ZEMA Introduces New Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
ZEMA Implements New Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, Cuts Fees and Review Timelines
The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has promulgated the Environmental Management (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 3 of 2026, replacing the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 28 of 1997.
The new regulations came into effect on 9 January 2026, according to a statement issued by ZEMA’s Manager for Corporate Affairs, Ruth Kanyanga Kamwi.
The revised regulatory framework introduces significant reforms aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness in environmental management.
Among the key changes is a substantial reduction in review fees for Environmental and Social Project Briefs (ESPBs) and Environmental and Social Impact Statements (ESISs).
Under the new system, fees are now calculated based on the anticipated environmental and social impacts of a project rather than total investment cost.
As a result, ESPB review fees have been reduced from K17,300 to K5,300, while ESIS review fees have been lowered from K1,300,000 to K600,000.
The regulations also introduce shorter review timelines. Assessments for ESPBs will now be completed within 20 calendar days, down from 45 working days, while ESIS assessments will take 30 calendar days instead of the previous 60 days.
In addition, the new framework provides for exemptions for low-impact projects through the application of a risk-based approach.
Social impact assessments have now been formally integrated into the environmental assessment process, leading to the revised terminology of Environmental and Social Project Brief (ESPB) and Environmental and Social Impact Statement (ESIS).
Ms Kamwi said the reforms are intended to streamline the environmental assessment process while ensuring that environmental and social safeguards are adequately addressed during project planning and implementation.
ZEMA has further advised clients with outstanding invoices issued under the previous regulations to visit the agency for reassessment in line with the new fee structure.
The agency described the reforms as a major milestone in strengthening Zambia’s environmental management framework and supporting sustainable development.
