The Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) has disclosed that it registered 9,163 companies between January and May 2026, signaling increased investor confidence in the country.
Speaking during a media briefing at the ongoing Zambia International Trade Fair, PACRA Chief Executive Officer, Benson Mpalo, said the figure represents a seven percent increase from the 8,551 companies incorporated during the corresponding period in 2025.
Mr Mpalo said the agency remains encouraged by the continued uptake of business registration services and is implementing interventions aimed at promoting business formalisation, particularly among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He added that the rise in company registrations was largely driven by growth in key sectors of the economy adding that the transportation and storage sector recorded the highest growth at 17 percent, supported by expansion in logistics, freight, courier, warehousing and transport services.
He has encouraged entrepreneurs, innovators and creators operating informally to take advantage of PACRA’s accessible registration services and intellectual property systems to safeguard their businesses and position themselves for long-term growth.
Mr Mpalo said PACRA will continue implementing reforms aimed at simplifying business registration and intellectual property administration through digital transformation, enhanced stakeholder engagement and improved service delivery.
