On The Build Zambia

11/08/2026

LUSAKA SOUTH MFEZ: ZAMBIA’S INDUSTRIAL CITY TAKING SHAPE

Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone (LS-MFEZ) is becoming one of Zambia’s most important industrial developments.
Located in Lusaka South and covering about 2,100 hectares, the zone was established in 2010 as Zambia’s first state-owned economic zone. Its master plan is broader than a conventional industrial park: it is designed as a mixed-use development combining industry with commercial, residential, research and institutional activities.

The latest figures presented by the LS-MFEZ to the UN Economic Commission for Africa show the scale of the development: 143 companies have been approved, 31 are operational, 17 are under construction, and about 12,500 jobs have been created. If all approved companies become operational, employment is projected to rise to around 35,000. The zone has attracted approximately US$1.59 billion in investment.

Investment is still coming in. LS-MFEZ announced that its board approved another US$100 million in new investments during the first half of 2026, covering activities including oil marketing, bicycle assembly, fertiliser blending, packaging, home-care products and other manufacturing.

The zone is also part of a wider industrial corridor south of Lusaka. Nearby, the Golden Baobab MFEZ in Kafue is being developed with a projected US$300 million investment and more than 2,000 jobs over five years. In April 2026, the Zambia Development Agency handed over 13 permits for investments worth US$195 million at Golden Baobab, with 7,800 jobs projected from those investments.
Housing is another major part of the LS-MFEZ vision. The National Housing Authority and Ongos Valley Development are working on a project for 10,000 housing units, with the first 2,000 units planned as the initial phase.

There are, however, a few claims from the original article that needed correction. The commonly quoted 600MW figure should not be described as a dedicated 600MW LS-MFEZ substation, and the zone should not be described as having an installed 80MW solar system without qualification. Historical ZESCO records refer to a 150MVA LS-MFEZ substation and two solar projects with an aggregate capacity of just under 80MW. The original article also understated the planned housing programme: the current official housing information refers to 10,000 units, with 2,000 in the first phase.

For Zambia, the significance is bigger than factories alone. LS-MFEZ is intended to support manufacturing, value addition, jobs, technology transfer and economic diversification. If the planned investments and supporting infrastructure continue to materialise, Lusaka South could become a major industrial and residential hub — quite literally a city within a city.

05/08/2026

04/08/2026

Top 5 Thatched Buildings in Zambia
Where traditional roof craft meets world-class design.

From the banks of the Zambezi to the vast plains of Liuwa, these five remarkable buildings prove that traditional Zambian thatching is far more than a cultural heritage—it is a sophisticated building craft that rivals the finest architecture in the world.

🌿 Why thatch still stands the test of time:

🏡 Natural Insulation – Keeps interiors cool even in temperatures above 40°C, reducing the need for air conditioning.

🌧️ Weatherproof – When expertly installed, layered grass roofing efficiently sheds heavy tropical rains.

♻️ Sustainable – Built from renewable, locally sourced materials with a low environmental impact.

🛠️ True Craftsmanship – Every exceptional thatched roof reflects the skill, precision, and artistry of experienced craftsmen.

🇿🇲 Zambia's Top 5 Thatched Buildings

1. David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa
📍 Livingstone, Southern Province

2. Lilayi Lodge
📍 Lilayi, Lusaka

3. Luangwa Safari House
📍 South Luangwa National Park

4. King Lewanika Lodge
📍 Liuwa Plain National Park, Western Province

5. Waterberry Zambezi Lodge
📍 Livingstone, on the Zambezi River

Traditional craftsmanship. Modern engineering. Timeless beauty.

Which of these have you visited—or which one is on your bucket list? 🇿🇲👇

29/07/2026

KALUMBILA: Building Zambia's Newest Planned Town

How engineering, infrastructure and long-term planning transformed remote bushland into one of Zambia's most ambitious urban developments

By On The Build Zambia

From Untouched Land to a Modern Town

A decade ago, the area now known as Kalumbila was largely undeveloped bushland in Zambia's North-Western Province. Today, it is home to modern roads, planned residential neighbourhoods, power infrastructure, schools, healthcare facilities, commercial developments and one of Zambia's newest Multi-Facility Economic Zones.

Unlike towns that evolved gradually over decades, Kalumbila was master-planned and constructed within a relatively short period, making it one of the country's most significant examples of large-scale greenfield urban development.

For construction professionals, Kalumbila demonstrates how coordinated investment in civil engineering, utilities and urban planning can create an entirely new settlement from the ground up.

The Development That Changed Everything

The development of First Quantum Minerals' Trident Project created the need for permanent infrastructure capable of supporting thousands of workers, families and future businesses.

Rather than constructing a temporary mining camp, significant investment was directed towards permanent infrastructure including:

• Road networks

• Water supply systems

• Sewer infrastructure

• Electricity distribution

• Residential developments

• Healthcare facilities

• Educational facilities

• Commercial centres

• Airport upgrades

This transformed Kalumbila from a project site into an emerging urban centre.

Building an Entire Town

Constructing Kalumbila required far more than buildings.

Before vertical construction could begin, engineers first established the essential infrastructure that supports every modern town.

Civil Infrastructure

The first phase focused on:

Site clearing and earthworks
Drainage systems
Road construction
Utility corridors
Water reticulation
Sewer networks
Electrical distribution

These systems formed the backbone upon which the town continues to expand.

Residential Construction

One of the most visible aspects of Kalumbila's development has been the construction of permanent housing.

Modern residential neighbourhoods feature paved roads, landscaped public spaces and access to municipal services, reflecting a long-term approach to urban planning rather than temporary accommodation typically associated with mining settlements.

The quality of residential development has played an important role in attracting professionals and supporting community growth.

Infrastructure That Extends Beyond the Town

Among the largest engineering works associated with Kalumbila is the high-voltage transmission infrastructure connecting the region to Zambia's national electricity network.

Large-scale investment in power infrastructure has improved energy reliability while creating capacity for future industrial and commercial expansion.

Reliable electricity remains one of the key foundations for sustainable urban and industrial development.

Building for Industry

Kalumbila's designation as a Multi-Facility Economic Zone represents the next phase of its development.

Serviced industrial land, reliable utilities and transport infrastructure position the town to attract investment beyond mining, including manufacturing, logistics, engineering services and value-added processing.

For construction firms, the zone represents continued demand for industrial buildings, roads, utilities and commercial developments.

Lessons for Zambia's Construction Industry

Kalumbila illustrates several principles that are increasingly important in modern infrastructure development:

✔ Integrated master planning

✔ Investment in permanent public infrastructure

✔ Coordination between utilities and urban development

✔ Mixed-use planning

✔ Long-term economic sustainability

Rather than building isolated facilities, the project demonstrates the value of developing complete communities supported by resilient infrastructure.

The Future of Planned Urban Development

As Zambia continues investing in infrastructure and industrialisation, developments like Kalumbila provide valuable lessons for future towns and economic zones.

Its evolution shows how engineering, construction and strategic planning can transform undeveloped land into a functioning urban centre designed to support both current industries and future economic growth.

For the construction sector, Kalumbila is more than a mining story—it is a case study in modern town building.

On The Build Zambia

Building Zambia. One Project at a Time.

25/07/2026

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20/07/2026

🚧 Lusaka Decongestion Project: How Flyovers Are Changing Zambia's Capital

Over the past several years, Lusaka has undergone one of the biggest urban road upgrades in its history. The Lusaka Decongestion Project (LDP) was introduced to improve traffic flow, upgrade ageing roads and prepare Zambia's capital for continued population growth.

The project, valued at approximately US$289 million, is financed mainly through a concessional loan from the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank), with the Government of Zambia providing the remaining share of funding. Construction has been led by Afcons Infrastructure Ltd., with the Ministry of Local Government overseeing implementation.

One of the most visible achievements of the project has been the construction of four major flyovers at some of Lusaka's busiest intersections:

✅ Makeni Flyover

✅ Arcades Flyover

✅ Munali Flyover

✅ Longacres Flyover

These structures allow through-traffic to bypass busy intersections, helping ease congestion and improve traffic movement, particularly during peak travel periods.

The project also includes:

🛣️ Rehabilitation and widening of major urban roads

🚌 Approximately 27 kilometres of dedicated bus lanes designed to support future improvements in public transport

🚦 Upgraded junctions and intersections

🚶 Better pedestrian infrastructure and drainage systems

While the project has significantly changed the appearance of Lusaka's road network, it has also generated public debate. Questions have been raised about project costs, contract variations and long-term maintenance, issues that have been discussed in Auditor General reports and by various stakeholders. At the same time, many motorists acknowledge that the flyovers have reduced congestion at several key intersections compared with conditions before construction.

Traffic congestion remains a challenge as Lusaka continues to grow, and infrastructure alone cannot solve every transport problem. Urban planning, improved public transport, traffic management and continued investment will all play important roles in keeping the city moving efficiently.

Even so, the Lusaka Decongestion Project represents one of the largest urban transport investments ever undertaken in Zambia. Together with ongoing road expansion projects, it is helping modernise the capital's transport network and lay the foundation for future economic growth.

🇿🇲 Do you think the flyovers have made a noticeable difference to traffic in Lusaka, or is there still much more that needs to be done? Share your thoughts below.

19/07/2026

Two bridges. Two eras. One mighty Zambezi River.

Few structures tell the story of Southern African engineering quite like the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge and the modern Kazungula Bridge. Built more than a century apart, they represent two completely different chapters of connection.

🚂 Victoria Falls Bridge (1905): A breathtaking steel arch standing 128 meters above the gorge, born from a historic railway vision and now a timeless heritage icon.
🛣️ Kazungula Bridge (2021): A 923-meter modern cable-stayed giant linking Zambia and Botswana, complete with a One-Stop Border Post built to supercharge regional trade.

One reflects historic ambition; the other showcases the future of African economic integration.

👇 Which engineering marvel impresses you more? The timeless classic or the modern powerhouse? Let us know in the comments!

15/07/2026

🌉 Two Bridges. Two Eras. One Zambezi River.

Few structures tell the story of Zambia's development quite like the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Kazungula Bridge. Although both span the mighty Zambezi River, they were built more than a century apart and represent two very different chapters in African engineering.

Completed in 1905, the Victoria Falls Bridge was designed as part of Cecil Rhodes' ambitious Cape-to-Cairo railway vision. Stretching 198 metres across the Second Gorge and standing 128 metres above the river, the steel arch bridge remains one of Africa's most iconic engineering landmarks. More than 120 years later, it continues to carry road traffic, railway trains and pedestrians while serving as one of Southern Africa's leading tourism attractions.

By contrast, the Kazungula Bridge, officially opened in May 2021, represents a new generation of African infrastructure. At approximately 923 metres long, the modern extradosed cable-stayed bridge links Zambia and Botswana, replacing the old ferry crossing that often experienced lengthy delays during busy periods. The project was jointly funded by the governments of Zambia and Botswana, together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

One of the bridge's greatest innovations is the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), which allows border agencies from both countries to streamline customs and immigration procedures. Together with the bridge itself, the facility has significantly improved freight movement along the Southern African North-South Corridor, helping reduce transport costs and improve regional trade.

While the Victoria Falls Bridge reflects the engineering ambition of the colonial era, the Kazungula Bridge showcases modern regional cooperation and infrastructure planning. One stands as a heritage landmark admired for its historic design; the other demonstrates how African nations are investing together in infrastructure that supports economic integration and cross-border commerce.

Both bridges are remarkable achievements in their own right. One has stood for over a century, while the other is helping shape the future of trade in Southern Africa. Together, they highlight how engineering continues to connect people, economies and nations across the Zambezi.

🇿🇲 Which bridge impresses you more—the timeless Victoria Falls Bridge or the modern Kazungula Bridge? Like if you prefer Victoria or love if prefer Kazungula.

14/07/2026

Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway: Zambia's Biggest Road Upgrade Is Taking Shape

The Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway is one of Zambia's largest and most ambitious road infrastructure projects. Stretching approximately 327 kilometres, the upgraded highway will connect Lusaka with the Copperbelt through a modern four-lane carriageway designed to improve safety, reduce congestion and strengthen trade across the country.

Unlike previous proposals that relied heavily on government borrowing, the current project is being delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Government of Zambia and the Macro Ocean Investment Consortium Lusaka–Ndola (MOIC-LN). Under this arrangement, the concessionaire is responsible for financing, constructing, operating and maintaining the road before eventually transferring it back to the Government.

The project goes beyond simply adding another carriageway. It also includes:

✅ Rehabilitation of the Masangano–Fisenge–Luanshya Road

✅ New bypasses around Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi

✅ Construction of a new Kafubu Bridge

✅ New toll plazas and upgraded weighbridges

✅ Improved drainage, pedestrian infrastructure and road safety features

According to the Road Development Agency (RDA), construction had reached approximately 78% completion by mid-2026, with some sections significantly further advanced. The agency has also stated that thousands of Zambians have been employed directly during construction.

The Lusaka–Ndola corridor is one of Zambia's busiest transport routes, carrying passengers, agricultural produce, manufactured goods and a substantial share of the country's mining-related freight. Once complete, the dual carriageway is expected to improve road safety, shorten travel times, reduce vehicle operating costs and support economic activity between Lusaka, Central Province and the Copperbelt.

The project has also generated debate. Supporters argue that the PPP model allows Zambia to develop major infrastructure without increasing sovereign debt, while critics have raised questions about the use of pension fund investments, long-term toll revenues and concession arrangements. These discussions continue as construction progresses.

Regardless of differing views on the financing model, there is broad agreement that upgrading the Lusaka–Ndola corridor addresses one of Zambia's most important transport bottlenecks. If completed successfully, the project will become a major piece of national infrastructure supporting trade, investment and regional connectivity for decades to come.

🇿🇲 What are your thoughts? Will the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway transform travel and business in Zambia? Share your views in the comments.

09/07/2026

🏗️ Reshaping Lusaka’s Skyline: Inside the US$1.4 Billion Kingsland City Development! 🇿🇲

Ever wondered what the future of modern urban living looks like in Zambia? Look no further than Kingsland City along Twin Palm Road in Ibex Hill! Spanning over 1,100 hectares, this massive development is more than just a housing project—it's a master-planned mixed-use community designed to become a self-sustaining city within a city.

Here’s a quick look at how this game-changing Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and private developers is helping reshape Zambia’s real estate landscape:

🏡 The Scale: A master-planned community featuring approximately 3,000 premium homes, ranging from 2-bedroom apartments to luxury 4-bedroom villas.

💼 The Partnership: Developed through ZAF Projects Limited in partnership with Datong Construction, Drimtown Investment Limited, and Shangrila Investment Limited.

📈 The Impact: More than 400 homes have been completed, with 116 units already sold, generating over **K300 million in revenue to support ZAF development initiatives.

🏫 Live, Work & Play: The community already features an operational school, a dedicated police station, and recreational running tracks. Future phases of the master plan include shopping centres, commercial facilities, recreational spaces, and a golf course.

🌿 The Bigger Picture: The project has also attracted public discussion due to its location in an area associated with the formerly de-gazetted Lusaka East Forest Reserve. While developers have outlined plans that include green spaces and other sustainability features, environmental groups continue to advocate for careful management of the area's ecological resources.

👇 What do you think? Could developments like Kingsland City help address Zambia's growing urban housing needs while creating modern, integrated communities? Share your thoughts in the comments!