National Archives of Zambia

Overview

The National Archives of Zambia is the official governmental archival institution responsible for the control, custody, and preservation of public records and archives of the Republic of Zambia. Located in the Ridgeway area of Lusaka, it operates under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security. The Archives preserves manuscripts, maps, pictorial materials, printed works, and public records of enduring historical, administrative, and legal value.

History and Founding

Archival services in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) began in 1947 with the opening of a depot in Livingstone, which was subsequently closed and its records transferred to Southern Rhodesia. A depot was reopened in Lusaka in 1956. Following the dissolution of the Central African Federation in 1963 and Zambian independence in 1964, the Zambian Archives became the National Archives of Zambia, operating as an independent national institution. Formal legislative authority derives from Chapter 175 and Chapter 161 of the Laws of Zambia.

Collections and Holdings

The Archives holds public records from government ministries and departments, state corporations, missions, and private donors. The legal deposit library holds approximately 70,000 volumes. Collections include government reports, official correspondence, district notebooks, annual reports, maps, photographs, and archival deposits from the colonial and post-independence periods. Notable archival deposits include political party records, including those of the United National Independence Party (UNIP), copies of which have been deposited through endangered archives programs in collaboration with the British Library.

Notable Materials Related to Media

The Archives holds historical newspapers, official press records, and government communications documenting Zambia's political history, independence movement, and post-colonial governance. These records provide essential primary source material for the history of the Zambian press and public communication.

Access and Usage

Researchers require a letter of recommendation from a sponsoring institution. The Archives is located on Government Road in Ridgeway, Lusaka. Contact may be made by phone or email through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security.