Cement & Hardware Prices in Zambia
Updated March 2026 · 10 common materials
Compare retail vs bulk prices for building materials at Zambian hardware stores — cement, bricks, roofing, steel, plumbing, paint, and electrical supplies.
Building Material Prices — Retail vs Bulk
| Material | Retail Price | Bulk Price |
|---|---|---|
| Portland Cement (50kg bag) Dangote, Lafarge, CCC brands | ZMK 95 – 130 | ZMK 75 – 100 |
| River Sand (1 tonne) Price includes delivery in Lusaka | ZMK 250 – 400 | ZMK 180 – 300 |
| Crushed Stone (1 tonne) 20mm aggregate for concrete | ZMK 350 – 500 | ZMK 280 – 400 |
| Common Bricks (per 1,000) Local kilns vs factory | ZMK 800 – 1,200 | ZMK 600 – 900 |
| Concrete Blocks (each) 6-inch standard hollow block | ZMK 12 – 18 | ZMK 8 – 14 |
| IBR Roofing Sheet (0.4mm, per metre) Chromadek/galvanised | ZMK 85 – 120 | ZMK 65 – 95 |
| Steel Rebar (12mm, 6m) Y12 reinforcement bar | ZMK 120 – 160 | ZMK 90 – 130 |
| PVC Pipe (50mm, 6m) Class B pressure pipe | ZMK 85 – 120 | ZMK 60 – 90 |
| Emulsion Paint (20L) Dulux, Sadolin, Hardware brands | ZMK 350 – 550 | ZMK 280 – 450 |
| Electrical Cable (2.5mm², 100m) Twin & earth copper | ZMK 450 – 650 | ZMK 350 – 520 |
Hardware Stores
Mica Hardware
South African chain, widest range, competitive
Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola
BuildMart
Local chain, good for bulk orders
Lusaka, Copperbelt
BuildX (Zambia)
Online & showroom, modern experience
Lusaka
Cash Building Centre
Budget-friendly, popular with contractors
Lusaka, Kabwe
Industrial Area Shops
Cheapest bulk prices, minimal service
Lusaka Industrial
Building Materials in Zambia — Guide
Zambia's building materials market is a mix of local production (cement, bricks, blocks) and imports (steel, roofing, fittings from South Africa and China). Dangote Cement and Lafarge are the major cement producers, while CCC (Chilanga Cement) remains a trusted heritage brand.
Saving on Materials
Buy in stages — purchase materials per construction phase to avoid theft/damage and manage cash flow. Compare prices across at least 3 stores before bulk purchases. Industrial Area shops in Lusaka consistently offer the lowest prices. Watch for seasonal sales during the rainy season (November-March) when construction slows and stores discount inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bag of cement cost in Zambia?
A 50kg bag of Portland cement costs ZMK 95-130 at retail hardware stores and ZMK 75-100 when purchased in bulk (50+ bags). Dangote cement is typically 5-10% cheaper than Lafarge. Prices in rural areas can be 15-25% higher due to transport costs. The cement price has stabilised in 2025-2026 after increases during 2022-2023.
Which is the best hardware store in Zambia?
Mica Hardware offers the widest product range and competitive prices with locations in Lusaka, Kitwe, and Ndola. BuildMart is strong for bulk contractor orders. For the cheapest prices, Lusaka Industrial Area shops offer 15-25% savings but with minimal service. Online, BuildX is growing rapidly with delivery options.
How much do building materials cost in Zambia?
A basic 3-bedroom house requires approximately: 200 bags cement (ZMK 19,000-26,000), 8,000 blocks (ZMK 96,000-144,000), 80m² roofing (ZMK 6,800-9,600), and various fittings. Total material cost ranges from ZMK 200,000-400,000 depending on finishes. See our Building Cost Guide for detailed breakdowns by construction phase.
Is it cheaper to buy building materials in bulk?
Yes, bulk purchasing saves 20-30% on most materials. Cement saves ZMK 20-30 per bag (50+ bags), bricks save 25-35% per 1,000 (5,000+ order), and roofing sheets save 15-25% per metre. Form a buying group with neighbours or ask your contractor to negotiate bulk rates. Some suppliers offer free delivery on bulk orders.