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Decades after independence, racial bias persists in Zambia
Zambians describe everyday discrimination in jobs, services and housing, despite government denials of systemic racism. Conversations about race are growing, but many say change remains slow.
Everyday slights and systemic barriers
Alexander Bwalya, a black Zambian who requested anonymity, recalls an incident at a Lusaka wine bar where staff refused to serve his group expensive bottles, only to offer the same wine to a white family minutes later. When Bwalya complained, the manager allegedly told his group to leave and directed a racial slur at his friend. He did not report the incident, believing authorities would dismiss it.
Others describe being overlooked for jobs, denied housing or treated as second-class citizens in their own country. In January, a recruitment firm sparked outrage by advertising a sales manager role exclusively for expatriates or foreign residents. The company later apologized, calling the wording a mistake.
"There are contracts and systems and a lot of opportunities that we just don't have access to as locals," said Omar Chanshi, a 37-year-old marketing professional.
A legacy of colonialism and unfulfilled promises
Zambia gained independence from Britain in 1964 under Kenneth Kaunda, a leader who championed African nationalism and vowed to end racial subjugation. His government introduced "Zambianisation" policies to replace white executives with black professionals and supported liberation movements across southern Africa.
Yet a 2019 UN report noted that Zambia, like other post-colonial societies, still grapples with racial and class inequalities rooted in colonialism. Historian Victoria Phiri Chitungu suggests Kaunda's anti-discrimination stance may have driven racism underground rather than eliminating it.
"The obvious racist signs and acceptance of racism was no longer welcome, but that doesn't mean it's now absent," she said.
Wealth, privilege and the myth of superiority
Zambia's white population-both foreign and local-makes up less than 2% of the country but holds disproportionate economic influence, often working for multinational corporations. Many Zambians say race and wealth intersect, with non-black individuals assumed to be affluent and treated preferentially.
Malama Muleba, a Lusaka property manager, admits racial bias exists in his industry. "If a person's skin colour is white, people look at it, they see stability," he said, noting that stereotypes about other ethnic groups also shape landlords' decisions.
In shops, banks and restaurants, black Zambians report being skipped in queues in favor of white customers. While some dismiss this as classism, others call it outright racism. Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweeta denied racism exists, calling such claims sensationalist.
Historical reverence for whiteness
Historian Chanda Penda traces Zambia's racial dynamics to pre-colonial legends of Luchele, a mystical white figure revered by some ethnic groups. When European colonizers arrived, some communities mistook them for Luchele and treated them as divine, embedding a deference to whiteness that persists today.
"It is not a big surprise that even up to now, we have this high esteem for white people," Penda said.
Voices for change and cautious optimism
Adrian Scarlett, a British expatriate married to a Zambian, documents racial inequality on social media under the alias "Bye Bye Fatman." His posts, which reach over 520,000 followers, have drawn backlash from some white friends but praise from black Zambians.
Bwalya, the Lusaka resident, welcomes the growing conversations about race but says Zambia needs "honest discussions" to confront its contradictions. He hopes the country can revive Kaunda's vision of equality, where all citizens are treated with dignity.
