Laos vs Zambia
Crypto regulation comparison
Laos
Zambia
Legal
No Regulation
Laos authorized cryptocurrency mining and trading through a 2021 pilot program (PM Notification No. 1158). Six companies were initially licensed, growing to 15+ by 2023. Mining operations must be 100% Lao-owned and use at least 10MW from Électricité du Laos. Two crypto exchanges (LDX, Bitqik) registered with Bank of Lao PDR.
Zambia has no comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation. The SEC warns the public about unregulated crypto schemes and evaluates whether specific products qualify as securities. The Bank of Zambia's 2024-2027 Strategic Plan includes developing a crypto and stablecoin regulatory framework. Blockchain-based regulatory testing is underway with the SEC and BoZ.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
15% on transaction fees
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Ministry of Technology and Communications, Bank of the Lao PDR
Regulator
Bank of Zambia, Securities and Exchange Commission
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; pilot covers BTC, ETH, LTC
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Key Points
- PM Notification No. 1158 (2021) authorized pilot crypto mining and trading
- Two licensed exchanges: LDX and Bitqik, registered with Bank of Lao PDR
- Mining leverages surplus hydroelectric power from Électricité du Laos
- Mining must be 100% Lao-owned; trading platforms require 51% Lao ownership
- 15% tax on transaction fees; M security deposit required for exchanges
Key Points
- SEC warns public against unregulated cryptocurrency schemes
- Crypto products regulated only if they meet the definition of a security
- BoZ 2024-2027 Strategic Plan includes crypto and stablecoin regulatory framework
- Blockchain-based regulatory testing underway with SEC and BoZ
- Kwacha is sole legal tender for domestic transactions per 2025 Currency Directives