BTC $66,994.00 (-1.72%)
ETH $1,972.06 (-2.31%)
XRP $1.42 (-4.58%)
BNB $605.89 (-2.76%)
SOL $81.65 (-4.55%)
TRX $0.28 (-0.45%)
DOGE $0.10 (-3.91%)
BCH $555.88 (-1.56%)
ADA $0.27 (-4.23%)
LEO $8.64 (+1.21%)
HYPE $28.98 (-1.79%)
LINK $8.63 (-3.00%)
CC $0.16 (-2.86%)
XMR $324.10 (-4.98%)
XLM $0.16 (-4.62%)
RAIN $0.01 (-3.17%)
ZEC $260.31 (-8.66%)
HBAR $0.10 (-3.41%)
LTC $52.86 (-2.67%)
AVAX $8.83 (-3.25%)

South Africa vs Zambia

Crypto regulation comparison

South Africa

South Africa

Zambia

Zambia

Legal
No Regulation

South Africa has embraced crypto regulation. In 2022, the FSCA declared crypto assets as financial products under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act, requiring crypto service providers to obtain FSCA licenses. SARS taxes crypto gains under capital gains tax (up to 18% effective rate for individuals) or income tax depending on trading frequency. South Africa is the largest crypto market in Africa.

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 Capital gains
Tax Type None
Tax Rate 18% (effective max ~18%)
Tax Rate N/A
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining No No
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority), SARB (South African Reserve Bank)
Regulator Bank of Zambia, Securities and Exchange Commission
Stablecoin Rules Crypto assets declared financial products under FAIS; stablecoins included
Stablecoin Rules No stablecoin regulation
Key Points
  • Crypto declared a financial product under FAIS Act (2022); service providers must be FSCA-licensed
  • FSCA began licensing crypto asset service providers (CASPs) in 2023
  • Capital gains taxed at effective rate up to 18% (45% max marginal rate × 40% inclusion)
  • Frequent trading may be classified as income and taxed at marginal rates (up to 45%)
  • SARB regulates cross-border crypto transactions under exchange control regulations
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