Around the globe, podcasts have helped change how we consume information and media. Podcasts present a formidable challenge to traditional radio because they often offer a more uncensored and global take on current events, politics and pop culture. Podcasts are slowly but steadily growing in popularity in Zambia, and the number of Zambian podcasts is increasing. You may ask yourself where to begin with Zambian podcasts and who to listen to. The following are some of the best Zambian podcasts we have picked out; some are relatable, and some are funny, educational and thought-provoking.
- The Growth Podcast
- BongoHive Podcast
- That Zed Podcast
- Concrete Pastures Podcast
- Nkwazi Unfiltered Podcast
The Growth Podcast
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube
The Growth Podcast with Suwi offers insightful personal development, entrepreneurship, and innovation conversations. Hosted by Suwilange Siame, a passionate advocate for growth and success. Suwi is a communications and PR specialist. He currently serves as Manager of Corporate Affairs and PR for telecoms giant Zamtel. The podcast features interviews with industry leaders, experts, and visionaries who share their experiences, strategies, and tips for navigating challenges and achieving success. Whether you're looking to advance in your career or cultivate a mindset for continuous growth, with 2 seasons and over 90 episodes, this podcast provides valuable lessons and actionable advice to inspire your personal development journey.
BongoHive Podcast
The BongoHive Podcast is a platform that delves into the world of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in Zambia and beyond. Hosted by the team at BongoHive, the country’s leading innovation and technology hub, the podcast brings together thought leaders, tech enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in the startup ecosystem. While Season 1 focuses on mapping out challenges, budding entrepreneurs may face on their startup journey. To create more African entrepreneurs, Season 2 explores the entrepreneurial journeys of startups and small businesses and offers expert insight. Each episode explores the stories behind successful ventures, offering insights and inspiration for anyone looking to create, grow, or scale their own business. Two seasons and 20 episodes later, you will be fully equipped to tackle the business world!
That Zed Podcast
Available on Apple Podcasts and YouTube
That Zed Podcast is a lively and engaging show that delivers punchy, raw, uncensored conversations with Zambia’s movers and shakers. The often hilarious, somewhat controversial podcast dives into the personal stories of Zambian individuals, businesses and entertainment industries. Hosted by ‘The Brothers’, Kalenga and Elson, the podcast features conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, and influencers shaping the Zambian scene. With over 150 episodes, be prepared for an authentic look at life, talent, and innovation in Zambia.
Concrete Pastures Podcast
For Zambians in the diaspora, host Nancy Mulemwa Siisii shares honest conversations with fellow Zambians and other diasporans about the joys and realities of living away from home. She describes her podcast as a gathering place for dreamers, those who have exchanged the comfort of home to pursue a dream abroad. She welcomes you to chime in about your experiences while offering encouragement through success stories from surviving genocides to forging successful businesses as foreigners. Find your place at the table with 5 seasons and over 100 episodes to choose from.
Nkwazi Unfiltered Podcast
No list of Zambian podcasts would be complete without saying a humble brag about our podcast. Nkwazi Unfiltered offers engaging, intimate chats with some of Zambia’s most influential names in business, entertainment and the creative industry. With hosts Kamiza Chikula and Chana Musakanya, step into our living room for a warm chat with friends filled with belly laughs, candour and entertainment. Four episodes are now on our YouTube channel and central podcast streaming sites.
More Zambian Podcasts that Previously made the List
Leading Ladies | Women’s History Museum Zambia
The Leading Ladies podcast took Zambia by storm and received positive attention internationally. The podcast is the brainchild of Mulenga Kapwepwe and Samba Yonga, the founders of the Women’s History Museum Zambia. Leading Ladies is a five-minute animated podcast that explores female “hidden figures” in Zambia’s history who made their mark in the country’s past and influenced the present. Samba shares, “The podcast examines how pre-colonial Zambia had women in leadership positions and how Zambian culture has been gender inclusive rather than exclusive. It will also attempt to show that women’s inequality is a learned culture.”
The animations by artist BlackRose brought Mulenga’s collected stories to life, and Samba directed and produced the project. This podcast is perfect for Zambian history buffs, school children, people who love visual storytelling and feminists alike. With 4 seasons and over 40 episodes out, you will be entertained for ages.
Codecast | (discontinued)
CodeCast was a biweekly podcast focused on “technology evangelism”. The hosts, Mukuma, Elias, Wezi and Cynthia, brought their personal and professional takes on the tech world. Mukuma explains, “We were on a mission to provide a platform for discussing tools and technological advancements. We hope this directly influences the developer ecosystem's growth and helps shape our communities by providing relevant data from all around Africa. We covered releases from major technology companies and the effect these releases have on the developer and consumer community. Our goal was to celebrate the role software developers play in shaping the future of technology, both from a uniquely Zambian perspective and the global repercussions.”
The podcast style alternates between panel discussions and interviews and lasts one to two hours. CodeCast gives a uniquely Zambian perspective to technology from both a developer’s and end user’s perspective. Check out all 40 episodes here.
Tea Time with Twaambo | (ongoing)
Tea Time with Twaambo is a refreshingly honest podcast that asks the complicated questions we often avoid. What words inspired her to start the podcast is Twaambo Kapilikisha's: “We don’t want to admit we are struggling, or that we feel a little bit dead inside sometimes, and the podcast deals with that.” Modern society is obsessed with social media and painting a picture of a perfect life. Less time is spent on self-reflection or asking oneself what our deepest desires or aspirations are. The mission of this podcast is to confront you with your issues. Twaambo explains, “I found healing by asking myself questions, and others have found healing listening to the podcast.”
The podcast usually runs from around six to eighteen minutes and is ideal for easy listening to unwind after a long day or a positive way to start your day.
Mwende Bwino | Apple Podcasts | (discontinued)
Zambia’s first travel podcast, Mwende Bwino, is the podcast Africans always knew they wanted and needed. The expression “mwende bwino” means go well or travel well. New York-based Zambian creator Mazuba Kapambwe developed the podcast. Regarding the podcast name, she tells me, “I chose the name because I liked that it means the same thing in several Zambian languages. I don’t think a podcast title or any other form of creativity has to have English names to appeal to a wide audience.”
This podcast talks about travel from the African gaze. Mazuba explains, “I know the unique challenges we face when travelling, from securing visas to expensive flights within the continent. When I was researching podcasts related to travel, I didn’t find any that addressed these issues, so I created one. I have a different guest on each episode, which I think is important because I don’t have all the answers to why things are the way they are in the African travel industry or the industry in general, and the guests I feature are experts in their particular fields.” Go well into 39 comprehensive discussions on travel in Zambia and the rest of Africa.
The Zambian podcast scene is small but growing, and the subject matters vary. Whether you’re looking for a podcast discussing history, personal finance, travel or mental health or seeking entertainment, there’s a Zambian podcast for you.
