Arabica-only origin in the northern highlands (Kasama, Mbala, Isoka), mostly washed SL-28 and Catimor grown at roughly 1,300-1,600 m.
Zambia grows only arabica, mainly in the Northern Province around Kasama and Mbala, with estates also in Isoka and Nakonde. The Northern Province supplies around 97% of exportable coffee, at roughly 1,300-1,600 m. SL-28 and Catimor are the main cultivars. Washed is the most common process, with some pulped natural, natural and anaerobic lots, and cups are described as full-bodied with mild, sweet acidity.
History
Missionaries introduced coffee in the 1950s, and development projects in the 1970s helped smallholder expansion. Commercial exports began in 1985 and peaked at about 6,654 tonnes in 2004/05. Output fell to a low of about 180 tonnes in 2015, then recovered to roughly 2,000 tonnes by 2019.
Field notes
- i
Coffee export volumes peaked at about 6,654 tonnes in 2004/05, fell to around 180 tonnes in 2015 and recovered to roughly 2,000 tonnes by 2019.
- ii
Northern Coffee Corporation, the largest producer, traces back to a 1978 World Bank project and has been owned by Olam since 2012.
- iii
Estates produce about 90 percent of Zambia's coffee, and the Zambia Coffee Growers Association owns dry mills that smallholders can use.
Where it growsNorthern highlands.
In the cup, according to guides
- BodyMoreZambian coffee is described as full-bodied.
- AcidityLessAcidity is described as mild and sweet.
- CitrusOften notedSpecialty lots are described with citrus and berry accents.
Regions of Zambia
-
Zambia's main coffee zone, around Kasama and Mbala, with arabica grown at roughly 1,300-1,600 m, mostly washed SL-28 and Catimor.
-
Northeastern province created in 2011, home to Isoka and Nakonde districts where Zambian coffee estates operate, beside the Muchinga escarpment.
Varietals grown here
How it is usually processed
Species
- Coffea arabica100%
Sources · 2 Every sentence here was checked against a source we read. Taste notes are what guides describe, not promises about your bag. Last revised 2026-11-10. Some details here are less settled than others.
- Exploring Zambia as a coffee origin · Perfect Daily Grind
- Zambia Coffee Production & Sourcing Guide · Omwani