Zambia main local language, especially in Lusaka, is Nyanja (Chewa), followed by Bemba. In the Copperbelt Bemba is the main language and Nyanja second. Bemba and Nyanja are spoken in the urban areas in addition to other indigenous languages which are commonly spoken in Zambia. These include Lozi, Kaonde, Tonga, Lunda and Luvale, which feature on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC)'s local languages section. The total number of languages spoken in Zambia is 73. The process of urbanisation has had a dramatic effect on some of the indigenous languages, including the assimilation of words from other indigenous languages and English.
Malawi–Zambia relations to cooperate in the development of the Shire Zambezi Waterway, to allow for the transportation of goods in the area, and promote trade. It would benefit Malawi and Zambia by reducing the transportation costs since they are landlocked. Malawi–Zambia relations Malawi and Zambia have had a close history for a long time. They share common values, history, language, culture, and border. They were one country, along with Zimbabwe, under the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Malawi has a large Zambian diaspora and Zambia has a large Malawian diaspora. Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations. This agreement was