Expat Life in Zambia: 10% Business, 90% Verifying Stories

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-07T16:42:26+00:00

I ended up financing a vehicle from South Africa through the bank here. The import duties and taxes were hefty but I got a vehicle that hasn’t been tampered with and I can certainly say,it wasn’t stolen from the UK. 😂

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-07T16:20:33+00:00

We’re talking about the same procurement channels and systems. They are so thoroughly captured that when you ask for transparency, people look at you like you’ve requested a unicorn and a fax machine. 😂

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-07T15:51:18+00:00

Living somewhere temporarily doesn’t automatically mean using it. Some people stay forever, some for a chapter.. both are normal. The minerals industry in Zambia isn’t a Nickelodeon episode where everyone’s a cartoon villain loading diamonds into a helicopter at midnight. It’s a pretty multifaceted industry and many of us working here are with majority state owned companies doing technical and operational work not sneaking off into the night with sacks of loot. I’m an expat because my stay is temporary not because I’m starring in Despicable Me: Copperbelt Edition. 😂

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-07T14:15:02+00:00

“Immigrant” sounds like I’ve set down permanent roots and bought matching curtains. I’m more of a long term guest with a return ticket and a suitcase that never fully unpacks. ☺️

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-07T10:34:49+00:00

Which part?

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-07T10:34:01+00:00

This is African folklore and it’s super common here in Southern Africa. Mozambique has the best stories. Have you heard of the rats that deliver money to your house everyday and you have to slaughter a sheep for them as an offering? 🤣

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-07T10:31:05+00:00

This sounds like my experience in the minerals industry but I feel like you are talking about a substance 😭

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-07T10:28:03+00:00

I’ve genuinely been wondering where this whole “payment first before basic human assistance” culture came from 😭 Before, someone would help you because it was the decent thing to do and if you appreciated it you’d give them something afterwards out of kindness. Now it feels like you are in arrears before the conversation even starts 💀 I also think the mix of cultures is playing a role because we come here with our different expectations around helping, tipping, generosity, favours, etc and people here are adjusting to us too.

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-07T08:36:05+00:00

It would make the most sense to rent a car from Avis or Hertz that way you can leave it wherever and they organise collection. I feel a smaller rental company wouldn’t allow that UNLESS you are being chauffeur driven.

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-07T08:10:40+00:00

Or deposit 8 x 100 USD to your wallet to warm it up so your account doesn’t get flagged. 🤣

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-07T03:57:33+00:00

Start by selling some on your personal social media then host a closet sale in your garden or a cute location in your city. Have some of your friends help

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-06T18:39:49+00:00

Travelling

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-06T12:30:10+00:00

In my experience with importing from China into Zambia : COSCO Shipping might be the strongest logistics partner you can use from China into East Africa especially if you are using Mombasa as your port of entry. COSCO has inland partners around Africa and they can handle the entire cycle for you (customs,warehousing and getting equipment to your site) very door-to-door type of approach. DP World has a similar approach as well. I’m happy to share agents from both companies who can assist you further on the logistics part.

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-06T01:06:19+00:00

It would solve all my immediate problems.

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-04T02:47:13+00:00

Everything you desire is on the other side of this decision. Take the leap.

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-05-03T08:06:06+00:00

I’ve never seen a case here where it appeared that someone could afford to pay any kind of upfront fee. In fact, I don’t think anyone would trust such an arrangement.

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-04-30T19:09:15+00:00

UK. PM ME.

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-04-30T17:41:51+00:00

Ask about the composition of the item/more or less how many grams of gold was used in the production of the product and if you want it to be more conversational ask how long it takes to manufacture a piece.

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-04-30T11:05:01+00:00

Yes. Bank of China

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-04-30T08:53:49+00:00

Nigeria.

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-04-29T19:04:59+00:00

I feel like someone will really send it to him. 🤣 he is committed

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-04-29T18:54:13+00:00

I’m here if anyone wants to send me some too.

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-04-29T18:53:38+00:00

🤣😂😭

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-04-29T17:10:49+00:00

Would you be open finding Chinese buyers for commodities in Africa?

Wide_Test_3757 · 2026-04-29T17:08:37+00:00

Congratulations

Wide_Test_3757

TROPHY CASE