The youngest of the NCCL coffee estates, Nsunzu is located at the foot of picturesque Mount Nsunzu which is one of the biggest landmarks in Northern Zambia. Stunning rock formations make this one of the most beautiful coffee estates in the world.

In addition to the breathtaking environment, this region boasts various ancient civilisations who - independently from the European Iron Age - developed an Iron Age of their own that made use of the colourful ferrous soils. The first full crop from Nsunzu was harvested in 2020 and there is still lenty of scope for further expansion. Even though Nsunzu and the other estates have the potential for mechanical coffee harvesting, we deliberately decided to harvest by hand. This labour-intensive process allows for a more careful selection of only the reddest cherries which maximises the rich flavour profiles. In addition, NCCL as the largest employer in the country remains committed to providing employment in a region where sources of paid labour are extremely scarce.

History of Coffee in Zambia 

Coffee was first planted in Zambia in 1978, on what is now Ngoli Estate. Overseen by a very energetic, active and supportive ZCGA (Zambia Coffee Growers’ Association), there was a rapid expansion in planting in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s with national production reaching just short of 7,000mt. 

Then the global coffee price crisis of 1998 to 2004 hit, and hard. Most of the estates required significant investment and infrastructure, including the installation of irrigation systems which could not be made. Low prices forced most estates to switch to other crops. However, since Covoya's parent company acquired the northern estates in 2012, significant investment has led to a rejuvenation of the Zambian coffee sector. Our coffee estate company NCCL is now the largest coffee producer in the country and the largest single employer in Zambia.

Growing Coffee in Zambia 

The Northern province has the best conditions for arabica coffee cultivation in Zambia with its relative proximity to the equator and abundant altitude (Mafinga Hills being the highest point in the country at 2,300 masl).  Most coffee grows from 1300 - 2300 masl. Zambia produces both washed and naturally processed coffee and has introduced some honey processing.  A wide range of varieties including Catimor 129, Castillo, Java, and other trial varieties. Specialty grades are AAA, AA, AB and Peaberry.