More Zambian businesses moved online between 2024 and 2026 than in the previous decade combined. Mobile internet penetration is rising, MTN MoMo has over 10 million registered users, and customers increasingly expect to browse and buy without visiting a physical shop.
Here is how to launch an online business in Zambia, done properly.
Step 1: Register Your Business with PACRA
The Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) is Zambia’s business registration body. You cannot open a business bank account or integrate payment gateways without a PACRA registration number.
Process:
- Choose a business name and check availability at pacra.org.zm
- Submit registration online or in person at the PACRA office in Lusaka
- Pay the registration fee (currently K350 for a sole trader, K1,500 for a private limited company)
- Receive your Business Registration Certificate within 3–5 business days
Recommended structure: Register as a private limited company (Ltd) rather than a sole trader if you plan to grow beyond one-person operations. It separates your personal liability from the business and is required by many payment gateway providers.
Step 2: Open a Business Bank Account
A business bank account is required to receive payments from DPO Group and to register as an MTN MoMo merchant. Most Zambian banks will open a business account with your PACRA certificate, a valid ID, and an initial deposit.
Recommended for online businesses: Zanaco, Stanbic, or First National Bank Zambia — all have online banking and API-friendly integrations.
Step 3: Choose Your Online Store Platform
You have three realistic options in Zambia:
Option A: Filika Ecommerce Platform Built specifically for the Zambian market. MTN MoMo and DPO payments are already integrated. Mobile-first design optimised for 3G. Starts at K500/month.
Option B: Shopify (with DPO Group) A global platform with a large ecosystem of apps and themes. Requires integrating DPO Group as a payment gateway for MTN MoMo support. Pricing starts at ~$39/month (roughly K700/month at current rates).
Option C: WooCommerce (self-hosted) WordPress-based, requires hosting and technical maintenance. Free software but ongoing hosting costs. Only recommended if you have a developer.
For most Zambian SMEs launching their first online store, the Filika platform is the fastest route from zero to live.
Step 4: Set Up Payments
MTN MoMo: Register as a merchant through MTN Business or via your chosen platform. You will need your PACRA certificate, bank account details, and a phone number for the merchant account. Approval takes 5–10 business days.
DPO Group: Register at dpogroup.com as a Zambian merchant. DPO supports Visa, Mastercard, and MTN MoMo through one integration. Useful if you want to also accept card payments from international buyers.
Step 5: Set Up Delivery
The two main courier services for Zambian ecommerce are:
- Speed Couriers Zambia — nationwide delivery, Lusaka-focused, K25–K80 per parcel depending on zone
- DHL Zambia — for higher-value goods and international shipments
Both offer business accounts with dashboard tracking. Build your delivery cost into your product pricing or charge it separately at checkout.
Step 6: Market Your Store
The most effective channels for Zambian online businesses:
- WhatsApp Business — share your store link with existing contacts and add it to your profile. Most Zambian buyers discover SME stores through WhatsApp before visiting the website.
- Facebook — Zambia has high Facebook penetration. Product listings in local buy-and-sell groups drive significant traffic.
- Google Business Profile — register your business at google.com/business so local buyers can find you in Google Maps and Search.
Getting Started
If you want a store live in days rather than weeks, get in touch with Filika. We can have your ecommerce store up with MTN MoMo payments integrated, optimised for mobile, and ready to receive orders in under a week.