To support social innovation, Zambia has implemented the following incentives and mechanisms:

• Tax benefits for social enterprises and impact-driven businesses,B
• Fiscal advantages for impact investors,C
• Incentives for corporates to fund charities/ESG initiatives,E
• Incentives for individuals to fund social innovation or social businesses,I
• Government-backed funding programs (e.g., grants, subsidies, social impact funds),J
• Low-cost or preferential financing options (e.g., social bonds, impact investing incentives),L
• Social security measures for social businesses,M
• Carbon taxes,N
• Environmental levies

Further information:

The government provides financial and technical support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry. Incentives include tax benefits, access to finance, and capacity-building programs. https://www.msme.gov.zm/
The NTBC, under the Ministry of Technology and Science, provides resources and support for innovators and entrepreneurs. It collaborates with the UNDP Accelerator Labs to scale locally-driven solutions to development challenges. The UNDP Accelerator Labs initiative has invested nearly USD 1 million over three years to support innovation projects.
Zambia’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, reviewed by UNCTAD, focuses on building national capacities for innovation and sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of science and technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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The NTBC, under the Ministry of Technology and Science, provides resources and support for innovators and entrepreneurs. It collaborates with the UNDP Accelerator Labs to scale locally-driven solutions to development challenges. The UNDP Accelerator Labs initiative has invested nearly USD 1 million over three years to support innovation projects.
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Zambia’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, reviewed by UNCTAD, focuses on building national capacities for innovation and sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of science and technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Constituency Development Funds (CDF)In Zambia, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is a government initiative that allocates funds to constituencies for community-driven development projects, with a focus on areas like education, health, and water infrastructure.

National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA). Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB). National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA)
Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA)
Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA)

Social innovation in Zambia is financed through a variety of mechanisms including:

• International funding (e.g., EU/bilateral/multilateral funds)
• Crowdfunding and community financing

Notable achievements and flagship programs in social innovation in Zambia include:

1. ZICTA ICT Innovation Program Led by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), this program supports ICT innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs. It provides expert-led training workshops, personalized mentorship, and access to funding opportunities. The program focuses on scalable ICT solutions that address socio-economic challenges in Zambia.
2. Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Program This initiative provides direct cash transfers to vulnerable households, aiming to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods. It has expanded significantly over the years, with substantial funding allocated annually.
3. UNDP Accelerator Labs The UNDP’s Accelerator Labs in Zambia collaborate with local innovators to design and scale solutions for development challenges. These labs focus on areas like health, education, and agriculture.
4. Civil Society Contributions International and local civil society organizations, such as World Vision and UNICEF, have implemented impactful programs in Zambia. These initiatives address issues like access to clean water, education, and healthcare.
5. Civic Innovations at the University of Zambia The University of Zambia has integrated civic innovations into its governance strategies, as outlined in its strategic plan. These efforts include sensitization programs and stakeholder involvement.

Zambia is involved in international collaborations on social innovation through the following initiatives:

1. UNDP Accelerator Labs The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) collaborates with local innovators and international partners to design and scale solutions addressing development challenges. These labs focus on areas like health, education, and agriculture.
2. Innovation Week Zambia This annual event brings together policymakers, industry leaders, accelerators, and innovation hubs from Zambia and beyond. It fosters knowledge exchange and collaboration on topics such as climate change, fintech, and agriculture.
3. International Civil Society Organizations Zambia works with organizations like UNICEF, World Vision, and WaterAid to implement impactful programs in areas such as education, healthcare, and access to clean water.

1. ZICTA ICT Innovation Programme. This flagship initiative by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) supports ICT innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs. It focuses on scalable solutions addressing socio-economic challenges, such as digital health and financial inclusion. Participants benefit from expert-led training workshops, personalized mentorship, and access to funding opportunities.
2. National Payment Systems. Zambia’s payment systems, overseen by the Bank of Zambia, include initiatives like the National Financial Switch, which facilitates interoperability of payment streams domestically and across borders. These systems aim to increase financial inclusion and promote the use of electronic payment mechanisms.
3. Digital Public Infrastructure. Zambia is leveraging open standards to innovate and digitize programs for improved governance and public service delivery. The Zambia Digital Week showcases advancements in fintech, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.

Zambia has a formal framework or methodology for measuring social innovation impact.

Further details:

1. Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Handbook • Published by the Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA), this handbook provides guidelines for conducting Regulatory Impact Assessments in Zambia. It outlines principles, phases, and steps for assessing the impact of regulations on businesses and society.
2. Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) • Zambia’s INFF aligns national development priorities with sustainable financing strategies. It includes mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the impact of financing on development goals.
3. Measuring Impact Framework (MIF) • While not specific to Zambia, the Measuring Impact Framework developed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) can be adapted for use in Zambia. It provides a methodology for assessing contributions to economic and broader development goals.

1. Social Economic Reports by the Zambia Statistics Agency: o These reports provide insights into socio-economic indicators, including the impact of various programs and initiatives in Zambia. They cover areas like health, education, and poverty alleviation. o You can explore these reports here.
2. Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship - Social Innovation in Action: o This report highlights global social innovation efforts, including case studies and methodologies that could be relevant to Zambia. It provides insights into the impact of social entrepreneurship and innovation. o Access the report here.
3. SAB Foundation Social Innovation Impact Report: o While not specific to Zambia, this report outlines the impact of social innovation programs in the region, including methodologies for measuring social impact. o You can find the report here.