Background

Zambia is a landlocked area of 752,614 square metres and has a population of 16.5 million people. Unlike most of its neighbours, Zambia has managed to avoid the war and upheaval that has marked much of Africa’s post-colonial history, earning itself a reputation for political stability. The landlocked country has experienced rapid economic growth over the last decade as Africa’s second largest copper producer, after the DR Congo. But its over-reliance on copper has made it vulnerable to falling commodity prices. Sadly, economic growth and massive Chinese investment have failed to improve the lives of most Zambians, with two-thirds still living in poverty. Zambia also has one of the world’s fastest growing populations with the UN projecting that its population will triple by 2050.