Han Chinese, Mandarin in Zambia

Introduction / History

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in the world. Although the vast majority live in mainland China, many have immigrated to other countries, and today they reside in nearly every nation of the world including Zambia.

Most Han Chinese speak one of the many Chinese dialects, which include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien or Min Bei. The speakers of one Chinese dialect cannot understand the speakers of another. The writing system is the same so they can communicate on paper but not orally.

The Han Chinese fled to other countries after the Mongol invasion in 1276. Many other upheavals and conflicts followed, and the Chinese continued to settle in different nations, especially in Southeast Asia. Wherever they went, the Chinese settled almost exclusively in urban areas and became involved in business and commerce. Today, they are very influential in the economies of many of these nations, including Zambia.

One of the countries where Mandarin Chinese people are settling is Zambia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Mandarin Chinese in Zambia own small shops, retail outlets and even farms. More significantly, China is contributing mining engineers and infrastructure improvements to Zambia, but there has been a heavy cost. They have opened copper mines, and there was a deadly accident in 2005 that left 50 Zambians dead. China’s mining interests in Zambia have brought in a steady stream of owners, managers and engineers. China’s economic influence over Zambia (and much of Africa) is increasing.

There has been a backlash. There was an anti-Chinese race riot in 2006 and in 2010 a mine manager was murdered. Three Chinese factory bosses were killed in 2020 by disgruntled Zambian employees. To make matters worse, there was a Chinese-owned internet fraud network discovered in 2024.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Mandarin Chinese in Zambia are secularized, but some have a strong faith in the Lord who can take the gospel to the unreached peoples of Zambia. This will be difficult since there is tension between the Chinese and the Zambians.

What Are Their Needs?

Secularized thinking and a non-stop work schedule make the Mandarin Chinese unable to deal with their spiritual needs. There is a great opportunity for Mandarin Chinese Christ-followers to take Christ to the many unreached people groups in East Africa.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to use vibrant Mandarin Chinese Christ followers to disciple the unreached people groups of East Africa.
Pray for Chinese Christian believers to fill the bowls of incense with prayer for Africa.
Pray for the Mandarin Chinese to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project