Islam in Zambia

[1] However, Zambia's constitution guarantees the freedom of religion and conscience, and Muslims are free to proselytize and build places of worship in the country.

The presence of Islam in Zambia dates after the 12th century onward when Muslims established emirates on the coast of East Africa.

In the 18th century, Muslim ivory and slave merchants extended their business to the hinterland regions reaching Zambia in the period of the Omani dynasty Al Bu Said.

The earliest permanent community of Muslims in Zambia emerged in the early 20th century when Yao merchants settled in Lusaka.

[2] Many Muslims entered Zambia during the colonial period, primarily came from the Indian subcontinent establishing themselves along the railways in the central part of the country from Livingstone to Lusaka.