Zambia Country Code
Zambia’s country code is +260. This code is essential for routing international calls to Zambia and must be dialed at the beginning of the sequence when calling a phone number in Zambia from abroad. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) assigns this code to facilitate global communication under the E.164 standard.
About Zambia
Zambia, a landlocked country in southern Africa, is known for its diverse wildlife, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. It is bordered by Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe and Botswana to the south, Namibia to the southwest, Angola to the west, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north. With a population exceeding 17 million, Zambia is rich in natural resources and has a growing economy.
History of Zambia Country Code
During the colonial era, Zambia (formerly known as Rhodesia) used the British Empire’s telecommunication system. After gaining independence in 1964, the country inherited the rudimentary telecommunication infrastructure from the colonial era and used it to fulfill its telecommunication needs.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) later assigned Zambia country code 260+. Over the years, Zambia’s telecommunication sector gradually gained popularity. The government established the Zambia Telecommunication Company (ZAMTEL) to manage and expand the national telecom network.
Modernization of Zambia’s Telecommunication Sector
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Zambia’s telecom sector underwent significant changes with the liberalization of the market and the introduction of mobile phones. Private companies such as MTN and Airtel entered the market and provided access and services to millions of people in the region.
Contemporary, the Zambian telecom system is well-established, with multiple operators providing a range of services such as fixed lines and internet. The country code +260 is used for international communication followed by an operator code along with subscribers unique number.
Overview of Zambia’s Numbering Plan
On September 28, 2022, the Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) announced an update to the national numbering plan for Zambia, designated by the country code +260. This update aligns with the ITU-T E.164 international numbering standard.
- Minimum number length (excluding country code): 9 digits
- Maximum number length (excluding country code): 9 digits
Detailed Numbering Plan
The updated plan outlines the specific uses and assignments for various National Destination Codes (NDCs) or leading digits within Zambia. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Geographic Numbers for Fixed Telephony Services
- NDC 210: Reserved for future services.
- NDC 211: Assigned to ZAMTEL for Lusaka Province.
- NDC 212: Assigned to ZAMTEL for Copperbelt Province.
- NDC 213: Assigned to ZAMTEL for Livingstone.
- NDC 214: Assigned to ZAMTEL for Kasama.
- NDC 215: Assigned to ZAMTEL for Kabwe.
- NDC 216: Assigned to ZAMTEL for Chipata.
- NDC 217: Assigned to ZAMTEL for Solwezi.
- NDC 218: Assigned to ZAMTEL for Mongu.
- NDC 219: Free for assignment.
- NDCs 22-29: Free for assignment.
Non-Geographic Numbers for Future Services
- NDCs 1, 3, 4, 5: Reserved for future services.
Non-Geographic Numbers for VoIP Services
- NDCs 60-62, 64-69: Free for assignment.
- NDC 63: Assigned to Liquid Telecom Zambia.
Non-Geographic Numbers for Mobile Services
- NDCs 70-74, 78, 79, 91-94: Free for assignment.
- NDC 75: Assigned to ZAMTEL.
- NDC 76: Assigned to MTN.
- NDC 77: Assigned to Airtel.
- NDC 95: Assigned to ZAMTEL.
- NDC 96: Assigned to MTN.
- NDC 97: Assigned to Airtel.
- NDC 98: Assigned to Beeline Telecoms.
- NDC 99: Free for assignment.
Special Services
- NDC 8: Reserved for special services, such as freephone numbers and local rate numbers.
Premium Rate Services
- NDC 90: Free for assignment.
Implications for Users
This structured numbering plan ensures that ZICTA can efficiently manage and allocate phone numbers within Zambia, supporting both existing services and future developments in telecommunications.
For those using the Talk Home App or other international communication services, understanding these details can help in correctly dialing Zambian numbers and ensuring seamless connectivity.
How to Call Zambia?
To successfully call Zambia, follow these steps whether you are using a mobile phone or a landline.
Are There Specific Area Codes in Zambia?
Yes, Zambia uses specific area codes to designate different regions within the country. After dialing the country code, you must enter the appropriate area code followed by the local phone number.
List of Major City Codes in Zambia
Here are some major city codes in Zambia to help you connect with your contacts:
| City | Dial Code |
| Lusaka | 1 |
| Ndola | 2 |
| Kitwe | 2 |
| Livingstone | 3 |
| Kabwe | 5 |
| Chingola | 2 |
| Mufulira | 2 |
| Luanshya | 2 |
| Solwezi | 8 |
| Chipata | 6 |
| Mongu | 7 |
| Kasama | 4 |
Calling Zambia from a Mobile Phone
Making international calls from a mobile phone is straightforward if you follow the correct procedure.
Dial the International Access Code
The international access code varies by country. For example, the United States uses 011, the United Kingdom uses 00, and Australia uses 0011.
Confirm your country’s international access code with your local service provider or government telecom website.
Enter the Country Code for Zambia
After the international access code, dial +260, the country code for Zambia.
Dial the Area Code
Enter the specific area code for the region you are calling.
Dial the Local Phone Number
Enter the local phone number directly.
Example:
Suppose you are calling a number in Lusaka, Zambia (area code 1 and local number 123-4567) from the United States. The dialing sequence would be:
- International Access Code: 011
- Country Code: 260
- Area Code: 1
- Local Number: 123-4567
- On your mobile keypad, you would dial 011-260-1-123-4567.
Calling Zambia from a Landline
The process of calling from a landline is similar, though some nuances need attention.
Dial the International Access Code:
This code is specific to the country you are calling from. For instance:
- United States and Canada: 011
- United Kingdom: 00
- Japan: 010
Enter the Country Code for Zambia
Dial +260.
Dial the Area Code
Enter the appropriate area code for the region you are calling.
Dial the Local Phone Number
Enter the local phone number directly.
Example:
If you are calling a number in Ndola, Zambia (area code 2 and local number 987-6543) from the United Kingdom, the dialing sequence would be:
- International Access Code: 00
- Country Code: 260
- Area Code: 2
- Local Number: 987-6543
- On your landline phone, you would dial 00-260-2-987-6543.
Troubleshooting Call Issues
If you encounter difficulties when attempting to call Zambia, consider the following:
Incorrect Dialing Sequence
Ensure you have dialed the international access code, the country code, and the local number correctly.
Network Issues
Temporary network problems might be affecting connectivity.
Phone Plan Restrictions
Some phone plans may not allow international calls or might have restrictions on calling Zambia.
Incorrect Number
Verify that the number you are trying to reach is correct and in service.
Service Provider Issues
Check with your service provider to ensure no blocks or issues are preventing international calls.
Voicemail in Zambia
Phone numbers in Zambia typically come with voicemail services. Voicemail allows callers to leave messages when the recipient is unavailable.
List of Dialling Codes in Zambia
Here’s list of dialling codes used in Zambia:
| Phone Code | City |
| +260-2 | Chingola |
| +260-2 | Kitwe |
| +260-2 | Luanshya |
| +260-1 | Lusaka |
| +260-2 | Ndola |
Conclusion
With this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to navigate communication to Zambia effortlessly. Whether connecting with friends, family, or business associates, leverage the insights provided to ensure seamless communication across borders. Embrace Zambia’s diverse connectivity options and foster meaningful connections in this vibrant African nation.
