Richard Phiri
Richard Phiri is a Zambian writer based in Lusaka. He believes that Literature can borrow from society and that society can also borrow from literature. His works have appeared or forthcoming in the Ubwali Literary Magazine, Writers Space Africa, Iskanch press, Penned In Rage, and Otherwise Engaged Literature & Arts Journal. Richard was a 2025 Ubwali Masterclass fellow and a 2026 Idembeka Creative Writing Workshop fellow. When he is not writing, Richard likes to watch wildlife documentaries.
Why Zambians Love a Braai
In Zambia, a braai is about more than meat on the fire. It is a chance to reconnect with friends, share food, discover new opportunities and enjoy the simple pleasure of being together.
The Fight for Independence
Before Zambia gained independence in 1964, Luapula became a powerful centre of resistance to British colonial rule. The 1961 Chachacha campaign brought mass protests, boycotts and sabotage, disrupting colonial administration and exposing the deep divisions over Northern Rhodesia's political future.
A Guide to Zambia’s Northern Waterfalls
Looking for a weekend escape or a longer road trip? Discover four of Zambia’s Northern waterfalls, from Kundalila’s 70-metre drop to the wide cascade of Lumangwe Falls. This guide explores possible routes, what to pack and how to plan your journey, with practical details to check before setting off.
TAZARA Railway: History, Decline and the $1.4 Billion Revival
Built to give Zambia an alternative route to the sea, the TAZARA Railway became a symbol of African independence and Chinese-Zambian-Tanzanian cooperation. But decades of maintenance challenges and declining performance weakened its role in regional trade.
Pangolins in Zambia: Why Possession Can Land You in Prison
As pangolin trafficking continues to threaten the country's wildlife, we look at why these unusual mammals are targeted, what Zambia's law says about their possession and trade, why they matter to the ecosystem and what you should do if you ever find one.
Inside Africa’s First Shaolin Temple
About 18 kilometres north of Lusaka, a Chinese Buddhist complex has become a meeting point between Shaolin tradition and Zambian life. Inside, young Zambians train in kung fu, study, perform dragon dances and encounter a culture thousands of kilometres from home.
The Rise of Gated Communities
Across Lusaka's expanding edges, new homes are rising, families are seeking more space and gated communities are reshaping the city's landscape. But beneath the promise of quieter neighbourhoods and greater security lies a growing challenge: roads, drainage, water and public transport are struggling to keep pace.
Bask in Kariba's Tranquillity
Just a few hours from Lusaka, the Zambian side of the lake invites travellers to slow down with quiet coves, boat rides, golden sunsets, wildlife, fishing communities and freshly grilled bream.
Black Tax in Zambia: How Success Affects Your Savings
For many young Zambians, earning a first salary is more than a milestone in personal independence. It can also mark the beginning of a new responsibility: supporting the family that helped them get there.