Betway Zambia has ended its two-year partnership with the Zambian Premier League (ZPL), a K10 million (about $450,000) deal launched in 2023, blaming the financial burden of the country’s recently introduced 10% excise duty on betting stakes. The ZPL confirmed the termination in a statement on Wednesday.
Why it matters
The exit removes a major commercial backer from Zambia’s top flight at a time when public funding pressures are rising. Earlier this month, the government suspended support to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) following poor national-team results, leaving the domestic game more reliant on private sponsors.
League statement
ZPL Head of Communications Christina Zulu thanked Betway Zambia for “supporting the growth of Zambian football through coaching programmes, club development, and fan engagement initiatives,” but said the operator had “communicated its decision to end its sponsorship… citing the heavy financial impact of the recently introduced government excise duty on all betting companies which has made continued investment unsustainable.”
“The ZPL acknowledges Betway’s contribution and professionalism throughout the partnership and remains committed to securing new strategic partners to sustain the continued development of Zambian football,” Christina Zulu, ZPL.
The tax backdrop
Zambia’s 10% excise duty on total betting stakes took effect in 2025 under the Customs and Excise (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2025. The Constitutional Court this month dismissed a bid by Betway and betPawa to block the levy, clearing the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to collect the tax. The ZRA has ordered monthly remittances by the 15th of each month.
“Betting companies are required to compute and remit excise duty at 10% on the total amount staked by the 15th of each month,” the ZRA said in a notice.
Football finance squeeze
The termination follows the government’s move on 13 October 2025 to suspend funding to FAZ’s senior men’s team, pending a review after poor results. The development heightens pressure on clubs and the league to secure private backing as broadcast and matchday revenues remain modest.
What’s next
- For the ZPL: Officials say they will court new “strategic partners” to replace Betway’s contribution.
- For operators: The court ruling and ZRA directives mean licensed Zambian betting sites must price in the 10% stake tax and tighter cash-flow cycles.
- For fans and clubs: Short-term belt-tightening is likely while the league restructures its sponsorship portfolio.
About the deal size
The partnership had been publicised at K10 million (about $450,000) a year. The USD estimate is based on recent market rates of K22.2–K22.7 per $1.
