position is planned deliberately from the start.
30% standard corporate rate
The standard corporate income tax rate is 30%, reduced from 35% in the 2022 budget. Sector rates vary - telecoms sit higher - so we confirm the exact figure for your activity before anything incorporates.Cut from 35% in the 2022 budget; sector rates vary.
VAT at 16%
Zambia's VAT applies at 16%. How it maps onto crypto fee income depends on the activity - we plan the position rather than assume an exemption.Mapped to the activity, not assumed away.
No crypto-specific rules
Crypto income falls under the general Income Tax Act. Positions are documented so they hold with the ZRA - and with whatever regime the BoZ and SEC policy work produces later.General Income Tax Act - positions documented.
The kwacha line matters
Crypto is not legal tender, per the Bank of Zambia's October 2018 statement. Settlement and pricing flows are designed around that line, in kwacha where the law expects it, on full disclosure.Not legal tender since the 2018 statement.
Substance underpins it
The position rests on a genuinely resident, well-run company. Real governance and presence in Zambia are what make the tax treatment and a future application defensible.Real presence makes it defensible.
Records serve both
The FIC-grade record-keeping the route requires also underpins the tax position - compliance-grade books double as tax-office-grade books.Compliance-grade books serve tax too.
Tax summary
Corporate income tax30% standard
VAT16%
Crypto-specific rulesNone - general system
Tax authorityZRA
CurrencyZMW
Sandbox routeSEC - in force
*As of 2026. The 30% rate and the kwacha line are the fixed points - we model the structure honestly around both.
Turnkey professional support
Experienced lawyers and international consultants.
We provide end-to-end support, from company registration and the sandbox application to regulatory interaction and compliance oversight - with an individualized approach to each client.
Oleksii Kindratenko
Builds the structure itself: Zambian company, sandbox application, AML/KYC pack and ZRA registrations. His document sets are the reason reviews finish in months, not years.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
First point of contact for international founders. Runs the whole setup remotely, across time zones and languages - from the first call to a clean, honestly-scoped business.
Follow Prifinance
Active across our channels.
Zambia · SEC sandbox
Launch your crypto project in Zambia with expert support.
Full-service setup - the sandbox and company route today, readiness for any regime the joint policy work produces.
Get a consultation →Free legal opinion
Is Zambia the right fit for your project?
Our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: whether the sandbox route fits, or which paired structure suits your business.
Written assessment within 2-5 business days
Request a free conclusion →FAQ
The Zambia crypto route, answered honestly.
Is there a crypto licence in Zambia?+
No. There is no dedicated crypto law and no licensing regime in force. The Bank of Zambia said in October 2018 that crypto is not legal tender, and that position stands. Anyone selling a «Zambian crypto licence» is describing something that does not exist.
What is the SEC regulatory sandbox?+
A programme of the Securities and Exchange Commission, built with the UN Capital Development Fund, that lets capital-market innovations - tokenisation named among them - be tested live under conditions and limits designed to protect investors. It runs on published guidelines, and it is the structured way to engage the regulator.
Does my model fit the sandbox?+
It depends on the frame. The SEC's remit is capital markets, so tokenised instruments and investment platforms fit naturally; a retail exchange or custody business usually does not. We give you that read honestly before any application is drafted.
So is operating legal?+
Crypto is not banned - it is unlicensed, and it is not legal tender. A Zambian company with clean governance and AML to the FIC Act 2010 standard operates in that space lawfully, and the sandbox adds a supervised frame where the model qualifies.
Is a law coming?+
The groundwork exists: the Bank of Zambia and the SEC have jointly studied crypto policy, and in 2023 the government said it was testing technology to support regulation. No bill is in force. We track the moves and keep your structure conversion-ready.
How are crypto companies taxed?+
A 30% standard corporate rate - cut from 35% in the 2022 budget - and VAT at 16%, with no crypto-specific rules. Income falls under the general Income Tax Act, and we document the positions so they hold with the ZRA.
When should I pair with another jurisdiction?+
Whenever your model needs a standing, supervised permission that Zambia cannot grant - exchange or custody serving clients now. A licensed hub holds the regulated activity, and the Zambian structure is the local base, sequenced cleanly.
Why Zambia with you?+
Because the value is in honest scoping and a fileable application: the sandbox used for what it actually offers, AML built to the FIC standard, tax handled, and a paired hub where your model needs one today.
A crypto licence in Zambia?+
No - no dedicated law; the sandbox is the path.
The SEC sandbox?+
Live testing with UNCDF pedigree, set conditions.
Does my model fit?+
Capital-markets frame - we give the read honestly.
Is operating legal?+
Unlicensed, not banned - clean company, real AML.
A law coming?+
BoZ and SEC study it; no bill in force - tracked.
Company taxes?+
30% standard, VAT 16%, no crypto rules.
When to pair?+
When a standing supervised permission is needed.
Why with us?+
Honest scoping and an application that files.
Client notes
Google4.7★★★★★
Founders who wanted it done right.
Google4.7★★★★★
“As a software development crew at FewMoreTaps OÜ, we've had the pleasure of working with Prifinance on some key financial moves.First of all, navigating the world of corporate banking and finance can be a maze, but Prifinance made it feel like a walk in the park. They helped us set up a corporate bank account without the hassle of jumping on a plane or drowning in paperwork. Everything was done remotely, smoothly…”
Google
“I had their assistance in company registration and I would recommend them. They were answering all my clarification during the process and offering all their supportThank you Daniel and Irinia”
Google
“We found PRIFINANCE COMPANYvia the Internet and asked for help in organizing the opening of their company in Estonia. PRIFINANCE COMPANY specialists helped us a lot with this. Their professional, competent approach and knowledge of their business left us with only the best impressions.”
Google
“I'm thrilled with my experience with PriFinance! They helped me obtain a crypto license in Estonia without any hassle. The team was super understanding and always available to answer my questions and assist. It was great to see how they put effort into preparing the documents to ensure everything went smoothly. I'm delighted with the outcome and highly recommend PriFinance to anyone looking to get a license…”
Google
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Google
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Google
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Get a free legal opinion on your project - our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: the sandbox route, the company structure, or a paired arrangement.Free legal opinion: the sandbox route, the company structure, or a paired arrangement - what fits your project.
✓Written legal opinion within 2-5 business days - free of charge✓A clear, honest read on scope - not a sales pitch✓Transparent fixed fees, confirmed up front✓EN · RU · ES speaking team
Prifinance is an independent law and advisory firm. We are not a regulator and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia, the Bank of Zambia, the Financial Intelligence Centre or any other public authority. Registrations and admissions are granted by, and obtained directly from, the competent authorities.