Delivery Pricing in Zambia: How to Set Your Rates & Start a Delivery Business in 2026

The delivery sector in Zambia is growing rapidly as more consumers rely on online shopping, same-day delivery, and on-demand services. Whether you're launching a delivery startup or adding delivery to your existing business, understanding delivery pricing in Zambia is the first step to building a profitable operation.

This guide breaks down how pricing works, what factors influence your costs, and how to start a delivery business that can compete with established names like Yango, Tigmoo, and Unka Go.

Understanding Delivery Pricing in Zambia

Unlike some regions where pricing is standardized, delivery rates in Zambia vary widely depending on:

1. Distance

The most common structure is zone-based or kilometre-based pricing.

• Short distance (1–5 km): K30–K65

• Medium distance (5–15 km): K60–K120

• Long distance (15+ km): K120+ depending on vehicle type
  
  

Urban areas like Lusaka may have slightly lower rates due to higher demand and more available riders.

2. Fuel Costs

Fuel is one of the biggest factors that influences delivery fees. With petrol/diesel prices regularly fluctuating, businesses often:

• Add a fuel surcharge

• Adjust pricing monthly

• Set a minimum base fee regardless of distance

For example, if fuel is around K22–K28/litre, it directly increases operational costs for motorbikes and vans.

3. Delivery Vehicle Type

Different vehicles carry different costs:

• Motorbikes: Most efficient for food, parcels, same-day deliveries

• Bicycles: Cost-effective for short-distance, low-weight deliveries

• Vehicles/Vans: Higher fuel cost, but needed for bulky goods and B2B deliveries

Your pricing must match the cost of operating each unit.

4. Delivery Speed

Express or priority deliveries typically add an extra fee:

• +K20–K50 for 1-hour delivery

• +20–30% surge charge during peak hours

Customers are willing to pay more for speed and convenience.

5. Labour / Driver Earnings

To remain competitive, riders must earn a fair commission. Most companies use either:

• Per-delivery pay (K20–K40 depending on distance)

• Daily rate + small delivery bonuses

• Commission split (e.g., 70/30 or 80/20 rider/company)

Fair compensation improves retention and service quality.

6. Platform & Operations Costs

Delivery businesses also need to factor in:

• Customer support

• Routing & tracking tools

• Rider coordination

• Marketing

• Vehicle maintenance

Tools like Switch Dispatch make this cost predictable, with a fixed monthly fee instead of per-order charges, giving businesses more control over profit margins.