Current Time in Kabwe
Zambian culture regarding time
Zambian culture regarding time
Timekeeping tends to be flexible
Zambia has a flexible sense of time called "African time", and it is common for people to arrive later than the appointed time. It is not uncommon for meetings and gatherings to not start as scheduled.
Life rhythm that takes daylight hours into consideration
In agricultural regions, people start their activities with the sun rising and end the day with the sun setting. The rhythm of nature has a great influence on their lives.
Event start time is only a guideline
Even if weddings and religious events are announced as "starting at XX o'clock", it is normal for them to actually start 1 to 2 hours late. Participants also act with that in mind.
Zambian values regarding time
Relationships with people take priority over time
In Zambia, relationships and the quality of conversation are more important than punctuality. Even if you have another plan, there is a culture that values interaction with the person in front of you.
It is considered a virtue to take your time slowly
Many people believe that "rushing" leads to stress and rudeness, and enjoying the flow of time is considered the basis of life.
Tendency to prioritize family time over work
People tend to value time with their families above all else, and it is common for work schedules to change due to family circumstances.
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or relocating to Zambia
Plan with the assumption that things will not go according to time
It is important to schedule with ample time, as things generally do not go according to time, such as transportation, government office responses, and event start times.
Awareness of punctuality is increasing in business settings
Awareness of time is improving in urban areas and international business environments, and people tend to be punctual, especially in meetings with foreigners.
Public services are full of waiting times
Even if you have made an appointment, you may have to wait for a long time at a hospital or government office. It is recommended that you act in anticipation of waiting times.
Interesting trivia about time in Zambia
"African time" is also used as self-deprecating humor
There is a culture of joking about not being punctual, and it is common to laugh and forgive each other by saying, "I was late because it's African time."
Buses and minibuses signal to depart when they are "full" rather than "on time"
In Zambia, it is common for public transportation to depart when it is full, not when it is time to depart. It is a transportation culture that is not bound by time.
In some areas, the sound of a rooster crowing serves as an alarm clock
In rural areas, many people wake up and start their activities according to the rhythm of animals' lives rather than the clock, and the sounds of nature are the guide for determining the "time" of their lives.