# Zambia (ZM) **Capital:** Lusaka **Currency:** Kwacha (ZMW) (ZMW) **Population:** 21,314,956 — Older stored figure; source year not documented. **Area:** 752,612 km² > Zambia is a resource-rich landlocked country in Southern Africa and a hub for copper and cobalt exports from the Copperbelt. Without sea access, it relies on transit corridors to the ports of Dar es Salaam, Durban, Beira, Walvis Bay and Lobito. Customs are handled by the ZRA via ASYCUDA World; the standard VAT rate is 16 percent. Road and rail (TAZARA, Zambia Railways) carry freight; the TAZARA modernisation aims to substantially raise capacity. Zambia (ISO code: ZM) is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and other states. It is a presidential republic with comparatively stable institutions by regional standards. The climate is mainly tropical, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. The economy is heavily driven by mining, especially copper from the Copperbelt, which is central to value creation and export earnings. Because it is landlocked, the country depends on efficient transport corridors to seaports in neighbouring states, giving logistics strategic importance. Copper and copper products dominate exports, while fuels, machinery, vehicles and consumer goods are imported. The national currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). **Top Import Partners:** ZA, CN, AE, IN, TZ **Top Export Partners:** CN, CH, ZA, CD, AE **Top Import Goods:** Petroleum products, Machinery, Vehicles, Fertilisers, Chemicals **Top Export Goods:** Copper, Cobalt, Electricity, Tobacco, Sugar **Key Airports:** - [Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/kenneth-kaunda-international-airport-lun) - [Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/harry-mwanga-nkumbula-international-airport-lvi) - [Kalumbila Airport (UMB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/kalumbila-airport-umb) - [Kasompe Airport (CGJ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/kasompe-airport-cgj) - [Lusaka City Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/lusaka-city-airport-fllc) - [Mfuwe Airport (MFU)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/mfuwe-airport-mfu) - [Mongu Airport (MNR)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/mongu-airport-mnr) - [Peter Zuze Air Force Base](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/peter-zuze-air-force-base-airport-flnd) - [Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/simon-mwansa-kapwepwe-international-airport-nla) - [Southdowns Airport (KIW)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/southdowns-airport-kiw) ## Customs & Import **Import VAT:** 16 percent standard rate (ZRA) **Customs complexity:** medium to high **Customs system:** Import via ZRA using ASYCUDA World; electronic customs declaration. Tariff based on COMESA/SADC with bands of 0, 5, 15 and 25 percent. Smart Invoice mandatory for VAT. **Customs authority:** [Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)](https://www.zra.org.zm) ## Logistics & Risk **Logistics role:** Landlocked country / Copper exporter / Transit country **Economic area:** COMESA / SADC **Logistics risk:** medium **Dangerous goods relevance:** medium **Pharma/cold chain:** medium ## FAQ ### What VAT rate applies to imports into Zambia? The standard rate is 16 percent (ZRA). Basic foodstuffs are zero-rated, while financial, education and health services are exempt. ### Does Zambia have its own seaport? No, Zambia is landlocked. Sea freight is routed via the ports of Dar es Salaam, Durban, Beira, Walvis Bay and Lobito in neighbouring states. Its only own port is Mpulungu on Lake Tanganyika (inland shipping). ### Which customs system does Zambia use? The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) processes imports and exports electronically via ASYCUDA World. The tariff follows COMESA/SADC with bands of 0, 5, 15 and 25 percent. ### Which preferential agreements can I use for Zambia? Zambia is a member of COMESA and SADC; preferences are possible with a certificate of origin. AfCFTA is being implemented. EUR.1 does not apply. ### Are there sanctions against Zambia? No. There are no international sanctions against Zambia (OFAC, EU, UN). Zambia itself implements UN sanctions. ### Which transport corridors matter most for Zambia? The Dar es Salaam corridor (road and TAZARA railway) carries about 60 percent of copper exports. Other key routes are the North-South corridor to Durban and the corridors via Beira, Walvis Bay and Lobito. ### What are Zambia's main export goods? Copper and copper cathodes dominate exports, supplemented by cobalt and other minerals. The main buyers are China and Switzerland (copper trade). ## Sources & Last Verified - [https://www.zra.org.zm](https://www.zra.org.zm) - [https://www.zra.org.zm/tax-information/](https://www.zra.org.zm/tax-information/) - [https://www.zra.org.zm/importation-of-goods/](https://www.zra.org.zm/importation-of-goods/) - [https://www.zra.org.zm/exportation-of-goods/](https://www.zra.org.zm/exportation-of-goods/) - [https://www.zamstats.gov.zm/](https://www.zamstats.gov.zm/) - [https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL) - [https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/zambia-positions-itself-as-a-regional-logistics-node](https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/zambia-positions-itself-as-a-regional-logistics-node) - [https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information](https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information) *Last verified: 2026-06-28* --- *Freight Academy — Country Profile: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/zm](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/zm)* *Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/zm](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/zm)*