South
Zambia
زامبياZambie
- Mission
- In scope · Country file in preparation
- Country file
- Published, with sources · Last reviewed 2026-10-08
From within
Read on
Its society is young, with Lusaka and the Copperbelt the most densely populated provinces, and it is moving towards faster growth after years of debt pressure.
Neighbours: Angola · Botswana · Congo - Kinshasa · Malawi · Mozambique · Namibia · Tanzania · Zimbabwe
Overview
The country at a glance
Selected indicators
- Population
- 21.9 million peopleExact value: 21,913,874
- GDP
- 28.88 US$ bn
- GDP per capita
- 1,318 US$
- GDP growth
- 3.8 %
- Urban population
- 45.9 %
- Population under 15
- 41 %
Country card
- Capital
- Lusaka
- Region
- South
- Location
- Landlocked
- Neighbours
- Angola · Botswana · Congo - Kinshasa · Malawi · Mozambique · Namibia · Tanzania · Zimbabwe
- Capital
- The capital of Zambia is Lusaka, according to the World Bank's country record and the Zambia page on the website of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
- Area
- According to the Zambia page on the website of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the country's area is 752,612 square kilometres.
- Currency
- According to the Zambia page on the SADC website, the currency is the Zambian kwacha, and one kwacha equals 100 ngwee.
- Independence Day
- According to the Zambia page on the SADC website, Zambia's independence day is 24 October 1964.
- Location
- SADC describes Zambia as an entirely landlocked country.
- SADC membership
- SADC describes the Republic of Zambia as a founding member of the Southern African Development Community, having hosted in April 1980 the formation of the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), the precursor to SADC.
- African Union membership
- The African Union's member states page lists the Republic of Zambia with a date of joining the Organization of African Unity or the African Union of 16 December 1964.
The axes in brief
- People, society and cultureA young, fast-growing society whose core figures come from the 2022 census as presented by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Bank, with traditional leadership present in social issues.
- Institutions and national direction
- Economy and sectorsAn economy built on copper and agriculture, emerging from years of debt pressure towards faster growth, and shaped by electricity, drought and transport corridors. The facts here are tied to their sources, and government targets and announcements are labelled as such.
- Saudi Arabia and Zambia
- Media and developmentA pluralistic media landscape combining public and private outlets, an improving international ranking, a legal framework that raises concerns and expanding telecommunications. The main sources are Reporters Without Borders, Freedom House and the communications authority report.
Geographic context and connectivity
Society
People, society and culture
People & Society
Dependency ratio
The overall dependency ratio declined from 92.5 in 2010 to 81.2 in 2022. 59
Projected population doubling
The World Bank anticipates that the population will double within the next 25 years as the large youth cohort reaches reproductive age, adding pressure on jobs, health care and social services. Forecast27
Traditional leadership and social issues
UNICEF Zambia features a story on Chieftainess Kawaza of Katete and how she is redefining cultural leadership to end child marriage in Eastern Zambia, a sign of the place of traditional authority in social issues. 127
Reading: the young population and services
The figures show a young society in which Lusaka and the Copperbelt have the highest population density, with a majority still rural and rapid growth forecast. Demand for education, health and jobs is therefore likely to remain a central driver of public policy, and the need for services aimed at young people and the largest cities will be strongly felt. This is an analytical reading. Analysis27495658
Censuses
The Zambia Statistics Agency states that the 2022 census was the sixth national census since independence in 1964 and the first e-census. 5
Population in the 2010 census
The total population recorded in the 2010 census was 13,092,666, according to the Zambia Statistics Agency (a historical figure, not a current estimate). 6
Culture & Identity
A living heritage reflected in UNESCO intangible elements, the Victoria Falls site, museums and national symbols, each item tied to its source.121125
Intangible heritage
The Makishi masquerade
The Makishi masquerade is performed at the end of the mukanda, an annual initiation ritual for boys between the ages of eight and twelve, and was inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2008. 122
Makishi: communities and adaptation
The ritual is celebrated by the Vaka Chiyama Cha Mukwamayi communities (Luvale, Chokwe, Luchazi and Mbunda) in the northwestern and western provinces of Zambia, and UNESCO notes that it is often reduced today to one month to fit the school calendar. 123
Gule Wamkulu
Gule Wamkulu is a ritual dance practiced by the Chewa people in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique and performed by members of the Nyau brotherhood. It was inscribed in 2008 and dates back to the Chewa Empire of the seventeenth century. 124
Reading: a living heritage that adapts
UNESCO's page shows that the Makishi ritual is not fixed; it adapts to the school calendar, an example of intangible heritage in Zambia living inside everyday life rather than apart from it. Anyone considering cultural or media cooperation should start by asking the local communities and the national bodies concerned about the terms for documentation and filming. This is an analytical reading. Analysis110122123
Symbols and everyday life
The national flag
Traditional ceremonies
The Zambia Development Agency notes that the country has various traditional ceremonies held at different times of the year in which its rich cultural heritage is displayed. 110
Sites and museums
Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls)
The Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls site, shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1989 under criteria (vii) and (viii). 125
Conservation outlook for the Falls
The International Union for Conservation of Nature assessed the site's conservation outlook, in an assessment finalised on 11 October 2025, as "good with some concerns", citing threats from climate change, unsustainable tourism and urban development. 126
Museums
The Zambia Development Agency cites museums housing priceless historical artifacts, among them the Lusaka National Museum, the Moto-Moto Museum and the Livingstone Museum. 109
- UNESCO intangible elements
- UNESCO lists for Zambia on the intangible cultural heritage list: Mangwengwe (2024), Kalela (2022), Budima (2020), Mooba (2018), and Makishi and Gule Wamkulu (2008).
Institutions
Institutions and national direction
Leadership
- Head of state
- State House news items dated 2 and 4 October 2026 refer to "President Hichilema", and the National Assembly record of 10 February 2026 names the President of the Republic as Hakainde Hichilema.
- Registered voters
- The Electoral Commission of Zambia's 2026 listing gives 8,786,300 registered voters.
- Vision 2030
- The national vision is to become "A Prosperous Middle-Income Nation by 2030".
- Zambia Statistics Agency
- The Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) is a statutory body established through the Statistics Act No. 13 of 2018 and is the sole designated entity responsible for the publication of official statistics.
- Speaker of the National Assembly
- On 2 October 2026 the National Assembly of Zambia re-elected Dr. Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti as Speaker of the Fourteenth National Assembly, unopposed.
- Composition of the Fourteenth National Assembly
- The Fourteenth National Assembly has 226 constituency-based seats following the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025, which increased them from 156; the amendment also introduced 40 proportional-representation seats: 20 for women, 15 for youths and 5 for persons with disabilities.
Topics in this section: Head of state · Presiding officers of the National Assembly · The electoral map and registered voters772738081161
Head of state
State House news items dated 2 and 4 October 2026 refer to "President Hichilema", and the National Assembly record of 10 February 2026 names the President of the Republic of Zambia as Hakainde Hichilema. This section does not cover the outcome of the August 2026 vote or ministers' names, as no dated official source is available for them. 7273161
The electoral map and registered voters
The Electoral Commission of Zambia's 2026 listing gives 116 districts, 226 constituencies and 1,858 wards in ten provinces, with 8,786,300 registered voters. 81
Polling date
In a notice, the Electoral Commission announced that the 2026 parliamentary polls would take place on Thursday 13 August 2026, after nominations lodged from 20 to 22 May 2026. This is a statement of the date only, not a result. 82
The court structure
The Judiciary website sets out the court structure: the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the Subordinate Courts, the Small Claims Court and the Local Courts. 83
The ministries
The State House website lists the ministries, including Defence, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Green Economy and Environment, Mines and Minerals Development, Commerce, Trade and Industry, Transport and Logistics, Agriculture, Education, Health, Energy, Tourism, Finance and National Planning, Technology and Science, and Information and Media. Ministers are not named here. 76
Government bodies
The State House website lists government bodies, among them the Public Procurement Authority, the Financial Intelligence Centre, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Revenue Authority, the Patents and Companies Registration Agency, ZESCO, the Energy Regulation Board and the Industrial Development Corporation. 77
The Zambia Development Agency
The Zambia Development Agency is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, established under the ZDA Act No. 17 of 2022. 94
Vision 2030
The national vision is to become "A Prosperous Middle-Income Nation by 2030". It is a long-term vision implemented through five-year development plans, not an existing achievement. Target60
The Zambezi River Authority
The Zambezi River Authority was established as a body corporate on 1 October 1987 by parallel legislation in the Parliaments of Zambia and Zimbabwe. 87
Official statistics
The Zambia Statistics Agency is a statutory body established through the Statistics Act No. 13 of 2018. 1
Institutions
Official bodies with their roles and official websites. Listing a body here does not make it a partner of the initiative.
Government and institutions 5
State House of Zambia
The presidency; publishes its news and lists of ministries and government bodies
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development
Announces the Mining and Investment Insaka and refers to the Local Content Statutory Instrument No. 68 of 2025
Official website — Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development88156
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Lusaka
The Saudi diplomatic mission in Zambia
Official website — Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Lusaka149150
+2 more
National Assembly of Zambia
The parliament; it re-elected its Speaker for the Fourteenth Assembly on 2 October 2026
Ministry of Finance and National Planning
A ministry; according to the Saudi Press Agency, its minister signed the additional loan agreement for the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Specialized Hospital
Official website — Ministry of Finance and National Planning19
Investment and finance 1
Zambia Development Agency
Statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry; promotes investment and publishes information on the special economic zones
Sectors and regulation 2
Energy Regulation Board
Statutory body regulating the energy sector
ZESCO Limited
The national power utility owned by the government
Media and statistics 1
Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats)
The sole designated entity responsible for the publication of official statistics
Other bodies 5
Judiciary of Zambia
The courts from the Supreme and Constitutional Courts to the Local Courts
Electoral Commission of Zambia
Publishes constituency and registered voter listings and polling notices
Zambezi River Authority
A body shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe established in 1987
+2 more
Copperbelt University
University founded in 1987 with schools of mines, medicine and engineering
University of Zambia
University with schools of law, medicine, mines and agricultural sciences
Economy
Economy and sectors
Go deeper
Macroeconomy and trade
Growth in the first quarter of 2026
The World Bank reports that real GDP grew 7.7% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, driven by agriculture, improved electricity supply, lower inflation and a stronger external position. 28
Public debt
Public debt fell from 133.4% of GDP in 2023 to an estimated 93.4% in 2025; the 2025 figure is an estimate. Estimate29
Coverage of the external debt restructuring
The World Bank says restructuring agreements cover about 94% of Zambia's external debt. 30
Growth outlook for 2026-2028
The World Bank projects real GDP growth to average 5.2% in 2026-2028, a rate it considers insufficient to reduce poverty rapidly. Forecast31
The 2026 budget
Where the 2026 budget goes
The budget sets aside K92.6 billion for general public services, K58.6 billion for economic affairs, K33.0 billion for education, K26.2 billion for health and K15.7 billion for social protection. Announced155
Targets for 2026
The next IMF programme
In January 2026 the Ministry of Finance and National Planning announced that the government will conclude the sixth and final review of its IMF Extended Credit Facility arrangement and then engage the IMF on a successor programme. This is a statement of intent; the terms of any new programme are not available on an official IMF page. Announced89
Trade openness and foreign investment
Economic structure and goods exports in 2025
Labour market participation
Unemployment was estimated at 5.9% of the labour force in 2025, a modelled International Labour Organization estimate reported in World Bank data. Estimate44
Long-run growth
Vision 2030 targets annual real growth of 6-10%, but the actual average between 2006 and 2021 was only 5.2%. 63
Reading: from stabilisation to expansion
The facts above point to a move from stabilisation to expansion: faster growth, falling public debt, lower inflation than last year and a government announcement of a successor IMF programme. But external debt remains high relative to national income, so financing terms will stay a decisive factor in any project or partnership. This is an analytical reading, not a fact. Analysis2329464889
Growth in the Statistics Agency's figures
The final gross domestic product estimates show that the economy grew by 5.4 percent in 2025, compared with 3.8 percent in 2024. Estimate2
Prices
Trade
Zambia recorded a trade surplus of K4.1 billion in July 2026, compared with K4.2 billion in June 2026. Estimate23
Tender offer
The Ministry of Finance and National Planning announced that the Republic launched on 29 May 2026 a tender offer to repurchase its notes due 2053, in the amount of US$1,364,725,564. Announced9
African Development Bank loan
The Ministry states that the Republic has secured a loan of US$600 million from the African Development Bank to support the tender offer. Announced10
Sectors: mining, agriculture, manufacturing and tourism
Mining: weight and endowment
Copper output in 2025
Copper output rose 8% to 890,346 tonnes in 2025 from 825,513 tonnes in 2024, staying below the one million tonne target, according to the Ecofin Agency reporting the Mines Ministry's announcement. 115
The 3 million tonne target
The Ministry of Mines strategy aims to raise annual copper production from approximately 800,000 tonnes to 3 million tonnes by 2031. The target is a policy statement, not an achievement. Target114
The nickel ambition
The Zambia Development Agency states that Zambia is poised to become the largest nickel producer in Africa. This is a stated ambition, not an existing ranking. Announced97
Farmland and water
The record maize harvest
The World Bank refers to a record maize harvest of nearly 5 million tons announced in May 2026. 32
The farm blocks
The Agency says the government targeted a farm block of about 100,000 hectares in each province, but only two (Nansanga and Luena) have developed infrastructure, at 85% and 40%; the rest have only seen land identification and feasibility studies. 100
Manufacturing
The Agency says manufacturing contributes 8% of GDP, with food and beverages, textiles, wood, paper and chemicals among its main branches. 106
Tourism
The Agency cites 20 national parks and a total of 23 million hectares set aside for wildlife conservation, including game management areas, alongside the Victoria Falls. 109
Reading: agriculture between livelihood and productivity
Agriculture supports the largest share of the population, yet its share of output is small and its growth slow, and the Food and Agriculture Organization, citing the Eighth National Development Plan, describes the sector as marked by low productivity and heavy dependence on rainfall. The data also show that much of the arable land is not cultivated each year, so the useful question for anyone interested in the sector is who finances irrigation, infrastructure and marketing, not the size of the land alone. This is an analytical reading. Analysis4264656698
Reading: copper as the key to partnerships
As long as mining makes up the largest part of exports, many economic partnerships in Zambia hang on the copper path: actual output against announced targets, the cost of power and transport, and the state of the rail links on the Lobito Corridor. Anyone studying the market needs to follow these three variables before any commitment. This is an analytical reading. Analysis9395114115
Energy, transport and telecommunications
Electricity: capacity and supply
The Minister of Energy told the National Assembly on 10 February 2026 that national installed capacity stood at 3,808 MW, and listed 3,168 MW for ZESCO Limited and 712 MW for independent power producers. Those two figures do not add up to the published total; the source figures are retained here unchanged. Available domestic generation was 1,635 MW, with imports of 511 MW and export commitments of 175 MW, leaving net supply of 1,971 MW against demand of approximately 2,400 MW. 6970162
The electricity mix
Announced power additions for 2026
The tariff framework
The Energy Regulation Board reinstated the multi-year tariff framework with effect from 1 November 2025, after emergency tariffs applied from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025. 71
The Lobito Corridor: what was agreed
Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia agreed in Luanda (Ministry of Finance statement, February 2026) to prepare a Lobito Corridor Development Master Plan and to set up a joint investment platform to mobilise public and private capital. These are announced commitments, not completed projects. Announced9091
The Lobito Corridor: people and rail
Transport and airports in the budget
The budget speech cites progress on the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway and the Lobito and TAZARA railway projects, and proposes K1.1 billion for upgrading airports and border infrastructure. Announced67
Telecommunications towers
The number of telecommunications towers rose from 3,551 in 2024 to 3,751 in 2025, according to the ZICTA report as relayed by Zambia Monitor. 139
Investment environment
Special economic zones
Fiscal incentives
Investors putting at least US$500,000 into a multi-facility economic zone or a priority sector or product under the Agency Act are entitled to fiscal incentives, including a 0% import duty rate on capital equipment and machinery for five years. 103
Profit repatriation and loss carry-forward
Among its investment incentives the Agency lists 100% repatriation of net profits, no price, foreign exchange or interest rate controls, and a 10-year carry period for mining losses. 104
The Invest-Zambia conference
The Agency describes the Invest-Zambia International Conference (IZIC), launched in 2025, as the country's flagship investment promotion platform, and lists a second edition among upcoming events. 113
Gulf headlines on the State House news feed
The State House news feed carries a headline dated 29 September 2026 on Zambia and the UAE sealing deals worth $2.1 billion, and one dated 30 September 2026 on the government eyeing a long-term ADNOC deal to end monthly fuel price fluctuations. Only the two headlines are reported here, not the terms of the deals. 7475
Credit guarantee for agriculture
The 2026 budget allocated K851.7 million to the Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme, which includes resources for the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility. The figure is an announced allocation, not money disbursed. Announced68
Areas worth studying
Area worth studying: copper value-chain services and logistics
The 3 million tonne target for 2031 and the announced Lobito Corridor plan support a closer look. Before any commitment, an official schedule of fees and royalties, an assessment of the rail links and assurance of continued electricity supply would be needed. This is not a guaranteed opportunity but an area to verify. Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity9093114
Area worth studying: irrigated farming and farm blocks
The fact that only 1.5 million of 42 million arable hectares are cultivated each year, and that only two farm blocks have developed infrastructure, supports a closer look. To be examined: land titles, irrigation finance, electricity and roads, and exposure to rainfall. No return is guaranteed. Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity98100
Area worth studying: renewable energy and independent producers
The gap between demand of approximately 2,400 MW and supply of 1,971 MW, the announced addition of over 1,500 MW in 2026 and the listing of the 180 MW Ngonye Falls project as an investment opportunity support a closer look. Needed: power purchase agreements, a tariff approved by the regulator, an environmental assessment and a view on how far announced projects slip. Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity7084111159
Area worth studying: digital and mobile financial services
Mobile subscriptions growing to 26.2 million in 2025 (per Zambia Monitor reporting the communications authority) and a rise in the value of mobile money transactions support a closer look. Needed: up-to-date market-size data and an understanding of the Cyber Security Act adopted in 2025, which Reporters Without Borders says has raised concerns about press freedom. No market share is guaranteed. Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity108133137
In practice: before the meeting
Date: the Mining and Investment Insaka
The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development announces the 2026 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka from 19 to 23 October 2026; the programme and registration should be confirmed directly with the Ministry. Announced156
Corporate taxation
The PwC tax summaries (last reviewed 24 July 2026) state that the standard corporate income tax rate is 30%, that the telecommunications sector has been under a uniform 35% rate since 1 January 2023, and that mining operations are taxed at 30%. 116
Value added tax
The Development Agency's taxation page gives the standard VAT rate as 16% (last updated on the page in August 2018) and says companies with annual turnover above ZMW 800,000 are subject to it. The current rate should be confirmed with the Revenue Authority. 105
Before a meeting: what to check
Before any economic meeting: identify the ministry or body concerned from the list of ministries on the State House website, check the registration route and incentives with the Zambia Development Agency, review current tax rates, and ask about the reliability of electricity at the project site. This is an analytical checklist, not investment advice. Analysis7694103
Sectors and areas for cooperation
Established sectors
Mining and copper
Mining accounts for about 70% of exports according to the Development Agency, and Zambia holds six percent of the world's known copper reserves.9596
Agriculture
Agriculture provides a livelihood to more than 70% of the population, yet only 1.5 million of 42 million arable hectares are cultivated each year.6498
Energy and electricity
National installed capacity stood at 3,808 MW according to the Minister of Energy in 2026, drawn mostly from hydropower.69112
Tourism
The Agency cites 20 national parks and a total of 23 million hectares set aside for wildlife conservation, including game management areas, and the Victoria Falls site.109
Manufacturing
Manufacturing contributes 8% of GDP according to the Agency, with food and beverages, textiles, wood, paper and chemicals among its branches.106
Telecommunications and digital services
Mobile subscriptions rose to 26.2 million in 2025 according to the communications authority report as relayed by Zambia Monitor.137
Analysis1
Areas worth studying3
Applies to everything in this group: Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity.
Copper value-chain services and logistics
The announced aim is 3 million tonnes of copper by 2031.7093114
Irrigated farming and farm blocks
Only 1.5 million of 42 million arable hectares are cultivated each year.98100
Renewable energy and independent producers
Demand for electricity exceeds the available supply according to the Minister of Energy.7084111
With Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia and Zambia
The signing and the site visit
According to the Saudi Press Agency (27 December 2024), the agreement was signed by the chief executive of the Saudi Fund for Development and Zambia's Minister of Finance and National Planning in the presence of the Saudi ambassador to Zambia, after which the chief executive visited the hospital site to observe the ongoing construction stages. 143144
The bilateral debt restructuring agreement
A Zambian government page dated 26 December 2024 states that the government signed a bilateral debt restructuring agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the Group of Twenty common framework for debt relief. 145
The Saudi Fund for Development
The Saudi Fund for Development is a government organization that provides soft loans and grants to finance development projects and programs in developing countries, according to its official website. 148
Saudi diplomatic representation in Lusaka
An ambassador visit in 2019
The embassy website carries a news item dated 22 November 2019 on a visit by the Saudi ambassador to Zambia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. 152
Reading: what the facts show and what they do not
The facts documented here are limited to Saudi development financing for Zambia, with the King Salman hospital as its clearest example, and to diplomatic representation in Lusaka. This page holds no Saudi-Zambian trade or investment data from an official source, while State House headlines point to announced Emirati deals. Development financing therefore remains the documented starting point for any economic dialogue, and trade and visit data must be gathered before any broader conclusion. This is an analytical reading. Analysis192174150
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Specialized Hospital
The Saudi Press Agency reported on 27 December 2024 that the Saudi Fund for Development signed an additional loan of $35 million for the construction of the hospital in Zambia, raising its total financing for the hospital to $135 million. 19
Project description
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the project seeks to establish a specialized gynecological and pediatric hospital with 800 beds. 20
The Fund's support for Zambia since 1978
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Saudi Fund for Development has supported Zambia since 1978 with over $170 million in financing, as of the date of the news item (27 December 2024). 21
- The Saudi embassy in Lusaka
- The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs embassies portal lists the Republic of Zambia, and the Royal Embassy website in Lusaka names Ambassador Ali Saad Alkahtani.
- Additional loan for the King Salman Specialized Hospital
- The Saudi Press Agency (Riyadh, 27 December 2024) reported that the Saudi Fund for Development signed an additional development loan agreement worth $35 million for the construction of the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Specialized Hospital in Zambia, raising the Fund's total financing for the hospital to $135 million.
- Description of the hospital
- According to the Saudi Press Agency, the project seeks to establish a specialized gynecological and pediatric hospital with 800 medical beds on an area of more than 200,000 square metres.
- The Fund's support for Zambia since 1978
- According to the Saudi Press Agency, since 1978 the Saudi Fund for Development has supported the Republic of Zambia with over $170 million in financing for various development projects and programmes, as of the date of the news item (27 December 2024).
- Zambian government statement on the agreements
- A page of the Lusaka Provincial Administration, a Zambian government body, dated 26 December 2024 reports that the Government signed a debt restructuring agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the G20 common framework for debt relief, and a further top-up of US$35 million for the completion of the construction of the King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Hospital project.
Milestones
2024
2024-12
The Saudi Fund for Development signed an additional loan agreement worth $35 million for the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Specialized Hospital in Zambia, bringing its financing for the hospital to $135 million. · Contracted 19
2024
2024-12
The government of Zambia signed a bilateral debt restructuring agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the Group of Twenty common framework for debt relief. · Contracted 145
2019
2019-11
The Saudi ambassador paid a visit to Zambia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs according to a news item on the embassy website. · Unspecified 152
What we do not know yet
- The volume of Saudi-Zambian trade and any trade or investment agreements: no official data on them are available in the sources consulted.
- The completion status of the King Salman hospital and its opening date after December 2024.
- Other Saudi Fund for Development projects in Zambia before and after 2024, beyond the cumulative figure in the news item.
- Official visits after 2019 and cooperation in pilgrimage, education and media.
Media and development
Media and development
Media and editorial perspectives
The media landscape
Press freedom index 2026
Zambia ranks 77th out of 180 with a score of 58.58 in the 2026 Reporters Without Borders index, against 82nd and 57.33 in 2025. 128
Public and private broadcasting
Influential newspapers and the government service
Reporters Without Borders names the News Diggers, the Mast and the Daily Nation as the most influential newspapers and describes ZANIS (Zambia News and Information Services) as the government public relations service. 131
The Post newspaper case
Reporters Without Borders notes that in February 2022 a court ruled that the closure, six years earlier, of The Post, Zambia's most important independent newspaper, was illegal. 134
Legal framework and freedoms
The access to information law
Reporters Without Borders reports that the long-awaited access to information law was signed by the president in December 2023. 132
The Cyber Security Act
Reporters Without Borders says the Cyber Security Act adopted in 2025 has raised serious concerns because its vague provisions could be used to restrict press freedom. 133
The Freedom House assessment
Reading: the legal setting for media cooperation
The landscape combines an access to information law, a cybersecurity law that raises concerns, and an international assessment of the internet as "partly free". Anyone planning content or a media partnership in Zambia needs to review these frameworks legally and to work with local bodies that know the limits of online expression. This is an analytical reading. Analysis132133136
Connectivity and the internet
Mobile subscriptions
According to the ZICTA report as relayed by Zambia Monitor, mobile cellular subscriptions rose 13.1% from 23.2 million in 2024 to 26.2 million in 2025. 137
Internet subscriptions
Internet subscriptions rose 10.1% from 13.3 million to 14.7 million in 2025 according to the same report. 138
Knowledge and universities
Universities
The Copperbelt University website states that it was founded in 1987 and lists schools including Mines and Mineral Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Information and Communication Technology, with a main campus, a Lusaka campus and an e-campus. The University of Zambia website lists schools including Law, Medicine, Mines, Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. 141142
Humanitarian & Development
Topics in this section: Living standards · Income distribution · Living standards and 2026 targets3536120
Living standards and social protection
Living standards
The poverty headcount ratio at $3.00 a day (2021 PPP) was 71.7% of the population in 2022, according to the World Bank. 35
Income distribution
The Gini index was 51.5 in 2022 according to the World Bank. 36
Living standards and 2026 targets
The ZIPAR and United Nations analysis states that 60% of Zambians were poor in 2024 against a target of 45% by 2026, and that 6.6 million children face multidimensional poverty. 120
Debt and social spending
The analysis states that over 36% of the 2026 budget will go to debt servicing and general public services, leaving less room for health, education and climate resilience. 117
Social cash transfers
The analysis states that the Social Cash Transfer programme will expand to 1.5 million households under the 2026 budget, an announcement that does not yet mean delivery. Announced118
Reading: needs and areas for study
The documented development needs point to high poverty, debt service pressing on social spending, a health financing gap, and climate and electricity fragility. They are documented needs that can ground development, health and education projects and dialogue with donors; they are not an invitation to invest or a guarantee of return. This is an analytical reading. Analysis3335117119
Health
Child health and fertility
Life expectancy
The World Health Organization gives life expectancy at birth of 58.7 years for males and 63.1 for females in 2021, and healthy life expectancy of 53 years. 140
Financing health services
The analysis states that health still faces a K21 billion financing gap to meet Zambia's international commitment under the Abuja Declaration. 119
Education
Literacy
The adult literacy rate was 71.8% in 2024 according to the World Bank. 37
Water, environment and partnerships
Drinking water
People using at least basic drinking water services were 73.4% of the population in 2024. 50
Development context
The World Bank lists among the key risks a potential El Niño-induced drought that could lower agricultural output, worsen food insecurity and deepen electricity shortages, and persistently high global energy and fertilizer prices. 33
The World Bank portfolio
The World Bank portfolio in Zambia comprises 22 national projects, one trust fund and five regional projects with a total commitment of $3.2 billion (September 2025). 34
Sources
Sources and updates
Sources cited on this page, numbered as they appear next to each item.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-08
This file is written from official and international pages read on 7 and 8 October 2026 (the reading date appears on each source). It was enriched on 8 October 2026 with sections on society, culture, economy, institutions, the relationship with the Kingdom, media and development. It has not yet had a human language review.
The page contains no policy rate, no outcome of the August 2026 vote and no ministers' names, because no dated official source is available for them. The area, the currency and the independence day are taken from the page of a regional body (SADC), not from a Zambian government page, while the capital comes from the World Bank's country record and from the SADC page.
The Zambia page on the SADC website is internally inconsistent on official languages: its narrative text states that English is the official language, while its summary list gives five official languages: English, Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga and Lozi. The file adopts the narrative text, attributed to SADC. The latest trade figures from the Statistics Agency are subject to revision.
Source register (163)
- 1
Zambia Statistics Agency
Zambia Statistics Agency legal basis — 01 Institutions
Official · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Institutional context · Zambia Statistics Agency · Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats)
- 2
Zambia Statistics Agency
Real GDP growth 2025 (national statistics office) — 03 Economy
Official · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Reading: from stabilisation to expansion · Growth in the Statistics Agency's figures · GDP growth in 2025 according to the Statistics Agency
- 3
Zambia Statistics Agency
Annual inflation September 2026 — 03 Economy
Official · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Reading: from stabilisation to expansion · Prices · Annual inflation, September 2026
- 4
Zambia Statistics Agency
Annual food inflation September 2026 — 03 Economy
Official · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Prices · Annual food inflation, September 2026
- 5
- 6
Zambia Statistics Agency
2010 census total population — 04 Society
Official · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Population in the 2010 census
- 7
National Assembly of Zambia
Speaker of the National Assembly — 02 Leadership
Official · Published 2026-10-02 · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · Speaker of the National Assembly · National Assembly of Zambia
- 8
National Assembly of Zambia
Composition of the Fourteenth National Assembly — 01 Institutions
Official · Published 2026-10-02 · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Institutional context · Composition of the Fourteenth National Assembly · National Assembly of Zambia
- 9
Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Zambia
Debt-for-energy tender offer — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-05-29 · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Tender offer · Tender offer for the 2053 notes
- 10
Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Zambia
AfDB loan for the Grid Resilience Program — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-05-29 · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: African Development Bank loan
- 11
Southern African Development Community
Capital city (SADC member-state page) — 05 Geography
Media · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Location and capital · Capital
- 12
Southern African Development Community
Area (SADC member-state page) — 05 Geography
Media · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Location and capital · Area
- 13
Southern African Development Community
Currency (SADC member-state page) — 05 Geography
Media · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Currency
- 14
Southern African Development Community
Independence day — 05 Geography
Media · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Independence Day
- 15
Southern African Development Community
Media · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: From within · Location and capital · Location
- 16
Southern African Development Community
SADC founding membership — 05 Regional
Media · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Institutional context · SADC membership
- 17
African Union
African Union membership — 05 Regional
Media · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Institutional context · African Union membership
- 18
Southern African Development Community
Official language (SADC page narrative) — 04 Society
Media · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Official language
- 19
Saudi Press Agency
SFD additional loan for King Salman Specialized Hospital — 06 Saudi
Official · Published 2024-12-27 · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Reading: what the facts show and what they do not · King Salman bin Abdulaziz Specialized Hospital · Additional loan for the King Salman Specialized Hospital · The Saudi Fund for Development signed an additional loan agreement worth $35 million for the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Specialized Hospital in Zambia, bringing its financing for the hospital to $135 million. · Ministry of Finance and National Planning
- 20
Saudi Press Agency
King Salman Specialized Hospital description — 06 Saudi
Official · Published 2024-12-27 · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Project description · Description of the hospital
- 21
Saudi Press Agency
SFD cumulative support to Zambia since 1978 — 06 Saudi
Official · Published 2024-12-27 · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Reading: what the facts show and what they do not · The Fund's support for Zambia since 1978
- 22
Lusaka Provincial Administration, Zambia
Zambia government release on Saudi agreements — 06 Saudi
Official · Published 2024-12-26 · Accessed 2026-10-07
- 23
Zambia Statistics Agency
Trade balance July 2026 — 03 Economy
Official · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Trade · Trade balance, July 2026
- 24
Zambia Statistics Agency
Cumulative total trade January-July 2026 — 03 Economy
Official · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Total trade, January to July 2026
- 25
- 26
World Bank
Youthful population (World Bank country overview) — 04 Society
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: People & Society · One of the youngest countries
- 27
World Bank
Population projection (World Bank country overview) — 04 Society
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Projected population doubling · Reading: the young population and services
- 28
World Bank
Real GDP growth, first quarter 2026 (World Bank) — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: From within · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · Growth in the first quarter of 2026 · GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026
- 29
World Bank
Public debt ratio 2023 and 2025 (World Bank) — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: From within · Public debt · Reading: from stabilisation to expansion
- 30
World Bank
External debt restructuring coverage (World Bank) — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 31
World Bank
Real GDP growth projection 2026-2028 (World Bank) — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Growth outlook for 2026-2028
- 32
World Bank
Record maize harvest announced May 2026 (World Bank) — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The record maize harvest
- 33
World Bank
Downside risks (World Bank country overview) — 09 Development
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · Development context · Reading: needs and areas for study
- 34
World Bank
World Bank portfolio in Zambia — 09 Development
International · Published 2025-09 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The World Bank portfolio
- 35
World Bank
Poverty headcount ratio at $3.00 a day (2021 PPP), 2022 — 09 Development
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Humanitarian & Development · Living standards · Reading: needs and areas for study
- 36
World Bank
Gini index, 2022 — 09 Development
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Humanitarian & Development · Income distribution
- 37
World Bank
Adult literacy rate, 2024 — 09 Development
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Literacy
- 38
World Bank
Under-five mortality rate, 2024 — 09 Development
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Child health and fertility
- 39
World Bank
Total fertility rate, 2024 — 09 Development
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Child health and fertility
- 40
World Bank
Exports of goods and services, % of GDP, 2024 — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Trade openness and foreign investment
- 41
World Bank
Industry including construction, value added, % of GDP, 2025 — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 42
World Bank
Agriculture, forestry and fishing, value added, % of GDP, 2025 — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Economic structure and goods exports in 2025 · Reading: agriculture between livelihood and productivity
- 43
- 44
World Bank
Unemployment, modelled ILO estimate, 2025 — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Labour market participation
- 45
World Bank
Foreign direct investment, net inflows, % of GDP, 2024 — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Trade openness and foreign investment
- 46
World Bank
Inflation, consumer prices, annual %, 2025 — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Reading: from stabilisation to expansion
- 47
- 48
World Bank
External debt stocks, % of GNI, 2024 — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Reading: from stabilisation to expansion
- 49
- 50
World Bank
People using at least basic drinking water, 2024 — 09 Development
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Drinking water
- 51
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
2022 census total population — 04 Society
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: People & Society · Population in the 2022 census
- 52
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
2022 census population by sex — 04 Society
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Sex and rural-urban split in 2022
- 53
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
2022 census rural and urban population — 04 Society
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Sex and rural-urban split in 2022
- 54
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Population growth rate 2010-2022 — 04 Society
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The pace of population growth
- 55
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Population density 2022 — 04 Society
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Population density and provinces
- 56
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Provincial population density 2022 — 04 Society
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: From within · Population density and provinces · Reading: the young population and services
- 57
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Households recorded in the 2022 census — 04 Society
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Households
- 58
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Median age 2022 census — 04 Society
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: From within · Reading: the young population and services · Median age
- 59
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Dependency ratio 2010 and 2022 — 04 Society
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Dependency ratio
- 60
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Institutional context · Vision 2030
- 61
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) period — 01 Institutions
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Institutional context
- 62
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Institutional context
- 63
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Growth against the Vision 2030 target — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Long-run growth
- 64
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Agriculture as a livelihood — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Reading: agriculture between livelihood and productivity · Agriculture
- 65
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Agricultural growth 2011-2020 — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Reading: agriculture between livelihood and productivity
- 66
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Agricultural productivity constraints — 03 Economy
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Reading: agriculture between livelihood and productivity
- 67
National Assembly of Zambia
Transport and border infrastructure allocations — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2025-09-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Transport and airports in the budget
- 68
National Assembly of Zambia
Credit guarantee scheme allocation — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2025-09-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Credit guarantee for agriculture
- 69
National Assembly of Zambia
Installed generation capacity (Minister of Energy, 10 Feb 2026) — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-02-10 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Electricity: capacity and supply · Installed electricity capacity · Energy and electricity
- 70
National Assembly of Zambia
Available supply and demand (Minister of Energy, 10 Feb 2026) — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-02-10 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · Electricity: capacity and supply · Area worth studying: renewable energy and independent producers · Copper value-chain services and logistics · Renewable energy and independent producers
- 71
National Assembly of Zambia
Electricity tariff framework reinstated — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-02-10 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The tariff framework
- 72
National Assembly of Zambia
Head of state named in the National Assembly record — 02 Leadership
Official · Published 2026-02-10 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · Head of state
- 73
State House of Zambia
President named on the State House website (news of 2 and 4 October 2026) — 02 Leadership
Official · Published 2026-10-04 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · Head of state · State House of Zambia
- 74
State House of Zambia
Zambia-UAE deals (State House headline) — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-09-29 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Gulf headlines on the State House news feed · Reading: what the facts show and what they do not
- 75
State House of Zambia
Fuel supply deal under consideration (State House headline) — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-09-30 · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 76
State House of Zambia
Ministries listed on the State House website — 01 Institutions
Official · Published 2026-10-06 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Before a meeting: what to check · Institutional context · State House of Zambia
- 77
State House of Zambia
Government bodies listed on the State House website — 01 Institutions
Official · Published 2026-10-06 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Institutional context · State House of Zambia
- 78
State House of Zambia
National flag adoption — 07 Culture
Official · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The national flag
- 79
State House of Zambia
Meaning of the flag colours — 07 Culture
Official · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The national flag
- 80
National Assembly of Zambia
Presiding officers of the National Assembly — 01 Institutions
Official · Published 2026-10-02 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context
- 81
Electoral Commission of Zambia
Electoral Commission of Zambia: 2026 electoral map and voters — 01 Institutions
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · Registered voters · Electoral Commission of Zambia
- 82
Electoral Commission of Zambia
ECZ notice on polling day — 01 Institutions
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Institutional context · Electoral Commission of Zambia
- 83
Judiciary of Zambia
Court structure of Zambia — 01 Institutions
Official · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Institutional context · Judiciary of Zambia
- 84
Energy Regulation Board
Energy Regulation Board mandate — 01 Institutions
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Area worth studying: renewable energy and independent producers · Institutional context · Energy Regulation Board · Renewable energy and independent producers
- 85
ZESCO Limited
ZESCO ownership and mandate — 01 Institutions
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Institutional context · ZESCO Limited
- 86
ZESCO Limited
ZESCO hydropower capacity — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The electricity mix
- 87
Zambezi River Authority
Zambezi River Authority establishment — 01 Institutions
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Institutional context · Zambezi River Authority
- 88
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development
Local content statutory instrument — 03 Economy
Official · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 89
Ministry of Finance and National Planning
IMF programme transition (Finance Minister statement, 8 Jan 2026) — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-01-08 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The next IMF programme · Reading: from stabilisation to expansion
- 90
Ministry of Finance and National Planning
Lobito Corridor coordination meeting (February 2026) — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-02-06 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The Lobito Corridor: what was agreed · Area worth studying: copper value-chain services and logistics · Lobito Corridor logistics
- 91
Ministry of Finance and National Planning
Joint investment platform for the Lobito Corridor — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-02-06 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The Lobito Corridor: what was agreed · Lobito Corridor logistics
- 92
Ministry of Finance and National Planning
Lobito Corridor population and strategic priority — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-02-06 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The Lobito Corridor: people and rail
- 93
Ministry of Finance and National Planning
Rail rehabilitation need on the Zambia segment — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-02-06 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Reading: copper as the key to partnerships · The Lobito Corridor: people and rail · Area worth studying: copper value-chain services and logistics · Copper value-chain services and logistics
- 94
Zambia Development Agency
ZDA legal basis — 01 Institutions
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Before a meeting: what to check · Institutional context · Zambia Development Agency
- 95
Zambia Development Agency
Mining share of exports (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: From within · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · Mining: weight and endowment · Reading: copper as the key to partnerships · Mining and copper
- 96
Zambia Development Agency
Share of world copper reserves (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Mining: weight and endowment · Mining and copper
- 97
Zambia Development Agency
Nickel ambition (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The nickel ambition
- 98
Zambia Development Agency
Arable land (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Farmland and water · Reading: agriculture between livelihood and productivity · Area worth studying: irrigated farming and farm blocks · Agriculture · Irrigated farming and farm blocks
- 99
Zambia Development Agency
Water resources (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Farmland and water
- 100
Zambia Development Agency
Farm Block Development Programme (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The farm blocks · Area worth studying: irrigated farming and farm blocks · Irrigated farming and farm blocks
- 101
Zambia Development Agency
Special economic zones (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Special economic zones · Zambia Development Agency
- 102
Zambia Development Agency
Lusaka South MFEZ (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Special economic zones
- 103
Zambia Development Agency
Fiscal incentive threshold (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Fiscal incentives · Before a meeting: what to check
- 104
Zambia Development Agency
Repatriation of profits and loss carry period (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 105
Zambia Development Agency
VAT standard rate (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Value added tax
- 106
Zambia Development Agency
Manufacturing share of GDP (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Manufacturing
- 107
Zambia Development Agency
ICT sector contribution (ZDA) — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The ICT sector in 2023
- 108
Zambia Development Agency
Mobile money growth (ZDA) — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Area worth studying: digital and mobile financial services · The ICT sector in 2023
- 109
- 110
Zambia Development Agency
Traditional ceremonies (ZDA) — 07 Culture
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Traditional ceremonies · Reading: a living heritage that adapts
- 111
Zambia Development Agency
Ngonye Falls hydropower project listing (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Area worth studying: renewable energy and independent producers · Renewable energy and independent producers
- 112
Zambia Development Agency
Electricity mix (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: From within · The electricity mix · Energy and electricity
- 113
Zambia Development Agency
Invest-Zambia International Conference (ZDA) — 03 Economy
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The Invest-Zambia conference
- 114
International Energy Agency (policies database)
National 3 Million Tonnes Copper Production Strategy by 2031 — 03 Economy
Media · Published 2026-06-16 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The 3 million tonne target · Reading: copper as the key to partnerships · Area worth studying: copper value-chain services and logistics · Copper value-chain services and logistics
- 115
Ecofin Agency
Copper output 2025 — 03 Economy
Media · Published 2026-01-27 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Copper output in 2025 · Reading: copper as the key to partnerships
- 116
PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries
Corporate income tax rate (PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries) — 03 Economy
Media · Published 2026-07-24 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Corporate taxation
- 117
UNICEF Zambia (with ZIPAR and the United Nations in Zambia)
Debt service share of the budget (ZIPAR/UN analysis) — 09 Development
International · Published 2025-10-02 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Debt and social spending · Reading: needs and areas for study
- 118
UNICEF Zambia (with ZIPAR and the United Nations in Zambia)
Social Cash Transfer expansion — 09 Development
International · Published 2025-10-02 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Social cash transfers
- 119
UNICEF Zambia (with ZIPAR and the United Nations in Zambia)
Health financing gap — 09 Development
International · Published 2025-10-02 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Financing health services · Reading: needs and areas for study
- 120
UNICEF Zambia (with ZIPAR and the United Nations in Zambia)
Poverty against the 2026 target (ZIPAR/UN analysis) — 09 Development
International · Published 2025-10-02 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Humanitarian & Development · Living standards and 2026 targets
- 121
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Zambia elements on the UNESCO Representative List — 07 Culture
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Culture & Identity · UNESCO intangible elements
- 122
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Makishi masquerade — 07 Culture
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The Makishi masquerade · Reading: a living heritage that adapts
- 123
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Makishi communities and adaptation — 07 Culture
International · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Makishi: communities and adaptation · Reading: a living heritage that adapts
- 124
- 125
IUCN World Heritage Outlook
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls World Heritage Site — 07 Culture
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Culture & Identity · Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls)
- 126
IUCN World Heritage Outlook
Conservation outlook for Victoria Falls (2025) — 07 Culture
Media · Published 2025-10-11 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Conservation outlook for the Falls
- 127
UNICEF Zambia
Traditional leadership and child marriage (UNICEF Zambia) — 04 Society
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Traditional leadership and social issues
- 128
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
RSF World Press Freedom Index 2026 — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Media & Stories · Press freedom index 2026
- 129
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Public broadcaster and state press (RSF) — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Media & Stories · Public and private broadcasting
- 130
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Private broadcast media (RSF) — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Public and private broadcasting
- 131
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Influential newspapers and ZANIS (RSF) — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 132
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Access to information law (RSF) — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The access to information law · Reading: the legal setting for media cooperation
- 133
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Cyber Security Act 2025 (RSF) — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Area worth studying: digital and mobile financial services · The Cyber Security Act · Reading: the legal setting for media cooperation
- 134
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
The Post newspaper closure ruling (RSF) — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The Post newspaper case
- 135
Freedom House
Freedom House Global Freedom Score 2025 — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The Freedom House assessment
- 136
Freedom House
Freedom House Internet Freedom Score — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The Freedom House assessment · Reading: the legal setting for media cooperation
- 137
Zambia Monitor (reporting ZICTA)
Mobile subscriptions 2025 (ZICTA via Zambia Monitor) — 08 Media
Media · Published 2026-03-28 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Area worth studying: digital and mobile financial services · Mobile subscriptions · Telecommunications and digital services
- 138
Zambia Monitor (reporting ZICTA)
Internet subscriptions 2025 (ZICTA via Zambia Monitor) — 08 Media
Media · Published 2026-03-28 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Internet subscriptions
- 139
Zambia Monitor (reporting ZICTA)
Telecommunications towers 2025 (ZICTA via Zambia Monitor) — 08 Media
Media · Published 2026-03-28 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Telecommunications towers
- 140
World Health Organization (Regional Office for Africa)
Life expectancy at birth 2021 (WHO) — 09 Development
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Life expectancy
- 141
Copperbelt University
Copperbelt University — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Universities · Copperbelt University
- 142
University of Zambia
University of Zambia schools — 08 Media
Media · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Universities · University of Zambia
- 143
Saudi Press Agency
SFD loan signing ceremony (SPA) — 06 Saudi
Official · Published 2024-12-27 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · The signing and the site visit
- 144
Saudi Press Agency
SFD visit to the hospital site (SPA) — 06 Saudi
Official · Published 2024-12-27 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · The signing and the site visit
- 145
Lusaka Provincial Administration (Government of Zambia)
Bilateral debt restructuring with Saudi Arabia (Zambian government page) — 06 Saudi
Official · Published 2024-12-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · The bilateral debt restructuring agreement · The government of Zambia signed a bilateral debt restructuring agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the Group of Twenty common framework for debt relief.
- 146
Lusaka Provincial Administration (Government of Zambia)
Hospital as a regional centre of excellence (Zambian government page) — 06 Saudi
Official · Published 2024-12-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · A regional centre and parliamentary approval
- 147
Lusaka Provincial Administration (Government of Zambia)
Parliamentary approval of the loan extension (Zambian government page) — 06 Saudi
Official · Published 2024-12-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · A regional centre and parliamentary approval
- 148
Saudi Fund for Development
Saudi Fund for Development mandate — 06 Saudi
Official · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The Saudi Fund for Development
- 149
Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Saudi embassy portal entry for Zambia — 06 Saudi
Official · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Saudi diplomatic representation in Lusaka · The Saudi embassy in Lusaka · Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Lusaka
- 150
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Zambia
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Lusaka — 06 Saudi
Media · Published 2026-08-30 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Saudi diplomatic representation in Lusaka · Reading: what the facts show and what they do not · Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Lusaka
- 151
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Zambia
Saudi ambassador to Zambia (embassy website) — 06 Saudi
Media · Published 2026-08-30 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Saudi diplomatic representation in Lusaka · The Saudi embassy in Lusaka
- 152
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Zambia
Ambassador visit to Zambia Deputy Foreign Minister (2019) — 06 Saudi
Media · Published 2019-11-22 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: An ambassador visit in 2019 · The Saudi ambassador paid a visit to Zambia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs according to a news item on the embassy website.
- 153
National Assembly of Zambia
2026 National Budget: expenditure — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2025-09-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The 2026 budget
- 154
National Assembly of Zambia
2026 National Budget: financing — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2025-09-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The 2026 budget
- 155
National Assembly of Zambia
2026 National Budget: sector allocations — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2025-09-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Where the 2026 budget goes
- 156
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development
Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka 2026 — 03 Economy
Official · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Date: the Mining and Investment Insaka · Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development
- 157
National Assembly of Zambia
2026 growth target — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2025-09-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Targets for 2026
- 158
National Assembly of Zambia
Inflation target band — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2025-09-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Targets for 2026
- 159
National Assembly of Zambia
Planned renewable additions 2026 — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2025-09-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Announced power additions for 2026 · Area worth studying: renewable energy and independent producers
- 160
National Assembly of Zambia
Electricity allocation fund 2026 — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2025-09-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Announced power additions for 2026
- 161
State House of Zambia
President named on the State House website (news of 4 October 2026) — 02 Leadership
Official · Published 2026-10-04 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · Head of state
- 162
National Assembly of Zambia
Electricity export commitments — 03 Economy
Official · Published 2026-02-10 · Accessed 2026-10-08
Cited in: Electricity: capacity and supply
- 163
World Bank
World Development Indicators: Zambia
International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-07
Cited in: Population · GDP · GDP per capita · GDP growth · Urban population · Population under 15 · Life expectancy · Access to electricity · Internet users
Botswana
Mozambique
Namibia