meta_id 2972547

On March 16, 2026, the Bank of Zambia issued a public notice requiring all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) operating in Zambia to register with the central bank by March 27, 2026. The registration requirement applies to both resident and non-resident entities and individuals offering virtual or crypto asset services to individuals and businesses within Zambia, regardless of physical presence. The registration covers entities conducting one or more of the following activities: exchange between virtual assets and fiat currencies; exchange between different forms of virtual assets; transfer of virtual assets; safekeeping and administration of virtual assets; and participation in financial services related to virtual asset issuance and sale. The Bank of Zambia is developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for VASPs as part of its Strategic Plan for 2024-2027, acknowledging both the benefits of virtual asset technologies—including reduced transaction costs and system resilience—and associated risks such as price volatility, money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. The registration process enables the Bank of Zambia to create a central database of all VASPs, assess the scale and nature of virtual asset activities, gather data to inform regulatory development, enhance monitoring capabilities, and conduct consultations with registered providers. The Bank emphasises that registration does not constitute a licence or official approval to operate as a VASP and does not constitute an endorsement of any provider or its business practices. Effective March 30, 2026, all entities regulated by the Bank of Zambia will be prohibited from facilitating transactions to or from VASPs that are not registered with the central bank. Registration can be completed via the Bank's online form, with enquiries directed to psd@boz.zm.