Zambia: Geography, Economy, and Notable Firms

The Republic of Zambia, a landlocked nation in Southern Africa, is bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia to the south, and Angola to the west. Its capital city is Lusaka, strategically situated in the south-central region. The country’s population is mainly concentrated in Lusaka and the Copperbelt Province, which are economic hubs known for their vibrant commerce and mining industries.

Geography and Economy

Zambia is known for its rich natural resources, particularly copper, which forms the backbone of its economy. The mining industry has played a critical role in the nation’s economic growth, with historical credit given to Frederick Russell Burnham, an American scout who discovered copper while working for Cecil Rhodes.

In recent years, Zambia’s economy has diversified beyond copper mining into sectors like renewable energy, telecommunications, agriculture, and financial services. The country is actively developing its infrastructure and attracting investment to further fuel growth.

Notable Companies in Zambia

Zambia hosts several prominent firms, from state-owned enterprises to global partnerships. This list includes a selection of notable companies headquartered in the country:

Financial Sector

1. Access Bank Zambia (Lusaka, 2009): A commercial bank serving both individuals and businesses.
2. Cavmont Bank (Lusaka, 2004): A commercial bank providing a range of financial services.
3. Atlas Mara Bank Zambia Limited (Lusaka, 1986): Formerly known as Finance Bank Zambia Limited.
4. First Alliance Bank Zambia Limited (Lusaka, 1994): A commercial bank with comprehensive banking services.
5. Indo-Zambia Bank Limited (Lusaka, 1984): A notable commercial bank.
6. Investrust Bank (Lusaka, 1996): Offers banking services and is listed on the Lusaka Stock Exchange.
7. Standard Chartered Zambia (Lusaka, 1906): Part of the Standard Chartered Group (UK), listed on the Lusaka Stock Exchange.
8. Zambia National Commercial Bank (Zanaco, Lusaka, 1969): A commercial bank listed on the Lusaka Stock Exchange.

Mining Sector

1. Kansanshi Mining Plc (Solwezi, 2005): Produces copper and gold through a joint venture between First Quantum Minerals and ZCCM-IH.
2. Lumwana Mining Company (Lumwana, 1999): Copper mining, fully owned by Barrick Gold.
3. Mopani Copper Mines (Kitwe): Produces copper and cobalt.
4. Konkola Copper Mines (Chingola, 1957): Produces copper through a partnership between Vedanta Resources and ZCCM-IH.
5. Copperbelt Energy Corporation (Kitwe, 1997): Power generation and transmission.

Energy and Utilities

1. Bangweulu Power Company Limited (Lusaka, 2017): A solar power project owned by Neoen, First Solar, and IDC Zambia.
2. Ngonye Power Company Limited (Kafue, 2018): Another solar power project, a joint venture with Enel Green Power.
3. Indeni Petroleum Refinery (Ndola, 1973): Processes petroleum products like gasoline and jet fuel.
4. ZESCO (Lusaka, 1970): Provides electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.

Transport, Agriculture, and Telecom

1. Railway Systems of Zambia (Lusaka, 2003): Rail operator (charter revoked in 2012).
2. Zambia Railways (Lusaka, 1905): The national rail network.
3. Zambeef Products (Lusaka, 1994): One of the largest beef producers in Zambia.
4. Zambia Sugar (Mazabuka, 1964): A leading sugar producer listed on the Lusaka Stock Exchange.
5. ZAMNET (Lusaka, 1994): Internet service provider.
6. Zamtel (Lusaka, 1994): Offers telecommunications services.

Airlines

1. Zambezi Airlines (Lusaka, 2008): An airline that ceased operations in 2012.
2. Zambia Airways (Lusaka, 1964): The national flag carrier, defunct in 1995 but relaunched in 2021 through a partnership between IDC and Ethiopian Airlines.

Publishing and Media

1. The Post (Lusaka, 1991): A prominent newspaper.
2. Times of Zambia (Ndola, 1943): A leading daily newspaper.
3. Zambia Daily Mail (Lusaka, 1965): A state-run newspaper.

These notable companies across various sectors contribute significantly to Zambia’s economic landscape, showcasing the country’s industrial diversity and entrepreneurial spirit.