The African fish eagle represents the conquest of freedom and nation's hope for the future.

The hoe and pickaxe represent the country's economic backbone: agriculture and mining, as well as the characteristics that have influenced Zambia's evolution and nature.

The shield is a representation of Victoria Falls with white water cascading over black rock.

[1] The coat of arms also has emblems of Zambia's natural resources: minerals and mining, agriculture and wildlife.

[2] The wavy black and white vertical lines also were present in the shield of the coat of arms of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland 1954-1963.