National Background

Demographics
Zambia is a nation marked by deep faith and persistent socio-economic challenges. While blessed with natural resources and a youthful population, the country still grapples with widespread poverty. Around 60% of Zambians live below the national poverty line, and in rural areas, this number climbs to nearly 80%. Severe drought in 2024, rising living costs, and unreliable electricity supply have placed additional pressure on struggling communities. Even where economic growth is reported, its benefits are unevenly distributed, and many families continue to face food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and poor infrastructure.

Religious practice
In the midst of these material challenges, Zambia stands as one of Africa’s most spiritually awake nations. Over 95% of the population identifies as Christian, and Protestant churches make up more than three-quarters of that number. In the early 1980s, less than 5% of Zambia’s Christian population embraced Pentecostalism, yet only a decade later this grew to about 23.6%. This expansion has been especially pronounced in urban areas, where Pentecostal churches have become prominent in both religious and public life.

Faith in the mainstream
The current President is an Adventist, while a popular Presidential Candidate, Nevers Mumba, stands as a prominent figure in Zambia’s intersection of Pentecostal faith and politics. Originally a Pentecostal pastor and televangelist, Mumba gained national recognition through his “Zambia Shall Be Saved” campaign. In 1997, he transitioned into politics and has been working to infuse Christian principles into governance. He is just one of the many openly charismatic Christians involved in the national affair.

The message of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment resonates deeply with a population eager for hope, breakthrough, and change.

Bishop P. praying together with Nevers Mumba