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Flea Markets in Zambia
Zambia
A reseller's guide to markets in Lusaka, Livingstone, Kitwe & more
Salaula Market
📖 Zambia's market scene is a vibrant mix of huge, bustling urban markets and specialized craft centres. For resellers, the key is understanding 'salaula' – the massive trade in second-hand clothing from the West, which dominates many markets. Beyond textiles, there are rich opportunities in traditional crafts, copper goods, and curios, especially in tourist hubs like Livingstone. Haggling is expected, and arriving early is crucial to get the best picks before other traders.
7 markets
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Soweto Market
📍 Lusaka
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Address
Off Lumumba Road, Lusaka, Zambia
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Open
Daily, approx. 06:00 - 18:00
Lusaka's largest and most chaotic market, Soweto is a sprawling hub for everything imaginable. It's the epicentre of the country's 'salaula' (second-hand clothing) trade and a primary distribution point for fresh produce. Be prepared for intense crowds and keep your valuables secure.
💰 What to buy here
Salaula (Second-hand Clothing)
Buy50-200 ZMW per piece
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Sell online150-600 ZMW on Facebook Marketplace or local WhatsApp groups
Look for bales that have just been opened. Check for brand names, unique vintage pieces, and quality materials like denim or leather.
Handwoven Baskets
Buy80-300 ZMW
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Sell online250-800 ZMW on platforms like ZikoMarket or to tourists. Exp
Focus on Tonga or Lozi designs, known for their intricate patterns and durability. Check for tight weaves and symmetrical shapes.
Bulk Agricultural Goods (e.g., Peanuts, Beans)
BuyVaries by weight (e.g., 200-400 ZMW for a large sack)
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Sell onlineResell in smaller quantities on local online forums or suppl
This is a volume game. Build relationships with farmers who bring their goods to the market for the best wholesale prices.
Tip:Go on a weekday morning to avoid the worst of the crowds. The salaula section is deepest inside; follow the streams of people carrying large bundles to find the wholesale sellers.
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Kamwala Market (Luburma Market)
📍 Lusaka
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Address
Off Independence Avenue, Lusaka, Zambia
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Open
Daily, 06:00 - 18:00
Slightly smaller and more manageable than Soweto, Kamwala is a major hub for textiles, particularly colourful chitenge fabrics. It also has a significant salaula section and stalls for tailors and carpenters.
💰 What to buy here
Chitenge Fabric
Buy100-250 ZMW per 6-yard piece
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Sell online300-700 ZMW on Facebook Marketplace or local fashion groups.
Look for unique, vibrant patterns and high-quality cotton. Limited edition or commemorative prints are highly sought after.
Salaula (Second-hand Jeans)
Buy80-250 ZMW
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Sell online200-600 ZMW on Facebook Marketplace. Branded jeans (Levi's,
Check zippers, seams, and pockets for damage. Vintage, high-waisted 'mom jean' styles are particularly popular for resale.
Locally Made Furniture
Buy300-1000 ZMW for small items
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Sell online600-2500 ZMW on local classifieds like Afribaba or BambaAd.
Focus on simple, well-crafted items from Mukwa wood. Check for stability and finish quality. Building a relationship with a good carpenter here is key.
Tip:This is the best place to source chitenge fabric in bulk. Many vendors specialize in wholesale, so ask for their 'best price' for 10 or more pieces.
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Arcades Sunday Market (Pakati Market)
📍 Lusaka
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Address
Arcades Shopping Centre, Great East Road, Lusaka, Zambia
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Open
Sundays only, 10:00 - 18:00
An open-air market held in the car park of a modern shopping mall, targeting expats and tourists. Prices are higher than traditional markets, but the quality of crafts and curios is often better and the atmosphere is more relaxed.
💰 What to buy here
Malachite & Copper Crafts
Buy200-800 ZMW
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Sell online500-2000 ZMW on ezambezi.com or to tourists. High-quality pi
Zambia is famous for copper. Look for items with genuine malachite inlays. Be aware that some crafts may be imported from DRC.
Local Paintings & Art
Buy300-1500 ZMW
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Sell online800-4000 ZMW on local art forums or international platforms
Talk to the artists. Buying directly from them can get you a better price and a story to tell, which adds value for the end buyer.
Designer Chitenge Fashion
Buy400-1200 ZMW for a garment
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Sell online800-2500 ZMW on Instagram boutiques or platforms like Afrikr
Unlike raw fabric, these are ready-to-wear items. Look for modern cuts, quality stitching, and unique designs that blend tradition with contemporary style.
Tip:Arrive around lunchtime. Many vendors are still setting up in the morning, and the best selection is available by midday. Bargaining is still possible despite the higher initial prices.
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Mukuni Park Curio Market
📍 Livingstone
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Address
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone, Zambia
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Open
Daily, approx. 08:00 - 18:00
A large, purpose-built market in the heart of Livingstone, catering heavily to tourists from nearby Victoria Falls. It's packed with stalls selling wooden carvings, stone sculptures, jewelry, and textiles. Haggling is essential.
💰 What to buy here
Wooden Animal Carvings
Buy150-1000 ZMW depending on size
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Sell online$40-200 USD on eBay or Etsy. Shipping is the main challenge,
Look for carvings from hard, heavy woods like ironwood or ebony. Check for cracks or signs of insect damage.
Traditional Masks
Buy200-800 ZMW
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Sell online$50-250 USD on collectors' forums or eBay. Authenticity and
Ask the vendor about the mask's story or tribal origin (e.g., Lozi, Bemba). Signs of wear and a non-symmetrical, handmade look are good indicators of authenticity.
Beaded Jewelry
Buy50-200 ZMW
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Sell online150-500 ZMW on local marketplaces or $15-40 USD on Etsy. Sel
Look for intricate patterns and quality glass beads rather than plastic. Traditional wedding necklaces are particularly valuable.
Tip:Visit multiple stalls selling similar items to get a baseline price before you start negotiating. Offering to pay in USD can sometimes get you a better deal, but always double-check the exchange rate yourself.
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Maramba Market
📍 Livingstone
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Address
Maramba, Livingstone, Zambia
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Open
Daily, busiest in the mornings
Livingstone's largest and most authentic local market, where residents do their daily shopping. It's a vibrant, bustling place selling everything from fresh produce and dried fish to chitenges and salaula. Less tourist-focused than Mukuni Park.
💰 What to buy here
Recycled Metalwork
Buy100-400 ZMW
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Sell online300-1000 ZMW on local classifieds. Has unique appeal on plat
Look for the section where artisans make pots, pans, and tools from old cars and scrap metal. These are unique, functional art pieces.
Traditional Herbs & Medicines
Buy30-150 ZMW
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Sell onlineThis is a niche market. Sell on specialized online forums or
For personal knowledge or very niche resale. Document the local names and uses by talking to the healers, but be respectful.
Salaula (Shoes & Accessories)
Buy80-300 ZMW
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Sell online200-700 ZMW on Facebook Marketplace. Leather boots or bags c
Check the soles and stitching carefully. Many high-quality leather goods can be found and restored for a significant profit.
Tip:Go in the morning to experience the market at its busiest and see the freshest produce. This is a great place to find items not typically sold in the curio markets.
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Chisokone Market
📍 Kitwe
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Address
Mpemba, Kitwe, Zambia
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Open
Daily, approx. 07:00 - 18:00
One of Zambia's largest and most vibrant open-air markets, Chisokone in Kitwe is the commercial heart of the Copperbelt region. It's famous for its vast selection of goods, from fresh produce and textiles to electronics and a large salaula section.
💰 What to buy here
Salaula (Jackets & Coats)
Buy100-400 ZMW
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Sell online300-1000 ZMW on Facebook Marketplace. Vintage denim or leath
The Copperbelt can get cool, so there's a good market for outerwear. Look for quality brands and check for functioning zippers and buttons.
Used Electronics & Parts
Buy50-500 ZMW
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Sell onlineVaries widely. Resell on local tech forums or use for repair
High risk, high reward. You need to be able to test items or have knowledge of repairs. Focus on mobile phones, chargers, and radio equipment.
Dried Goods (Kapenta, Mopane Worms)
Buy50-200 ZMW per bag
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Sell onlineRepackage and sell online via local food groups or ezambezi.
Ensure the products are properly dried and free from pests. This is a staple of Zambian cuisine and has a consistent local market.
Tip:The market is huge and can be disorienting. Visit early to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Ask for the 'salaula' section specifically if you're looking for second-hand clothes.
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Chisokone Market
📍 Ndola
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Address
Chisokone Road, Ndola, Zambia
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Open
Daily, approx. 08:00 - 17:00
Though smaller than its namesake in Kitwe, Ndola's Chisokone Market is a major commercial hub. It features a large second-hand clothing area and sections for traditional medicine and herbs. The market has been rebuilt after fires.
💰 What to buy here
Salaula (Designer & Branded Items)
Buy100-300 ZMW
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Sell online400-1200 ZMW on Facebook Marketplace. Authentic designer fin
This requires a keen eye. Learn to spot fakes. Look for quality stitching, hardware, and fabric. The salaula section is a treasure hunt for bargains.
Handicrafts & Small Curios
Buy40-150 ZMW
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Sell online100-400 ZMW on local online shops like TopStore eMarket. Goo
Look for small, easily shippable items like keychains, small figurines, and bracelets. These are great for low-cost, high-volume online sales.
Tip:The traditional medicine section here is well-known. Even if you're not reselling, it's a fascinating area to learn about local remedies and find unique items.