Zambia

Zambia

Zambia may not be the first country that comes to mind for African coffee, but its beans offer something truly special. Grown at high altitudes in the Northern Province, Zambian arabica delivers a full-bodied cup with sweet, mild acidity and juicy berry-like notes. With SL-28 and Catimor varietals thriving in nutrient-rich soils, and careful washed processing enhancing clarity, these coffees strike a balance between richness and vibrancy. If you're looking for clean, fruit-forward East African flavours without the sharp acidity, you're in the right place.

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Your guide to Zambia

  • What is the history of Zambian coffee?

    Coffee was introduced to Zambia, then known as Northern Rhodesia, during the 1970s as part of a World Bank initiative aimed at diversifying the country’s economy. At the time, Zambia relied heavily on its abundant copper deposits for exports, a trend that continues today—copper accounted for 73% of the country’s exports in 2020. While coffee has become a part of Zambia’s agricultural output, it has not reached the same economic significance as copper.

    The Zambian coffee industry faces significant challenges, including limited access to finance and investment, which have hindered its growth. These obstacles, alongside other issues, contribute to Zambia’s relatively small coffee production compared to other coffee-growing nations.

  • What is the flavour profile of Zambian coffee?

    Zambian coffee offers a flavor profile that is full-bodied with sweet, mild acidity and a moderate level of complexity. It features fruity notes, often emphasizing citrus and berry accents, yet is less bright and acidic than many other East African coffees. Typically, Zambian coffee is washed, which enhances its clean and balanced flavor. Common varietals include SL-28, originally from Kenya, and Catimor, which is valued for its resistance to pests and diseases.

  • Where is coffee grown in Zambia?

    Most of Zambia’s exportable coffee—approximately 97%—comes from the Northern Province. This region benefits from its proximity to the equator and high altitudes, including the Mafinga Hills, which rise to 2,300 meters above sea level, making it an ideal location for growing high-quality arabica coffee.

    In Sereje, coffee grows at an average elevation of 1,420 meters above sea level with an annual rainfall of 1,200 mm. Farms in this area often intercrop coffee with macadamia trees, using natural materials like grass and macadamia off-cuts as mulch to retain soil moisture. This sustainable practice helps produce beans with juicy, berry-like acidity and complex flavors.

    The Southern Province, while better known for maize and other commercial crops, is home to a handful of smaller coffee estates. Though less prominent than other regions, these estates contribute to Zambia’s growing reputation in the specialty coffee sector.

Your questions, answered

What is the Green Coffee Collective?

We’re a community of coffee producers and sourcing experts, all working together to make green coffee easy to access—whether you’re a hobby roaster at home or a professional roasting hundreds of tonnes a year. Our platform is designed to simplify buying green coffee, just like any other online shopping experience. No fuss, just great coffee at your fingertips.

Do you offer support for direct trade relationships with producers?

Yes, we’re always happy to make introductions! If you’re interested in working directly with one of our producers, just send us an email (hello@greencoffeecollective.com) and we’ll gladly help facilitate the connection. For larger volumes, we can also assist with logistics and any complexities involved in sourcing directly from producers.

Do you offer samples or trial batches before committing to larger orders?

Yes, we offer samples for most of our coffees. If you need a larger sample than what’s typically available, we recommend trying one of the smaller quantity options listed on our site. That way, you can test the coffee before committing to a larger order.

What is your process for ensuring consistency between lots or harvests?

We work closely with our sourcing partners to make sure we’re always offering top-quality coffee. Most of the partners you’ll find on our site have years of experience in their regions, and they use that expertise to access the best coffees available each season. Their deep relationships with producers help maintain consistency in both quality and supply.

What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ) for large-scale or long-term contracts?

For larger-scale or long-term contracts, you can start with as little as a single bag. We’re also working on tools to help you access harvests and reserve coffees before they even leave the country. While it’s not fully ready yet, we’re always here to help roasters of any size connect with the producers they want to work with.

How do you handle logistics and shipping for larger orders?

We’ve got you covered! For larger orders, we offer full logistical support, including freight, warehousing, and inventory management. We’ll make sure the process is as smooth and hassle-free as possible, so you can focus on roasting great coffee. If you’re shipping internationally, we can also assist in ensuring smooth delivery.

Can I arrange a visit to origin or participate in harvest season visits?

We’re working on coordinating trips in the future! In the meantime, if there’s a specific origin you’d like to visit, just get in touch with us, and we’ll do our best to help arrange something.

How does Green Coffee Collective support my business growth?

Our vision is to make amazing coffee accessible to roasters of all sizes. We provide all the marketing materials and storytelling you need to showcase the origins of our coffees. If there’s anything missing that’s holding you back from making a purchase, just let us know! We’re always looking for ways to improve and make our products and information even more transparent. Many roasters have successfully scaled their offerings with our support, and we’re here to help you do the same.