Consultancy services for undertaking an in-depth market analysis of the British Chamber of Commerce in Zambia

Introduction

The British High Commission (BHC) in Lusaka serves as the UK’s diplomatic mission in Zambia. Its core mandate is to strengthen diplomatic relations and provide essential services such as travel advice, passport assistance, dual-citizenship guidance, and other support for Commonwealth citizens. Through this mission, the UK government also advances international development by fostering long-term partnerships tailored to the priorities of each country. These partnerships, guided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), are built on mutual accountability and transparency.

Sustainable development remains central to UK foreign policy. We are committed to accelerating efforts to reduce global poverty, creating trust that translates into economic opportunity and supports the UK’s growth agenda. The UK has been one of Zambia’s largest investors since 2010, with British companies recognised for responsible investment practices. Our economic partnership is framed by the UK-Zambia Green Growth Compact, launched in 2021 and reaffirmed in 2024. Zambia is also a priority country under the FCDO’s Growth Investment Partnerships programme.

With the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) managing its largest African mining pipeline in Zambia – and UK-linked firms accounting for 56% of the country’s copper production – our economic ties are strong. London continues to serve as a global hub for mining finance, reinforcing the UK’s role as a trusted partner in Zambia’s sustainable economic growth.

Background

The British Chamber of Commerce in Zambia (BCCZ) emerged in 2014 from an informal British Business Group comprising around 60 members with UK-related interests. These members met quarterly with the BHC to exchange updates on government engagement and sector developments. The Chamber was legally incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in August 2014 and formally launched at the High Commissioner’s residence in February 2015.

Since its inception, BCCZ has focused on representing members to the Government of Zambia, providing information and contacts to British and Zambian businesses,

hosting events on relevant topics, and maintaining strong relationships with UK government departments. Initially, BCCZ was accepted into the UK British Chambers of Commerce international network based on the BHC’s endorsement. However, following the introduction of an accreditation scheme in 2015, BCCZ has not yet met the governance and structural requirements for formal affiliation.

Strengthening and formally accrediting the BCCZ presents an important opportunity to enhance UK business engagement and commercial partnerships. A modernized Chamber can play a pivotal role in advancing shared priorities such as critical minerals, energy transition, and sustainable business practices.

This initiative aims to strengthen the BCCZ’s capacity through professionalisation and digital transformation, supporting continuity in UK-Zambia trade and investment objectives. Key deliverables include a comprehensive market analysis, recommendations on governance enhancements, website redevelopment, and stakeholder engagement – culminating in progress toward accreditation and a sustainable operational model.

By upgrading the BCCZ, the UK will sustain and deepen bilateral commercial engagement, unlock new opportunities for British and Zambian firms, and contribute to Zambia’s economic transformation and green growth ambitions. With Zambia hosting the largest pipeline of UK mineral exploration firms in Africa, a stronger Chamber will provide essential support to this sector and amplify UK commercial impact.

The Terms of Reference (TOR) establishes a comprehensive framework for conducting an in-depth strategic market analysis aimed at strengthening governance structures, enhancing service delivery, and clarifying membership criteria of the BCCZ. It further outlines the development of sustainable funding models to strengthen the Chamber’s position as a credible advocate for UK commercial interests. In addition, the TOR includes the formulation of a robust communications strategy, with all these initiatives supporting progress toward accreditation and a sustainable operational model.

Objectives and Scope of Work

The assignment seeks to conduct a strategic market analysis and develop actionable recommendations to strengthen the British Chamber of Commerce in Zambia (BCCZ). The consultant will provide a comprehensive framework for governance reform, financial sustainability, digital modernization, and communications strategy, ensuring the Chamber’s relevance, credibility, and long-term impact. The work will involve inclusive stakeholder consultations and alignment with UK and international best practices.

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Market Analysis

Evaluate current and future demand for UK-Zambia business support services to ensure relevance and responsiveness.

Analyse regional chamber models and UK accreditation standards to position BCCZ competitively and ensure alignment with international norms, including DBT accreditation requirements.

2. Financial and Membership Review

Assess the Chamber’s current income and expenditure to inform sustainable funding models.

Review and refine membership criteria to balance UK business linkages and inclusivity.

Analyse costs and benefits of accreditation and outline steps required to meet formal standards.

3. Governance and Service Delivery

Review governance arrangements and recommend enhancements to strengthen transparency and accountability.

Identify gaps in service delivery, explore growth areas, and provide actionable recommendations for sustainability.

Identify potential risks (financial, governance, reputational) and propose mitigation strategies.

4. Strategic Framework

Propose a fit-for-purpose governance model.

Recommend sustainable funding and revenue generation options.

Develop medium- and long-term staffing/resourcing models based on financial sustainability.

Provide a roadmap for ongoing engagement with FCDO and UK business networks post-project.

Prepare a phased implementation plan with timelines, resource requirements, and monitoring mechanisms.

5. Digital Transformation

Assess current digital presence and recommend tools for member engagement, event management, and information sharing.

Develop a roadmap for website redevelopment and integration of digital communication channels.

6. Communications and Engagement

Review existing social media and communications arrangements.

Refine key messaging and branding to reflect the Chamber’s vision.

Map target audiences with tailored engagement approaches.

Provide an implementation matrix and monitoring indicators for communications impact.

7. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

Conduct consultations with key stakeholders (Board, members, UK business networks, Zambian government, development partners) to validate findings and recommendations.

Recommend capacity-building initiatives for the Board and future staff to ensure sustainability.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation

Develop indicators and mechanisms to track progress on governance, membership growth, financial sustainability, and communications impact.

Methodology

The consultant will adopt an approach that ensures a comprehensive understanding of the market landscape while remaining flexible to context-specific dynamics. This may involve a combination of desk research, stakeholder consultations, and data analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and constraints within the target market. The methodology should prioritize evidence-based insights, incorporate both qualitative and quantitative perspectives, and align with best practices for market assessments. The consultant is encouraged to propose tools and techniques that are appropriate for achieving the objectives outlined in this Terms of Reference, while allowing for adjustments based on emerging findings and stakeholder feedback.

Deliverables

o Inception Report detailing approach and timeline.

o Draft Market Analysis Report with preliminary findings.

o Final Report with actionable recommendations for the areas outlined.

o Presentation summarizing key findings for stakeholders.

o Proposed Communications Strategy Report.

Timeline

The assignment is expected to take up to 10 weeks starting from the contract signature. There is a possibility for renewing this contract for an additional period to support BCCZ with the roll out of these recommendations.

Key milestones: Inception Report, Draft Report, Final Report.

Reporting and approach

The Consultant will report directly to the FCDO Project Lead, who is responsible for day-to-day contract oversight, and will engage with the BCCZ Board of Directors for support on key milestones, information sharing, and strategic guidance.

Qualifications and expertise sought

o Minimum of 10 years’ professional experience in market analysis and the development of communication strategies, including sector-specific expertise in development cooperation programmes, with a strong emphasis on private sector development, enterprise growth, social marketing, and brand revitalization.

o Proven ability to design and implement effective communication strategies for programmes engaging diverse stakeholders, informed by robust market analysis using both primary and secondary data.

o Knowledge of the UK market and awareness of HMG tools and levers to support UK trade and investment abroad. Some familiarity with Department for Business and Trade (DBT) programmes, British Chambers of Commerce accreditation standards, and UK government commercial diplomacy mechanisms would be an advantage.

o Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with demonstrated capacity to produce high-quality policy briefs, strategic documents, and actionable recommendations for programme implementation.

o Documented success in delivering similar assignments.

o Expertise in governance and compliance, with awareness of UK trade regulations and policy frameworks as applied within the Zambian context.

o Proficiency in data analysis and stakeholder engagement, ensuring evidence-based decision-making and inclusive consultation processes.

o Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.

Application Documents

Applications must include the following documents for consideration:

1.Expression of Interest (EOI) – A formal statement outlining your interest and proposed approach to the assignment. (No more than 6 pages)

2.Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Detailing relevant qualifications and experience.

3.References – At least two professional referees who can attest to the quality of your work.

4.Financial Proposal – Provide a detailed and competitive cost breakdown for performing the assignment, quoted in British Pounds Sterling (GBP), along with clear terms of payment within the indicative budget.

Ensure that you submit all the required documents in your complete application electronically to kondwani.mumba@fcdo.gov.uk by the 12th December 2025 17:00 Zambia time.

British High Commission

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