Zambia Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Zambia's net migration was 6,562 in 2025, ranked 171st globally. This represents a 11.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Zambia's net migration stood at 6,562 in 2025, a decline of +819 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8,444 by 2026. Zambia ranked 171st globally.
Zambia recorded a net migration inflow of 6,562.00 persons in 2025, placing it 171st globally and slightly above Rwanda’s 6,282.00 and Panama’s 6,151.00 for the same year. The country’s migration balance has swung dramatically over the 66‑year series, moving from a deficit of –3,898.00 in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 49,945.00 in 2007, when relatively high commodity prices and expanding mining projects attracted workers from neighboring states. The opposite extreme occurred in 1993, with a trough of –47,739.00 as economic contraction and drought prompted large‑scale outflows. Since the early 2000s, Zambia’s net migration has stabilized within a modest positive range, reflecting a combination of steady mining investment, limited agricultural growth, and regional labor mobility. Continued diversification of the economy and improvements in employment conditions could sustain the current inflow, whereas a sharp decline in mineral revenues or heightened regional instability might reverse the trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 11,001 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 9,722 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 8,444 | - | - |
| 2025 | 6,562 | −819 | #171 |
| 2024 | 7,381 | −2,140 | #167 |
| 2023 | 9,521 | +18,087 | #166 |
| 2022 | -8,566 | −16,709 | #50 |
| 2021 | 8,143 | −13 | #164 |
| 2020 | 8,156 | −10,229 | #164 |
| 2019 | 18,385 | −46 | #174 |
| 2018 | 18,431 | −7,358 | #167 |
| 2017 | 25,789 | −71 | #175 |
| 2016 | 25,860 | +9,599 | #172 |
| 2015 | 16,261 | −313 | #175 |
| 2014 | 16,574 | +1,032 | #172 |
| 2013 | 15,542 | +6,584 | #165 |
| 2012 | 8,958 | −4,611 | #162 |
| 2011 | 13,569 | −9,192 | #169 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zambia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zambia's net migration was 6,562 in 2025. Ranked 171st globally. This represents a 11.1% decrease from the previous year.
Zambia's net migration peaked at 49,945 in 2007.
The lowest net migration in Zambia was -47,739 in 1993.
Zambia ranks 171st globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zambia's net migration is projected to reach 8,444 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Zambia in 2025 was 6,562. This ranks 171st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zambia_net-migration,
title = {Zambia Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zambia/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}