Pray for Zambia
The great waterfall on the Zambezi River, between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Zambia
The capital is Lusaka. People speak English, Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga and many other languages. The largest faith is Christianity.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Zambia
Last updated November 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
Tensions remain after the 13 August general election. Opposition leader Brian Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 others have been in custody since mid August. They face treason charges, which his party denies, and separately sedition charges over Facebook posts after the vote. In early November the High Court in Solwezi ruled that the sedition case should be heard in Lusaka, and the High Court in Lusaka is hearing their bail application in the treason case.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Zambia is a republic with a President who leads both the state and the government. President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner with about 60% of the vote, against about 38% for Mr Mundubile, who rejected the result. He was sworn in for a second term on 1 September and said to those who voted for others, "we have heard you".
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
The economy grew about 7.7% in the first quarter of 2026 and inflation fell to about 6.5% in June, the lowest in more than eight years. Zambia has restructured most of its foreign debt and public debt has fallen to about 93% of GDP. Copper brings in about 70% of export earnings. Poverty remains deep: more than half of Zambians live below the international poverty line, and three in four of the poor live in rural areas.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
Zambia is a young nation of many peoples, and its population of about 20 million is growing fast and could double within 25 years. Rural families face the hardest poverty, and a future drought could hurt harvests and power supply. Reports say elderly people accused of witchcraft are still attacked and sometimes killed. After the election, many people need reconciliation and calm between political communities.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
Government figures cited by the US State Department in 2024 show about 95% of people are Christian: about 75% Protestant, including Anglican, evangelical and Pentecostal churches, and about 20% Catholic. About 3% are Muslim, with small Hindu, Baha'i and other communities. Many people combine Christian faith with traditional beliefs.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
The constitution declares Zambia a Christian nation, and it also protects freedom of religion for all, including the right to change religion. Religious groups must register, and the US State Department reports that a pause on registering new churches, in place since 2019, was still in force in 2023. Unregistered groups can face fines or prison.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
Zambia was the British territory of Northern Rhodesia until independence on 24 October 1964. From 1972 to 1991 it was a one-party state under President Kenneth Kaunda, with times of unrest, including food riots in 1986 and 1990. Multiparty elections returned in 1991, when Frederick Chiluba won the presidency.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Zambia. Bring calm after the election, and comfort to every family that has lost a loved one or waits for news of someone detained. Give President Hichilema and all in authority wisdom, integrity and justice. Provide for rural families, protect the harvests, and let the fruit of growth reach the poorest homes. Bring reconciliation between political communities and protect the elderly and the vulnerable. Awaken hearts across the churches with fresh hope in Your truth, and keep every believer free to worship safely. Heal the wounds of the past and lead Zambia in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- Zambian Observer: sedition case moves to Lusaka, bail hearing adjourned (Nov 2026)
- Diggers: court transfers Mundubile, Makebi sedition case to Lusaka (Nov 2026)
- BBC via Capital FM: Zambian opposition leader charged with treason (Aug 2026)
- AP via ABC News: president inaugurated for second term (Sept 2026)
- World Bank: Zambia overview (Oct 2026)
- Further Africa: Zambia election, economy, debt and copper (July 2026)
- US State Department: 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom, Zambia (June 2024)
- University of Central Arkansas: Zambia political history since 1964
More ways to pray
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