Is Zambia Safe? Crime Against Chinese Residents and How to Stay Safe

Zambia is politically stable, has no armed rebel groups and has had no terrorist attacks, and its overall security is better than in many African countries [1]. But robbery and theft are common in the main cities and armed robberies happen regularly. In 2025 the Chinese Embassy in Zambia reported at least three cases of Chinese nationals killed in armed robberies [1][2][3][4]. For Chinese residents the biggest risk is armed robbery of businesses, farms, shops and homes, especially where large amounts of cash are kept.

Below are the cases from official notices, the patterns behind them, precautions, and the emergency and consular numbers.

Overall picture

The 2025 MOFCOM guide describes Zambia as having a fairly sound legal system, political stability and a generally stable security situation; residents can legally own firearms [1]. The once-in-a-century drought of 2024 caused water, power and food shortages that hit the economy and jobs, and crime rose. Rains in 2025 eased the energy crisis, but theft and armed robbery still occur in some areas [1].

The guide also notes that foreigners and tourists are sometimes targeted, particularly at night or in remote areas, and that road accident rates are high, especially in rural areas and the rainy season [1].

By area

Crimes affecting Chinese residents

Armed robbery of companies, farms and shops

This is the most serious threat in recent years. Cases reported by the embassy:

• 20 March 2025, Chambishi, Copperbelt: armed robbers attacked a Chinese company, killing and injuring Chinese nationals. In June 2025 Copperbelt police said they had arrested eight suspects, who were shot dead when they tried to seize officers’ guns while leading police to hidden weapons [2].
• 29 May 2025, Kitwe, Copperbelt: armed robbers attacked a Chinese-owned farm and killed a Chinese national. The farm’s own local guard and a former employee had colluded with the robbers. Two of five suspects were arrested [3].
• November 2025, Lusaka: a Chinese national was killed in an armed robbery. The embassy warned that risks rise before the holiday season [4].

The common pattern: targets were Chinese businesses, farms and homes believed to hold cash; insiders were involved; the robbers carried guns.

Theft

MOFCOM says daytime outings are relatively safe but theft is common; do not leave valuables or bags visible in a car [1].

Phone scams

The embassy warned in 2017 and 2018 about scammers posing as Chinese embassies and consulates [10]. The embassy will not phone you to ask for money transfers or bank details. If you get such a call, hang up and call the embassy to check.

Precautions

Businesses, farms and shops

• Avoid large cash transactions and do not keep large sums on site [3][4].
• Hire licensed, reputable security firms and guards [3]. The Kitwe case was an inside job, so vet guards and watch former employees.
• Keep basic records of every employee: name, national registration card number, address and place of birth [1].
• Fit security doors and window bars, CCTV and alarms, and lock up at night [1][4].
• Share security information with nearby Chinese businesses and associations [3].
• Operate legally and keep labour relations in order [2][3].

Individuals and families

• Do not display your wealth, and avoid going out alone at night [1].
• Avoid living alone, especially women [1].
• Go out in company where possible, keep car doors and windows locked, and watch for anyone following you [4].
• If confronted by armed robbers, put your life first and do not resist [4].

Elections and protests

Zambia held a general election on 13 August 2026. The embassy advised: follow official news; avoid high-risk areas and crowds; do not linger, photograph or film at rallies and be careful what you say in public; tighten security at shops, camps and homes and shorten opening hours or close if needed; and Chinese companies must not stop Zambian staff from voting [5]. The same advice applies to future elections and protests.

Road safety

MOFCOM warns that Zambia’s roads are poor and badly maintained and accident rates are high, especially in rural areas and the rainy season [1]. Drive long distances by day and avoid night driving. In town, keep doors locked, keep bags and phones out of sight and stay alert at traffic lights [1][4].

Labour and community relations

Several of the robberies involved insiders, which makes staff management a security issue in itself [3]. The embassy’s notices repeatedly stress operating legally and integrating with the local community [2][3]. In practice: pay wages and statutory allowances in full and on time, follow the law when dismissing staff, collect keys and access cards from departing employees and change codes, and do not count large sums of cash in front of staff. MOFCOM also advises Chinese companies to respect unions and contribute to local communities to reduce conflict [1]. No large-scale strikes occurred at Chinese companies in Zambia in 2024 or the first half of 2025 [1].

Health risks

Malaria is present almost everywhere and peaks in the rainy season. Use bed nets and repellent, see a doctor quickly if unwell, and do not self-medicate. Cholera outbreaks are common in the rainy season, and MOFCOM recommends a cholera vaccine before coming [1]. Chinese-run private hospitals include Zambia International Hospital and Fortune Hospital (福泰医院); the Chinese medical team works at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital and other hospitals [1]. For hospitals and associations see the Chinese community in Zambia.

Emergency numbers

These numbers come from contact details and notices published on the embassy website in 2025 [2][6]. Consular email: consulate_zmb@mfa.gov.cn [6][9].

If something happens

1. Get to safety first, then call the police on 991 [2].
2. Call the embassy’s 24-hour consular protection line [2].
3. Preserve the scene and CCTV footage and help the police gather evidence.
4. Contact your chamber of commerce or community association. In recent cases the embassy worked with the Zambia Overseas Chinese General Association (赞比亚华侨华人总会) and consular volunteers to handle the aftermath [2][3].

For what consular protection can and cannot do, see consular protection for Chinese citizens abroad. The embassy holds joint consular meetings with Zambian police, immigration, tax, labour and other agencies, the sixth in December 2025 [7]. In December 2025 it also held a community security meeting and appointed a new group of consular volunteers [8].

Related pages

• Zambia guide for Chinese residents
• The Chinese community in Zambia
• Southern Africa guide

References

1. Country Guide for Outbound Investment and Cooperation: Zambia (2025 edition) (MOFCOM, 2025)
2. Update on the investigation of the 20 March case (Chinese Embassy in Zambia, 2025)
3. Notice on the killing of a Chinese national (Kitwe farm robbery) (Chinese Embassy in Zambia, 2025)
4. Embassy urges Chinese nationals in Zambia to step up security (repost) (ifeng.com, reposting a Chinese Embassy notice, 2025)
5. Embassy reminder on safety during Zambia’s general election (Chinese Embassy in Zambia, 2026)
6. Consular protection: contact details (Chinese Embassy in Zambia, 2025)
7. Sixth joint consular meeting between the embassy and Zambian agencies (Chinese Embassy in Zambia, 2025)
8. Embassy meeting on community security and consular volunteers (2025) (Chinese Embassy in Zambia, 2026)
9. Contact details of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia (Chinese Embassy in Zambia, 2024)
10. Consular protection and assistance (section listing) (Chinese Embassy in Zambia, 2026)
11. Important notices (section listing) (Chinese Embassy in Zambia, 2026)