08/08/2025
Zambia, home to one of Africa's biggest sugar Processing Plants. πΏπ²
This is the legacy that grew after independence.
The government's vision was to make each province a hub for producing and processing its own raw materials, creating a specialized provincial economy. This initiative propelled Zambia to become one of Africa's top industrial nations, with provinces producing everything from auto spares to sugar, clothes, electric cables and many more. During this time, all 9 provinces of Zambia operated like mini-countries, cementing the slogan "One Zambia, One Nation" and championing development without leaving any province behind.
However, this growth declined during President Chiluba's era, when many government-owned companies were privatized. Fortunately, the sugar industry bucked the trend, and today Zambia still stands as one of Africa's top sugar-producing countries. In fact, the country ranks 7th in Africa and 3rd in Southern Africa, after South Africa πΏπ¦ and Eswatini πΈπΏ.
At the center of this rich industry is Mazabuka, a town in Zambia's Southern Province, it has a rich history in sugar production dating back to 1936. The Nakambala Sugar Estates, established that year, is now one of Zambia's largest sugar producers, covering over 17,000 hectares of irrigated sugarcane and employing over 4,000 people.
Today, Zambia proudly produces around 600,000 to 700,000 tons of sugar annually, meeting domestic demand and exporting to regional and international markets. The country's fertile soil, favorable climate, and strategic investments have positioned it among Africa's leading sugar-producing nations.
Interestingly, Mazabuka is now home to one of Zambia's most organized road networks. This great Southern town is arguably one of the Cleanest Towns in Zambia, with its sugar industry and infrastructure making it a standout in the country.
Written By Luckson F Mvula
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πΈ Zambian sugar Plants π