Croatians in Zambia: A story of success, and cultural pride

Croatians in Zambia (Photo credit: Emmanuel Mwiche/bichriphoto)

In collaboration with Milan Trbović, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia in Zambia, the Cravat Project was presented on the African continent for the first time, in the cities of Lusaka and Kitwe.

This unique cultural and artistic event marked its 20th and 21st presentations, adding Africa to the list of continents where the project has already seen success, alongside South and North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

The Cravat Project was initiated by Nada Pritisanac Matulich, a Croatian emigrant from San Pedro, California, who started a campaign to collect ties from Croatian emigrants.

Branka Bezić Filipović designed the exhibition, prepared video materials, and wrote the book “Croats United by the Cravat,” which documents all donors and patrons of the project.

Branka Bezić Filipović and Milan Trbović in Lusaka (Photo credit: Emmanuel Mwiche/bichriphoto)

Among them are prominent figures such as high-ranking Croatian politicians, emigrant associations – including the American Croatian Congress, CroDiaspora, and the Croatian Club for International Cooperation at the UN – as well as numerous senior officials from other countries.

The project has gained global recognition for its message of connection and preservation of Croatian heritage.

Beyond promoting Croatian culture, the project enhances Croatia’s international visibility and fosters collaboration between educational institutions and nations.

The presentation in Lusaka was held at the renowned restaurant Mpoto Yathu, hosted by Jelena Kraljić and her family, who welcomed numerous guests and media representatives.

In Kitwe, a special presentation was organised for students of Copperbelt University, who showed great interest in the book “Croats United by the Cravat.”

The book presentation at Copperbelt University (Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)

Zambia – A Land of Natural Wonders

Zambia, located in southern Africa, is known for its spectacular natural beauty and diverse culture. Among its natural wonders are the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, Kafue and South Luangwa National Parks, as well as high plateaus and rivers that shape the country’s landscape.

With approximately 20 million inhabitants belonging to over 70 ethnic groups, Zambia was once a British colony under the name Northern Rhodesia, gaining independence in 1964. English is the official language, while Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga are among the most commonly spoken of the 72 native languages.

Sunset on the Zambezi River (Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)

Zambia is rich in natural resources, particularly copper, which makes up the majority of its exports, while agriculture and tourism are also key economic sectors.

Interestingly, Zambian cuisine is quite varied – in addition to international dishes, restaurants in Livingstone offer specialities such as fried caterpillars with sautéed onions and crocodile tail skewers.

To explore this culinary scene firsthand, the author tasted both dishes and concluded that the caterpillars were surprisingly tasty, whereas the crocodile meat was somewhat dry. The meal cost around 10 euros in total.

Fried caterpillars (Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)

The national currency of Zambia is the kwacha, with 100 kwacha being equivalent to approximately 3.5 euros. For 8 to 10 euros, one can get a steak or a simpler meal like pasta or pizza.

A bottle of water in a restaurant costs 0.7 euros, while a Coca-Cola costs 1.36 euros. An espresso is priced at 2 euros, beer in an average restaurant is 0.85 euros, and in a finer establishment, it costs 1.70 euros.

A half-hour taxi ride costs around 12 euros. Food is cheaper than in Croatia, and supermarkets are well-stocked with a diverse selection of products.

Crocodile tail (Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)

Croats in Zambia – History and Contribution

Croats began settling in Zambia in the first half of the 20th century, when the country, then a British protectorate known as Northern Rhodesia, attracted workers with mining experience.

In search of a better life, Croats arrived from Istria, Primorje, Dalmatian hinterland, and Lika, often travelling via the ports of Rijeka, Split, and Dubrovnik.

They primarily found work in the rich mining region of the Copperbelt, particularly in Nkana, Mufulira, and Kitwe, mostly as miners and technicians, with some employed in metallurgy.

Kraljić Najim family – from left –  Jasmin, Jelena, Zein and Robert (Photo credit: Emmanuel Mwiche/bichriphoto)

Today, Croats in Zambia fall under the jurisdiction of the Croatian Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, which is 1,500 kilometres from Lusaka.

To strengthen support for the Croatian community and foster cooperation between the two countries, the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Zambia was established, led by Milan Trbović from Kitwe, a prominent businessman and one of Zambia’s leading maize flour producers.

Fra Ivica Perić in Zambia (Photo credit: Emmanuel Mwiche/bichriphoto)

Lusaka – The Capital and its Non-Aligned History

Founded in 1913, Lusaka today has around three million residents and serves as Zambia’s administrative, political, and economic hub. The city blends tradition and modern development but faces infrastructure challenges, particularly during the rainy season when streets frequently flood.

A significant historical milestone for Lusaka was the 1970 Third Conference of Non-Aligned Countries, inaugurated by then-President Kenneth Kaunda, after whom the city’s airport is named.

This event solidified Zambia’s role as a proponent of freedom and solidarity among nations that wished to remain independent of Cold War bloc divisions.

(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)

Interestingly, Lusaka still preserves memories of that era – Tito Street remains, and certain parts of the city’s architecture resemble Croatian neighbourhoods from the 1970s, when Croatian companies such as Zagreb’s Končar and Split’s Konstruktor secured major projects in Zambia.

Kitwe – Zambia’s Industrial Heartland

Kitwe, Zambia’s second-largest city, with nearly one million residents, is a key centre of the Copperbelt mining region. Besides its mining heritage, Kitwe is also an educational hub, home to Copperbelt University, one of the country’s most important higher education institutions.

Popular destinations in Kitwe include the Mindolo Dam recreation park and the Chisokone Market, known for its vast selection of local products and fresh goods. The city also has a strong football culture, with clubs such as Nkana FC and Power Dynamos FC boasting passionate supporters.

Livingstone – Zambia’s Tourist Capital

Located in southern Zambia at an altitude of 940 metres, Livingstone (Maramba) is the country’s main tourist city, with approximately 140,000 inhabitants. It is situated near Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), one of the world’s largest and most spectacular natural wonders, which is under UNESCO protection.

Victoria Falls from the air (Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)

Named after the famous Scottish explorer, physician, missionary, and anti-slavery activist David Livingstone (1813–1873), the city is where he first documented the falls in 1855, naming them in honour of Queen Victoria.

Livingstone (Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)

To the local population, the falls were a sacred site, believed to be home to the great river serpent goddess Nyami-Nyami.

The city centre houses the Livingstone Museum, the largest and oldest museum in Zambia, offering a rich insight into the region’s history, culture, and exploration. Its collections include prehistoric artefacts, exhibits on African cultural traditions, and documents detailing David Livingstone’s life and work.

Victoria Falls (Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)

Livingstone has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The city is known for its many hotels, restaurants, and markets, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and purchase authentic handicrafts.

Text: Branka Bezić Filipović