Leya in Zambia

Introduction / History

The Leya are an ethnic group in the southern part of Zambia and the group is found only in this country. An estimated 23,500 Leya live in Zambia today.

The Leya belong to the Bantu, Central-South people cluster within the larger Sub-Saharan African affinity bloc. They are closely linked to a neighboring group called the Toka, and together the two are often referred to as the "Toka-Leya." The Leya speak a dialect of Tonga as their primary language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Leya households rely on agriculture as the foundation of daily life. Small-scale farming provides the primary means of subsistence, with families cultivating crops suited to the local environment and seasonal rainfall. Farming activities are shared among family members, requiring cooperation during planting, weeding, and harvest seasons. Some households keep livestock such as goats or poultry, and local markets offer opportunities to trade produce and maintain social connections.

Family life is deeply communal. Extended families often live close to one another, and elders are respected as custodians of wisdom, tradition, and authority. Marriage is an important institution that connects families and reinforces social stability. Children are valued as a blessing and are raised within a broader network of relatives who share responsibility for instruction, discipline, and care.

Celebrations accompany significant life events such as marriages, births, and religious observances. These gatherings bring together relatives and neighbors through shared meals, conversation, and expressions of gratitude to God. Daily meals typically consist of grain?based foods served with vegetable or legume sauces, with meat usually reserved for special occasions. Hospitality and generosity are strongly valued and help sustain unity within the community.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Leya people are primarily folk Muslims. Islamic beliefs are blended with traditional religion having to do with appeasing ancestral spirits.

Religious faith is closely associated with family identity and cultural belonging, and religious practice is generally communal. Religious change can carry social consequences, making respectful, patient, and relational engagement especially important. Their community has been penetrated with the gospel, but it might be very difficult for people to accept Christ's lordship.

What Are Their Needs?

The Leya community faces physical challenges related to limited access to healthcare, education, and stable economic opportunities. Agricultural livelihoods are vulnerable to environmental uncertainty, affecting food security and income. Young people often desire training and guidance that would help them navigate modern influences while remaining connected to their families and communities.

Spiritually, access to the saving message of Jesus Christ remains a deep need. Many Leya have not had the opportunity to hear the gospel presented clearly and compassionately in culturally understandable ways. The presence of committed workers, and long?term discipleship is essential for individuals and families to respond to Christ and grow in biblical faith.

Prayer Points

Pray that Leya family leaders to have dreams of the sovereign Lord, leading them to put all their faith in Christ.
Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to reveal himself as Savior and Redeemer, bringing light, hope, and salvation.
Pray for workers who will serve among the Leya with humility, perseverance, and love.
Intercede for future Leya believers to be firmly rooted in Scripture and raised up as part of the global discipleship force.

Text Source:   Joshua Project