For decades, Lusaka’s industrial real estate sector has been anchored in traditional zones — the light and heavy industrial areas, and Chinika. These locations have long served as the backbone of manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing in Lusaka. Today, the sector is quietly undergoing a transformation, driven by infrastructure upgrades, shifting logistics patterns, and new development nodes.
Emerging Industrial Hubs: Makeni and Kafue Road
Recent years have seen a noticeable uptick in warehousing developments, particularly in Makeni, in the South of the City. This growth complements the established industrial corridor along Kafue Road, which continues to attract logistics and storage operators due to its strategic connectivity. Makeni’s rise as a warehousing hub reflects broader trends in decentralization and the need for modern, accessible industrial spaces closer to residential and commercial zones.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst: The 70/70 Road and Dual Carriageway
Infrastructure is often the silent engine behind real estate growth — and Zambia’s industrial sector is no exception. The construction of the 70/70 road in Lusaka that connects Makeni which is in the South of the city along Kafue Road to the Six Miles area along Great North Road is a 32km road that has unlocked new opportunities for truck parks, bulk storage, and logistics yards. This corridor is becoming a magnet for transport operators seeking efficient turnaround times and secure parking facilities. This has been made possible as a result of a shorter travel time the road has created by decongesting the CBD area with this bypass as it has significantly reduced the travel time for heavy duty vehicles that need to move from the southern part of the city to the northern side of the city. The area the 70/70 road passes through was mostly farm land but with this road, there is a lot more economic activity taking place in the area.
Similarly, the upgrading of the Lusaka-Ndola (Great North Road) dual carriageway has dramatically improved mobility across key trade routes. With smoother traffic flow and reduced congestion, industrial developers are now eyeing previously underutilized land for warehousing and distribution centers. The ease of movement is not just a convenience — it’s a competitive advantage.
Kabwe Diversion: A Strategic Shift in Logistics
One of the most intriguing developments is the planned diversion of the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway, which will bypass Kabwe town. While this may seem like a minor adjustment, it carries significant implications for logistics. The new route could open up peripheral zones for industrial use, reduce transit delays, and create fresh demand for roadside services for instance fuel stations, truck stops, and mini-depots.
What This Means for Investors and Developers
- Location Strategy Is Evolving: Industrial demand is no longer confined to legacy zones. Developers should consider emerging areas like Makeni and the 70/70 corridor.
- Infrastructure Drives Value: Roads, bypasses, and carriageways are not just public works — they’re real estate enablers.
- Logistics Is the New Anchor Tenant: As Zambia’s trade and transport sectors grow, logistics operators are becoming key occupiers of industrial space.
Looking Ahead
As Zambia continues to invest in infrastructure, the industrial sector stands to benefit from:
- Purpose-built truck parks
- Scalable warehousing solutions
- Integrated logistics zones
Final Thoughts
Zambia’s industrial real estate sector is quietly gaining momentum. With infrastructure paving the way and new nodes emerging, the landscape is ripe for strategic investment. For property owners, developers, and logistics firms, now is the time to rethink location, scale, and design — because the industrial future is already under construction.
