Courier & Delivery Costs in Zambia
Updated March 2026 · International + local rates
Compare international courier rates (DHL, FedEx, Zampost) and local delivery costs within Zambia — same-day, inter-city, and e-commerce shipping.
International Courier Rates
| Provider | Document (1kg) | Parcel (5kg) | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express Largest international network | ZMK 850 – 1,200 | ZMK 2,500 – 4,000 | 3 – 5 days |
| FedEx Strong USA/Europe routes | ZMK 900 – 1,300 | ZMK 2,800 – 4,500 | 3 – 5 days |
| UPS Premium international | ZMK 950 – 1,400 | ZMK 3,000 – 5,000 | 4 – 7 days |
| Zampost (EMS) Government postal, cheapest | ZMK 250 – 400 | ZMK 600 – 1,000 | 7 – 21 days |
| Aramex Middle East/Africa specialist | ZMK 700 – 1,000 | ZMK 2,000 – 3,500 | 4 – 7 days |
Local Delivery Costs
Same-day delivery (Lusaka city)
ZMK 30 – 80
Next-day delivery (Lusaka)
ZMK 20 – 50
Lusaka to Copperbelt (1-2 days)
ZMK 80 – 200
Lusaka to Livingstone (2-3 days)
ZMK 100 – 250
Bus parcel service (any route)
ZMK 50 – 150
Motorcycle delivery (within city)
ZMK 20 – 50
E-commerce delivery (Jumia/Takealot)
ZMK 25 – 75
Courier Services in Zambia — Guide
Zambia's courier market includes international operators (DHL, FedEx, UPS) for cross-border shipping and a growing local delivery ecosystem driven by e-commerce growth. Zampost, the national postal service, offers the cheapest international rates but with longer delivery times.
Choosing a Service
For urgent international documents, DHL and FedEx offer 3-5 day delivery with tracking. For budget international, Zampost EMS saves 60-70% but takes 7-21 days. Within Lusaka, motorcycle delivery services offer the fastest and cheapest option for small parcels. For inter-city shipments, bus parcel services through operators like Power Tools and Mazhandu are reliable and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does DHL cost from Zambia?
DHL Express from Zambia to UK/Europe costs ZMK 850-1,200 for a 1kg document and ZMK 2,500-4,000 for a 5kg parcel (3-5 day delivery). To USA the cost is similar. To South Africa it is cheaper at ZMK 600-900 for 1kg. Zampost EMS offers the cheapest international option at ZMK 250-400 for 1kg but takes 7-21 days.
What courier services are available in Zambia?
International: DHL, FedEx, UPS, Aramex, and Zampost EMS. Local couriers include: Swift Deliveries, Zoom Zambia, Boltshift, and numerous motorcycle delivery services. Bus parcel services (Power Tools, Mazhandu) offer affordable inter-city delivery. E-commerce platforms Jumia and Takealot have integrated delivery networks.
How do I send a parcel within Zambia?
Options from cheapest to fastest: Bus parcel service (ZMK 50-150, 1-2 days between cities), Zampost domestic (ZMK 30-80, 3-7 days), local courier companies (ZMK 30-200, same-day to next-day), motorcycle delivery for urgent city parcels (ZMK 20-50). For valuable items, use insured courier services like DHL Domestic or Swift.
Is there same-day delivery in Lusaka?
Yes, several options: motorcycle delivery services (Bolt, independent riders) for ZMK 20-50, Swift Deliveries for ZMK 40-80, and e-commerce platforms with express delivery. Coverage is best within the main urban area. Suburbs and peri-urban areas may require next-day service. Most services operate 8am-6pm with limited weekend availability.