Local culture in Zambia

Zambia is sparsely populated, and most of the population lives in the capital, Lusaka and the mineral-rich Copperbelt region. Home to more than 70 different ethnic groups, Zambia is a multicultural society.

Expats coming from more developed countries may need some time to adjust to the local culture in Zambia. For an inexperienced expat, in particular, the most profound adjustment will be to the poverty endemic to the country.

Poverty in Zambia

Although the country’s economy has improved in recent years, much of Zambia’s infrastructure remains underdeveloped, and you may have to adjust to life without many of the luxuries you have back home. Many roads are not paved, and power and water supplies can be unpredictable, even in Lusaka. It is common to experience power blackouts; a generator is therefore essential for any expat’s home.

The sharp contradictions between the rich and the poor are highly noticeable in Zambia. Within a few miles, you can see the transition from rural mud huts and poor shanty towns to sprawling mansions and glitzy shopping malls with a swathe of luxury vehicles lined up outside.

Time in Zambia

Expats living in Zambia will need to learn some patience when it comes to making arrangements and attending meetings or social engagements. Time is sometimes a vague concept in Zambia, and Zambians often have a very relaxed attitude to punctuality. Meetings and social functions frequently start late, so you should not expect any apologies for tardiness, as this is the norm in the country.

Language and communication in Zambia

English is the official language in Zambia, so most expats will not struggle with a language barrier. Nevertheless, if you’re moving to the more rural areas of Zambia, you may encounter people who do not speak or understand English. We recommend taking the time to learn some key phrases of the local dialect.

Zambians are quite formal and prefer to be addressed formally; greetings are extremely important and will be reciprocated. Politeness is highly respected in Zambian culture, and requests about a person’s well-being are the typical start to a conversation.

LGBTQ+ in Zambia

LGBTQ+ individuals in Zambia are not legally protected in the country. Same-sex relationships are criminalised under colonial-era laws, and those found guilty can face anything from 15 years to lifetime imprisonment. The local society remains largely conservative, with widespread stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, often fuelled by religious and cultural beliefs.

Public expressions of LGBTQ+ identity are generally not tolerated, and there is little legal protection against hate crimes or discrimination. As a result, LGBTQ+ individuals frequently live in secrecy to avoid social exclusion or legal repercussions. We recommend that expats who identify as LGBTQ+ exercise caution and remain discreet about their sexual orientation or gender identity while living in Zambia.

Women in Zambia

Zambia has made significant legal strides in protecting women against discrimination, including constitutional provisions and gender equality legislation. That said, enforcement remains inconsistent, and women typically face challenges in the workplace, particularly regarding equal pay and access to leadership roles. While cultural attitudes are gradually shifting, traditional gender roles still influence how women are perceived and treated in professional settings.

Many expat women report feeling largely safe in Zambia, especially in urban areas like Lusaka, although caution is advised when walking alone at night. Street harassment can occur, but it is typically non-violent. With sensible precautions, expat women can enjoy a relatively secure and welcoming environment in Zambia.