Islam in Zambia

History

The presence of Islam in Zambia dates after the 12th century onward when Muslims established emirates on the coast of East Africa. In the 18th century, Muslim ivory and slave merchants extended their business to the hinterland regions reaching Zambia in the period of the Omani dynasty Al Bu Said. Muslim traders entered Zambia from their trading bases on the coast of Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique.

The earliest permanent community of Muslims in Zambia emerged in the early 20th century when Yao merchants settled in Lusaka.

Many Muslims entered Zambia during the colonial period, primarily came from the Indian subcontinent establishing themselves along the railways in the central part of the country from Livingstone to Lusaka. In the 1970s, Zambian Muslims began registering associations for organizing the activities and resources of the community. Multiple associations exist that represent different ethnic groups and branches of Islamic practices.