In this blog, we’re taking you inside ZAMREAL 2025, Zambia’s premier real estate conference that brings together industry leaders, players, and investors to exchange insights, data, and trends in our evolving property market. We ’ve been attending this event every year since its inception, and it never disappoints.
Co-Hosting and Regional Presence
This year’s ZAMREAL was co-hosted by the Zambia Property Owners Association (ZAPOA) — and as one of the directors, we were proud to see the association play such a key role. With a long list of sponsors and attendees from across the region, ZAMREAL continues to attract professionals and investors looking to better understand the Zambian real estate landscape.The Theme: Forging Ahead
The conference theme “Forging Ahead” set the tone for a forward-looking, opportunity-driven agenda. The sessions featured diverse voices: developers, financiers, consultants, and agents all sharing what lies ahead. And in case you’re wondering where to find real estate investors in Zambia — ZAMREAL is the place. Seriously, mark your calendars for next year.Big Questions: Population Growth and Real Estate
The first panel unpacked growth opportunities in the context of Zambia’s ambitious goals: increased copper production, agriculture, beef exports… and yes, population. We’re projected to hit 50 million by 2050 — a mind-blowing number. The big question: Where will we all live, work, learn, and play? This makes thoughtful land use planning more urgent than ever.Focus on the Copperbelt
One of the sessions we were most excited for covered real estate opportunities in the Copperbelt. Since most of our experience is Lusaka-based, this was a welcome shift. We learnt that while Lusaka may be saturated with malls, there’s still room for neighbourhood retail centres on the Copperbelt. Brands like Hungry Lion are aggressively expanding and even partnering with landlords to build tailored spaces. There’s also growing potential in local tourism and cultural experiences.Show Me the Money: Institutional Investors Panel
This powerhouse panel looked at how large institutional investors — think pension funds — are navigating the market. With returns squeezed by COVID, energy challenges, inflation, and currency depreciation, they’ve had to get creative. Still, they remain bullish on:- Provincial centres
- Warehousing & logistics
- Student accommodation
REITs: A New Frontier
Kambeu Banda walked us through the REIZ REIT — Zambia’s first registered Real Estate Investment Trust. This is a game-changer, allowing people to invest in property via the stock market without the hassle of building or managing it themselves.Kalumbila: Building a City from Scratch
Another standout session focused on Kalumbila, a city built from the ground up to support the mining industry. Unlike the Copperbelt, which evolved around existing infrastructure, Kalumbila is pioneering greenfield urban development. What impressed us most is their commitment to sustainability beyond the mine’s lifespan — something many mining towns struggle with.Commercial Real Estate: Insights from Tim Ware
Our ZAPOA Chairperson Tim Ware presented on commercial real estate trends. Key takeaways:- The Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway is a major opportunity for logistics hubs.
- New agriculture investments, like seed processing plants, are driving demand.
- And a new concept: “Recreational Real Estate” — think gyms, futsal pitches, basketball courts — spaces where people meet, play, and build community.
Mixed-Use Developments with AfricaWorks
Adheaume Carniel from AfricaWorks shared insights on the rise of mixed-use developments — spaces that combine work, living, and leisure. They’ve just launched their second space at Agora Village in Lusaka (where we’re also based — come visit!). Their vision includes integrated business services like bookkeeping, HR, and legal support. Impressive stuff.Hospitality & Tourism: A Bright Spot
This was our favourite session! The tourism industry is booming thanks to a major push to promote Zambia as a leisure and conference destination. Think:- Self-drive safaris
- Eco-tourism
- Nature-based experiences
Sustainability in Real Estate
You can’t talk about real estate in 2025 without discussing sustainable energy. Whether you’re building a small flat or a hotel, solar and green building practices are now essential. Panelists also pushed for stronger government incentives to support sustainability. Removing taxes on solar equipment is great — but more can be done.Residential Real Estate: The Final Session
Our final panel of the day focused on the residential sector. By this time, we were all running low on energy but still tuned in. Key topics:- Zambia’s persistent housing shortage
- The need for a property index with real-time data
- The impact of USAID’s departure on the market
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