Zambia Country Report

Zambia has struggled to make the most of its mineral-rich territory, owing to repeated political instability, high exposure to droughts, and most recently a crippling debt crisis. Zambia’s government stability and governance have notably improved since 2021 despite the economy still reeling from years of poor management and high debt levels preventing authorities from addressing pressing issues. This culminated in striking a large debt-restricting plan with its creditors, including its Chinese partners, in early 2024. However, foreign investors still risk exposure to pervasive levels of corruption.

Still, Zambia’s young and fast-growing population remains one of the poortest of the continent, suffering from high levels of unemployment and lowest levels of education. The economy relies heavily on exports of raw materials, especially copper, leaving it vulnerable to global market fluctuations. And with a mainly rural population – a quarter working in the agricultural industry – the country is highly vulnerable to climatic events and their consequences. With a highly variable climate, the last decades have seen repeated episodes of severe flooding and droughts, resulting in water, electricity, and food shortages and a high vulnerability to outbreaks of cholera.

Petty and violent crime is widespread in the capital, Lusaka, in other major cities, and near tourist hotspots; 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 and increased demographic stress caused by refugee populations fleeing armed conflicts; reports also suggest it is not clearly marked, exposing inattentive travelers to prosecution or arrest. Landmines are also a concern in some areas along the border with Angola, the DRC , and Zimbabwe. 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 lower-income 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 the 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. 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 is a relatively stable constitutional republic that has undergone a democratic transition despite significant vulnerabilities regarding political violence and corruption. After decades of mismanagement, the business climate is improving as the current administration appears willing to curb excessive spending and fight against fraud. The country’s multipartite system remains competitive, though authorities have been accused of silencing dissidents and security services prone to violence.

Zambia possesses a wealth of mineral resources, some of which are key to the production of renewable energies and high-end technologies – including cobalt, copper, gold, lead, silver, uranium, and zinc. It maintains mostly positive relations with its neighbors, enabling it to export its raw materials to both of Africa’s coastlines. However, the economy is highly dependent on these exports, leaving it exposed to fluctuations in prices. spikes in inflation or unemployment are regular triggers for civil unrest.