Zambia
August 4th

“Zambia will praise You, Lord, among the peoples!”

I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.(Psalm 57:9,NIV)

》 Country Profile

Continent | Africa
Population | 20.21 million
Area | 752,618㎢, Located in the interior of south-central Africa.
Capital City | Lusaka (3.18 million people)
People Groups | Total 75 groups, Bemba 26.8%, Tonga 13.2%, Nyanja 10.1%, Lozi 6.3%, Nyika 4.1%, Nsenga 4%, Lala 3.9%, Tumbuka 2.8%
Unreached People Groups | 4 (0.5% of the population)
Official Language(s) | English, Bemba, Nyanja
Total Languages | 53
Bible Translations | Completed 30, New Testament 9, Partial 6
Religion | Christianity 86.5% (38% Protestant, 31% Catholic), Ethnic religions 10.3%, Islam 1.6%, Evangelicals 24.9%(5.03 million people)

》 About Zambia

Zambia was under British colonial rule and was known as Northern Rhodesia until it gained independence in 1964. Despite having significant mineral resources, at the time of independence, there were very few educated Zambians capable of running the government. Kenneth Kaunda became the country’s first president, dissolved all other political parties, and established a one-party state under the United National Independence Party (UNIP), ruling as a dictator for three terms. However, opposition figures from dissolved parties remained critical of his regime, preventing long-term stability. In 1991, Zambia held its first multi-party elections, leading to the victory of Frederick Chiluba, who introduced major reforms. Compared to its neighboring countries, Zambia has experienced relatively peaceful transitions of power and political stability. It operates under a presidential system, with Hakainde Hichilema serving as president since 2021. Zambia continues to uphold a democratic system, with multiple political parties actively participating in governance.

Zambia is Africa’s largest copper producer, with copper, gold, gemstones, and tobacco as its main exports. However, economic growth slowed from 2015 to 2017 due to a drop in copper prices, reduced electricity production, and the depreciation of the kwacha. Agriculture employs nearly half of the population, yet rural poverty and high unemployment remain serious issues. Other challenges include high birth rates, a significant burden of AIDS, inefficient agricultural and energy policies, and rising government debt, which led the country to seek an IMF bailout. Zambia’s GDP per capita is approximately $1,235.

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Over 86% of Zambia’s population is Christian, but much of its Christian culture was imposed during British colonial rule. As a result, many believers practice Christianity formally rather than personally. Magic and witchcraft continue to influence Christian lives, and groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses actively promote their teachings. Islam is also rapidly growing in the eastern regions. Zambia has over 200 denominations and missionary organizations working together through the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ). Let us pray that God will raise up trained pastors and gospel witnesses to teach biblical truth to the people. Let us also pray that believers will resist false teachings and material temptations, standing firm in the gospel of the cross. May the Zambian church awaken from spiritual complacency and become a light amid poverty, corruption, and high unemployment.

2. Several foreign missionary organizations are actively working in Zambia, including the Christian Brethren, SIM International, the International Mission Board (IMB), and Liebenzell Mission. These organizations partner with local churches to train leaders and develop ministries. The Zambian church is highly engaged in missions, sending hundreds of missionaries both within the country and to neighboring nations. However, several ethnic groups remain unreached. The Subiya and Khoisan peoples in the southwest have low exposure to the gospel, and the Gujarati community, which follows Hinduism and Islam, has very few Christians. Additionally, political instability in Zimbabwe has forced many refugees into Zambia, exposing children to child labor and human trafficking. Let us pray that churches and missionaries will boldly preach the gospel of the cross, bringing about spiritual revival, and leading many to experience true salvation.

3. 66% of Zambia’s population is under 24 years old, but youth unemployment is alarmingly high at 30%. Various ministries are working to reach the next generation. The Children’s Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) shares the gospel with thousands of children every year, while Scripture Union (SU) ministers in secondary schools. The International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (ZAFES/IFES) supports Christian students in higher education institutions. Let us pray that God will raise up more workers to serve and disciple the next generation. May these young people discover their identity as God’s children and become a generation that worships and exalts His truth. Zambia ranks 6th in the world for AIDS cases, with 1.5 million people infected. While the infection rate has dropped to 11%, there are still hundreds of thousands of AIDS orphans. Let us pray that God’s love and truth will be proclaimed to them, leading them to find hope and encounter the Lord.

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