Zambia remains one of Southern Africa’s most resource-rich and agriculturally strong nations. Its economy is driven by a combination of mining, food production, livestock farming, manufacturing, and exports. As Zambianguardian.com continues covering national developments, one thing is clear: Zambia is consistently recognized for the diversity and value of the products it supplies to both local and international markets.

This comprehensive 2025 guide explains exactly what Zambia is known for producing, how the economy is performing, and the major sectors responsible for national productivity.

1. Copper – Zambia’s Signature Production

Copper is Zambia’s most dominant export and the primary driver of foreign exchange earnings. The country is among the world’s top producers, with operations concentrated in the Copperbelt and North-Western Province. Global demand for copper continues to grow due to its use in renewable energy systems, electrical manufacturing, and electric vehicle production.

2. Cobalt – Essential for Battery Manufacturing

Cobalt often occurs alongside copper and is a major part of Zambia’s mineral economy. As the world shifts toward electric mobility, Zambia’s cobalt production is expected to play a crucial role in global supply chains.

3. Gold – A Rapidly Expanding Commodity

Gold production in Zambia is rising rapidly due to enhanced government regulation, formalization of artisanal miners, and increased investment in exploration. Companies such as Zambia Gold Company (ZGC), Consolidated Gold Company of Zambia (CGCZ), and Mwinilunga Minerals are key contributors.

This expansion was covered in detail in the recent article, Gold Mining Companies in Zambia, which highlighted how gold is becoming a more significant part of the country’s export profile.

4. Emeralds – Globally Competitive Quality

Zambia is one of the world’s largest sources of natural emeralds, particularly from the Kagem Mine in Lufwanyama. Zambian emeralds are well-known for their deep green appearance and clarity, making them highly competitive on the international market.

5. Agriculture – What Is Zambia Known for Producing Food?

Agriculture is one of Zambia’s strongest and most essential sectors. Millions of households depend on farming, and the country continues to enhance food security and export potential.

Key agricultural products include:

Maize

The most widely grown crop and the foundation of the national diet.

Soybeans

Used for cooking oil, stock feed, and exports, with production increasing annually.

Groundnuts

A major cash crop for both commercial farmers and small-scale growers.

Sugar

Zambia is known for large-scale sugar production, supplying both domestic and regional markets.

Wheat and Rice

Produced primarily in irrigated farming zones.

Livestock and Poultry

The country has strong cattle, goat, dairy, and chicken production systems.

Horticulture Products

Vegetables, onions, fruits, and tomatoes are widely grown across all provinces.

Nitumezi Farms

Nitumezi Farms plays an important role in Zambia’s agricultural output, particularly in livestock and crop farming. Its commitment to modern farming practices, sustainable food production, and expansion of local supply chains makes it a notable contributor to the country’s agribusiness sector. Nitumezi Farms represents the growing class of professionally managed farms that are strengthening Zambia’s food production capacity year after year.

6. Cement and Construction Materials

With infrastructure development expanding nationwide, Zambia produces substantial quantities of cement, limestone, and building aggregates. Major manufacturers continue to supply both domestic construction and regional export markets.

7. Manufacturing and Processing Industries

Zambia has a growing manufacturing sector, producing:

Cooking oil
Processed foods
Textiles
Leather products
Cement products
Household goods

These industries support diversification away from heavy reliance on mining.

How Is the Zambian Economy Performing in 2025?

The Zambian economy is showing gradual, steady improvement driven by increased mining output, higher agricultural production, and improved investment conditions. Rising copper prices, a stronger gold market, better energy stability, and reforms in fiscal management have contributed to improved economic confidence.

Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and digital services remain the strongest growth pillars, and future projections indicate continued improvement.

Connection to Previous Articles

In the earlier article, Top 20 Mining Companies in Zambia, it was clear that mining remains central to national productivity. Many of the companies listed there continue to dominate copper, cobalt, and gold production.

Similarly, Gold Mining Companies in Zambia illustrated the rapid expansion of the gold industry, further proving how diversified Zambia’s mineral output has become.

Together, these insights complement the broader understanding of what Zambia is known for producing today.

Final Thoughts

Zambia is known for producing a wide range of goods, from globally recognized minerals such as copper, cobalt, gold, and emeralds to essential food crops like maize, soybeans, groundnuts, sugar, and livestock. With strong agricultural producers such as Nitumezi Farms and a rapidly growing mining and manufacturing base, Zambia remains one of the most productive and resource-rich countries in the region.

UrbanObserver

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