Lusaka, Zambia – For decades, Lusaka has been the undeniable epicenter of Zambia’s economic activity. However, a seismic shift is underway. A growing wave of investment, coupled with strategic government initiatives, is unlocking a treasure trove of untapped business opportunities in Zambia’s provincial towns. For the discerning entrepreneur, looking beyond the capital city is no longer just an option; it’s a strategic imperative for growth and impact. This article explores the burgeoning economic landscapes of these towns, highlighting concrete business ideas and celebrating the trailblazers who are already paving the way.
The hum of Lusaka’s vibrant markets and bustling corporate offices has long overshadowed the quiet potential brewing in towns like Chipata, Solwezi, and Kasama. Yet, these regional hubs are ripe with resources, a growing consumer base, and a palpable hunger for innovation. The Zambian government, recognizing the need for decentralized economic growth, has been actively promoting investment in these areas through initiatives like the Southern Province Investment and Tourism Expo and the Zambia Farm-to-Market Compact.1 These efforts are creating a fertile ground for new ventures to flourish.
The Agricultural Revolution: Feeding the Nation and Beyond
Zambia’s provincial towns are, at their core, agrarian societies. This presents a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs to revolutionize the agricultural value chain. The focus is shifting from subsistence farming to commercial agribusiness, creating a ripple effect of opportunities in processing, logistics, and technology.
In Central Province, with its vast arable land, the potential for large-scale cultivation of in-demand crops like soybeans, maize, and vegetables is immense. However, the real untapped opportunity lies in value addition. Imagine setting up a small-scale cooking oil processing plant in Kabwe, or a fruit and vegetable canning facility in Mumbwa. These ventures not only create local employment but also reduce post-harvest losses and tap into a growing market for processed foods.
Eastern Province, particularly around the town of Chipata, is a hub for groundnut and cotton farming. Entrepreneurs can establish businesses that provide improved seed varieties, modern farming equipment on a rental basis, or set up processing plants for peanut butter and textiles. The story of Tomaida Ziwa in Chipata, a single mother who built a thriving mushroom farming business and has trained over 500 other women, is a powerful testament to the potential of innovative agricultural ventures.2
Riding the Tourism Wave: Beyond the Smoke that Thunders
While Livingstone and the majestic Victoria Falls will always be Zambia’s tourism crown jewel, savvy investors are looking beyond this iconic landmark. The nation’s provincial towns offer a wealth of diverse and untapped tourism experiences.
In the Southern Province, the areas surrounding Kafue National Park are crying out for eco-tourism ventures. Think luxury tented camps, guided walking safaris, and community-led cultural tours. These businesses can cater to a growing segment of travelers seeking authentic and sustainable experiences.
Northern Province, with its pristine waterfalls, vast lakes, and rich cultural heritage, is another tourism frontier.3 In Kasama, for instance, there is a significant opportunity to develop boutique lodges and tour companies that offer excursions to the Chishimba Falls and the ancient rock art sites. Similarly, in Luapula Province, the development of angling and water sports facilities on Lake Bangweulu in Samfya could attract a whole new demographic of tourists.
The Green Energy Gold Rush: Powering Progress
Access to reliable and affordable energy is a major catalyst for economic development.4 In many of Zambia’s provincial towns, the national grid is either unreliable or non-existent, creating a massive market for renewable energy solutions.
Entrepreneurs in towns across the country can establish businesses that sell, install, and maintain solar power systems for homes, schools, and small businesses. In North-Western Province, a region with a burgeoning mining sector, there is a huge demand for renewable energy to power mining operations and surrounding communities.
The success of young entrepreneurs in rural Zambia who are setting up solar-powered businesses like salons and welding shops is a clear indicator of the transformative power of clean energy.5 These ventures are not just profitable; they are also creating a more sustainable and resilient future for their communities.
Mining and Manufacturing: Building a Diversified Economy
The Copperbelt has long been the heart of Zambia’s mining industry, but opportunities in this sector are now spreading to other provinces. In North-Western Province, particularly around Solwezi, there is a growing demand for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to provide support services to the large mining companies. These services can range from catering and transportation to equipment maintenance and safety gear supply.
In the manufacturing sector, there is a significant push to “Buy Zambian.” This creates opportunities for entrepreneurs in provincial towns to set up small-scale manufacturing units that produce goods for the local market. In Chipata, for example, there is potential for manufacturing cooking oil from sunflower and groundnuts. In the Western Province, the abundance of timber can support a thriving furniture-making industry in towns like Mongu.
Overcoming the Hurdles: A Roadmap to Success
While the opportunities in Zambia’s provincial towns are immense, entrepreneurs must be cognizant of the challenges. Limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and a less-developed skills base are some of the hurdles that need to be navigated.
However, a growing ecosystem of support is emerging to help entrepreneurs overcome these obstacles. The government, through various agencies, is providing financial and technical assistance to SMEs.6 Organizations like the Zambia Development Agency are actively promoting investment in provincial areas.7
Successful entrepreneurs in these regions often share common traits: they are resilient, adaptable, and deeply connected to their local communities. They understand the unique needs and challenges of their environment and are adept at finding innovative solutions.
The future of Zambia’s economy is being written not just in the high-rises of Lusaka, but in the fertile fields of the provinces, the pristine wilderness of the national parks, and the bustling markets of its provincial towns. For those with the vision, the courage, and the determination to look beyond the horizon, the rewards are waiting to be reaped.
