Armed conflict and political violenceElevated
Armed violence is reported regularly in some areas.
Country risk assessment ยท Africa
Zambia political and security risk assessment
Zambia carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 22 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), down 1 on last week and rising over the last 12 weeks. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
22of 100
Low
Band 1 of 5
▼ Down 1 on last week
Africa
Zambia
What is the political and security risk in Zambia right now?
Zambia carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 22 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), down 1 on last week and rising over the last 12 weeks.
Little changed at Low, with no standing risk flags.
On the economic side, real GDP grew 3.8% in 2025 with inflation at 13.9%.
What are the main risks of operating in Zambia?
Protest and civil unrestGuarded
Protests occur but rarely disrupt operations.
What has changed recently in Zambia?
Zambia moved down 1 this week and rose 9 points over the last 12 weeks, from 13 to 22.
- Protest and riot reporting up week on week
- Reporting of armed clashes and attacks down week on week
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess there is a realistic possibility that Zambia stays in the Low band through the end of December. It sits 3 points from the Guarded band.
40 to 55%
0%50%100%
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
Ores and metals make up 73% of goods exports (2024 data), so mining regions and export corridors are the exposure to watch.
Trade equals 63% of GDP (2024 data). Supply chain exposure is mainly to regional and global shocks rather than local events.
Operating conditions are normal. Standard security precautions apply.
Key facts
GDPUS$28.9 billionLatest data, 2025
Real GDP growth3.8%Latest data, 2025
Inflation13.9%Latest data, 2025
Trade63% of GDPLatest data, 2024
Ores and metals73% of goods exportsLatest data, 2024
Population21.9 millionLatest data, 2025
How has the Zambia threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in Zambia for business?
Zambia carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 22 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), down 1 on last week and rising over the last 12 weeks.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in Zambia?
The main risk drivers are armed conflict and political violence (elevated); protest and civil unrest (guarded). Armed violence is reported regularly in some areas.
What is the outlook for Zambia?
We assess there is a realistic possibility (40 to 55%) that Zambia stays in the Low band through the end of December. It sits 3 points from the Guarded band.
How often is the Zambia risk assessment updated?
The Zambia threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
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