Heavy equipment dealers in Zambia

The equipment market in Zambia

Zambia is Africa's second-largest copper producer after DR Congo, and the government aims to reach 3 million tonnes of copper a year by 2031. Mining drives most heavy equipment demand, centred on the Copperbelt (Kitwe, Ndola, Chingola) and North-Western Province around Solwezi, home to some of the largest open-pit mines.

Many dealers have branches in Lusaka and in Kitwe or Solwezi, close to the mines. The Copperbelt also serves DR Congo's Katanga mining region across the border at Kasumbalesa.

Beyond mining, road building and commercial farming (maize, wheat, soya and sugar) create demand for construction machines, tractors and implements.

Importing and registering equipment in Zambia

1. Routes into Zambia

   Zambia is landlocked. Equipment arrives by road from Dar es Salaam (via Nakonde), Durban (via Beitbridge and Chirundu, or Kazungula), Walvis Bay (via Katima Mulilo and Sesheke) or Beira. A rail link to Lobito in Angola is being developed.

2. Transit time

   Allow about two weeks from the port to Lusaka, mostly because of border crossings.

3. Standards

   Imports must meet Zambia's compulsory standards, enforced by ZCSA (Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency). Used road vehicles must pass a roadworthiness inspection.

4. Customs

   Clearance is through ZRA (Zambia Revenue Authority).

5. Registering for road use

   Register the machine with RTSA (Road Transport and Safety Agency) before using it on public roads. First registration needs the ZRA customs clearance, an Interpol clearance, an RTSA inspection and insurance.