← Salaula Market Zambia
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Salaula Market Lusaka
Zambia
3 Markets · Zambia
Salaula Market
📖 Lusaka's 'Salaula' markets are a reseller's goldmine, primarily known for vast quantities of second-hand clothing imported from Western countries, which resellers can 'select from a pile' and then sell. Soweto Market, also known as the New City Market, is the city's largest and most bustling market, offering everything from clothing and shoes to kitchen utensils and fresh produce, often at wholesale prices for onward selling. Kamwala Market (Luburma Market) is another central hub, renowned for its diverse goods, including affordable clothing, fabrics, footwear, and household items, making it ideal for traders seeking variety. For unique crafts and art, the Arcades Sunday Market (Pakati Market) provides an opportunity to find African arts, crafts, and souvenirs, though resellers should be a
3 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.