Zambia — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

ZAMPOST (Zambia Postal Services Corporation) is Zambia’s national postal operator. Zambia’s philatelic history reflects the country’s colonial past: British South Africa Company stamps were used before Northern Rhodesia stamps appeared (1925), followed by the Rhodesia and Nyasaland Federation stamps (1954–1963), and then independent Zambia stamps from independence in October 1964. Zambia is named for the Zambezi River — home to Victoria Falls (one of the world’s largest waterfalls) — and the country’s natural wealth in wildlife and minerals is reflected in its stamps.

Notable Stamp Issues

British South Africa Company stamps (1890–1924) — depicting the springbok, elephant, and natural scenery — are classic chartered company African philatelic items. Northern Rhodesia stamps (1925–1953) are standard British Commonwealth material. Rhodesia and Nyasaland Federation stamps (1954–1963) served Zambia, Zimbabwe (Southern Rhodesia), and Malawi (Nyasaland). Zambian independence stamps from 1964 depicted Kenneth Kaunda (first president), the Zambezi River, and copper mining (Zambia is one of the world’s major copper producers). Victoria Falls appears on many Zambian stamps as the country shares the falls with Zimbabwe.

Collecting Tips

Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth catalogue covers all Zambian predecessors. British South Africa Company stamps are popular with chartered company philatelic collectors. Northern Rhodesia stamps are modest-priced standard Commonwealth items. Zambian wildlife stamps on the African elephant, black rhino, and African wild dog are popular thematic items. Victoria Falls stamps are sought by waterfall and natural wonder thematic collectors. Copper mining stamps are unique industrial thematic items from Zambia’s Copperbelt.

Part of the Africa Postal Directory.