Zambia Country Report

Zambia has been hit hard by the global fall in commodity prices in recent years, with decreased earnings from copper exports aggravating long-standing problems such as high rates of unemployment and levels of poverty. Recurrent electricity shortages, inflationary pressures on the cost of living and public sector wage demands remain enduring sources of civil and labor unrest. The Zambian government actively courts foreign investment, and there is a strong Chinese presence in the country. However, foreign investors risk exposure to pervasive levels of corruption.

Petty and violent crime is widespread in the capital Lusaka and other major cities, and foreign nationals are frequently targeted due to perceptions of affluence. Border areas with the DRC are subject to heightened insecurity stemming from the presence of armed bandits. Landmine contamination is also a concern in some areas along the border with the DRC and on the borders with Angola and Mozambique. The quality of infrastructure is average by regional standards, but significantly poorer outside of major cities.

Levels of criminal activity in Zambia are relatively high and have been increasing in recent years, with deteriorating economic conditions exacerbating the problem. The main threat to travelers comes from opportunistic petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching but criminals are often armed and more serious offenses also occur with some frequency. Crime rates are particularly high in many of the impoverished residential districts, known locally as compounds, around Lusaka and other major urban centers but criminals also operate in more affluent areas. Foreign nationals are occasionally targeted by criminals and may be followed from hotels, bars, restaurants and banks in order to be robbed in quieter areas where they are more vulnerable. Vehicular crime and residential burglaries are also a concern in many areas of the country, and although foreign nationals are affected less frequently than local residents, even guarded expatriate residences have been targeted.

Civil and labor unrest occurs regularly in Zambia's urban centers, particularly Lusaka, and can escalate into violence with little warning. Security forces have been known to use aggressive tactics to disperse demonstrations increasing the risk of incidental violence to bystanders. While there are no known terrorist groups operating in Zambia or looking to target foreign interests in the country, border regions with the DRC in Copperbelt, Central and Luapula provinces have historically been subject to heightened insecurity.

Overland travel in Zambia can be hazardous due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles as well erratic driving by some local road users. Long distance public transport can also be dangerous due to inadequate driver training and vehicle safety standards. There have also been concerns over Zambia's aviation industry in the past but regulatory oversight is improving and Zambia-based airlines were removed from the European Union blacklist of banned operators in 2016.

Infrastructure in Zambia is generally unable to cope with demand at peak times and urban centers suffer frequent service delivery failures, particularly during periods of drought in the latter months of the dry season.

Zambia has a largely tropical and wet climate, although this is tempered by elevation and conditions in parts of the southwest are semi-arid. Flooding is a recurrent annual problem during the November to April rainy season. Unexploded ordnance also remains a threat in areas along the borders with the DRC, Angola and Mozambique, particularly off of main roads.

Healthcare facilities are limited in Zambia, particularly in rural areas, and basic medical supplies are often in short supply. There is an acute shortage of pharmaceuticals in the country and even basic drugs may be difficult to find in urban centers and are likely to be unavailable in rural areas. Cash payment is required upfront for all healthcare services. Malaria is widespread throughout the country, with some strains resistant to chloroquine. Water sources are unreliable and prone to contamination; the consumption of bottled water is strongly advised.

Zambia's political environment is changing following the election of opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND) in August 2021. Hichilema defeated former President Edgar Lungu of the Patriotic Force (PF), securing 2.8 million votes compared to Lungu’s 1.8 million. Lungu came into power in 2015 and began cracking down on the UPND and other political dissenters who criticized the government’s handling of the economy in 2016.

Corruption remains widespread in Zambia, although the past decade has seen repeated efforts to address the issue. Corrupt practices are believed to be especially common in government procurement and dispute resolution channels.