For Sale

For those who like shopping (in other words, not me) there are several different options available in the city of Lusaka. For those with western tastes there are two American-style shopping malls stocked with South African stores providing quality goods at high prices. There are a few other smaller centres scattered throughout the city where one can expect to pay a premium for the privilege of shopping where 90% of the city cannot afford to.

Then there are the markets, which once again have a variety of levels. Almost anything can be obtained at a market and, usually, for significantly better rates than one would find at the aforementioned shopping centres. For example, photocopying at a western style internet cafe costs K400 per page, whereas performing the same task in a compound will set one back only K200 per page.

There are also a scattering of small shops. Since the unemployment rate is astronomical many people have resorted to buying goods in bulk and then selling them off one at a time. This includes eggs (although often people keep chickens), laundry soap, vegetables, sweets, biscuits (cookies), etc. There is also a booming market in cell phone talk time since all the cell phone networks are prepaid (you have to buy talk time before you can make calls). The result is employment for thousands selling the little cards you need - which are as small as K5000 ($1.25) - to top up your phone.

Finally, there is a third section of the economy. Things you can buy on the side of the road. Among the most popular roadside attractions are carpenters selling beds, desks, chairs, etc. Rocks and sand for cement are also a common sight. There are also people hawking newspapers, vegetables and a variety of trinkets including Monopoly board games,
whistles, hats, cigarettes, and even live puppies who come to your window when you stop at a red light.

The fundamental difference between the Canadian and Zambian employment scene it seems is that Zambians have been forced to find ingenious methods of supporting themselves commercially. They will likely only earn a few dollars in a day but this will be enough to at least put some nshima on the table that evening. And since there is no social security of a government-run kind (although the extended family often helps in dire situations) if you don't work you don't eat.