For years, foreign architectural firms have been quietly operating in Zambia, often sidestepping local regulations and excluding Zambian professionals from major construction projects. However, the Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA) has now taken a bold stand to protect the country’s architectural industry. The ZIA has banned three foreign firms with immediate effect, declaring their activities illegal and warning that anyone associated with them risks arrest and prosecution.
The firms—Design Partnership, SLT Architects, and Pattichides and Partners—have been involved in major projects for companies like Hungry Lion, Shoprite, and Ocean Basket. Despite multiple warnings from the ZIA to form joint ventures with local architects in compliance with the Zambia Institute of Architects Act No. 36 of 1995, these firms continued to operate independently, violating the law. As a result, the ZIA has imposed a complete ban on their operations in the country.
This crackdown represents more than just a regulatory move. ZIA has ordered an immediate halt to all ongoing projects associated with these firms. All construction sites linked to the banned companies have been declared crime scenes, with the Zambia Police instructed to arrest any personnel continuing work under these firms. Additionally, the National Council for Construction (NCC) has been directed to shut down any projects that use unauthorized foreign architectural designs.
The situation raises serious questions about how these foreign firms were allowed to operate in the first place. ZIA officials have uncovered disturbing evidence that work permits were granted to foreign architects who lacked English proficiency—some even unable to communicate in the language—yet were tasked with designing major structures in Zambia. This has led to mounting pressure on the Ministry of Local Government and the Department of Immigration to investigate how such work permits were approved, with suspicions of possible corruption or negligence.
The impact of ZIA’s decision is already being felt across the construction sector. Major projects involving the banned firms now face sudden disruptions. Companies like Hungry Lion, Shoprite, and Ocean Basket will have to decide whether to comply with ZIA’s directive and switch to local architects or challenge the decision. The outcome of this process will determine whether the transition is smooth or whether it sparks further confrontation.
ZIA has also issued a stern warning to foreign investors planning construction projects in Zambia. The message is clear: any foreign company looking to develop property in the country must comply with local regulations, including partnering with registered Zambian architects. Failure to do so will result in immediate sanctions.
For local architects, this move is being celebrated as a long-overdue victory. Many professionals have long fought an uphill battle, competing against foreign firms that operated outside legal frameworks, securing high-value contracts while local talent was sidelined. With this new enforcement, there is a sense of optimism that Zambian professionals will finally receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.
While this ban marks a significant turning point, it also raises questions about how many other foreign firms may be operating outside the law in Zambia’s architectural sector. The ZIA’s actions send a strong message that the era of unchecked foreign dominance is coming to an end. In the coming weeks, it will become clear whether this crackdown is part of a broader reform effort or an isolated action.
One thing is certain: Zambia is no longer turning a blind eye to violations in its architectural industry. Authorities are actively monitoring the sector, and enforcement of the law is here to stay.