A Nation Built on Pan-African Principles Faces Questions About Racism

Zambia takes pride in its role as a leader in African nationalism and the battle against colonial rule. Yet, over six decades after gaining independence from the UK, several Zambians have shared with the BBC that racism persists within the country. While it is not always blatant, they describe subtle daily biases that create the feeling of being second-class citizens in their own homeland.

Accounts include instances where black individuals are overlooked for certain positions, treated with indifference at restaurants, and faced with discrimination by landlords. However, some Zambians express cautious hope, noting that discussions around race are gradually becoming more frequent. The government, meanwhile, insists that racism is not a significant issue in the nation.

“It’s very strange to live in an African country and still see racism directed at black people,” says Alexander Bwalya, a black Zambian who requested anonymity. He recounts visiting a wine bar in Lusaka with friends, where they tried to order expensive bottles. The waiters claimed they were out of stock, but when a white family arrived, they eagerly offered the same items. “We told the manager we didn’t appreciate the service, and they said we could leave if we wanted,” Bwalya adds.

Despite these experiences, the government maintains that such issues are rare. Sixty years after Kenneth Kaunda, a key figure in Africa’s anti-colonial movement, became Zambia’s first president, the legacy of colonialism continues to shape social dynamics. Before independence in 1964, black Zambians required passes to move freely, schools and hospitals were segregated, and skilled jobs in mining—particularly in copper-rich regions—were often held by white workers.

Kaunda’s vision was to uplift the black majority through policies like “Zambianisation,” which replaced white executives in industries with black leaders. He championed movements for independence and the end of white-minority rule in surrounding nations. His first press conference after taking office emphasized building a society rooted in respect for all races, colors, and religions. Yet, a 2019 UN human rights report noted that Zambia, like other post-colonial societies, has grappled with racial and class inequalities inherited from colonial rule.

At the height of colonization, white people constituted less than 2% of the population. Many left after independence, though exact current numbers remain unclear. Ethnic minorities, including Indians, Chinese, and Arabs, now make up roughly 9% of the population. While public officials lack data on racial inequality, social media buzzes with personal stories and debates on the topic.

In January, a recruitment post from a Zambian firm sparked outrage. The ad, written in all caps, stated: “THIS ROLE IS CURRENTLY NOT OPEN TO ZAMBIAN NATIONALS; WE ARE LOOKING FOR EXPATS OR FOREIGN RESIDENTS IN ZAMBIA.” Many viewed this as discriminatory, with Omar Chanshi, a 37-year-old marketing professional, stating: “There are contracts and systems that locals just don’t have access to. It doesn’t matter if you’re the best candidate—you’re excluded.”

Following backlash, the firm apologized and removed the post. “The wording didn’t meet our standards and didn’t reflect our skills-based approach,” the company explained to the BBC. Historian Victoria Phiri Chitungu suggests that Kaunda’s efforts to eradicate discrimination may have driven it underground, leaving lingering tensions that are now resurfacing in public discourse.