Lemons hit K900 per 50Kg at Kasumbalesa

Lemon prices have increased to between K800-K900 […]

Lemon prices have increased to between K800-K900 per 50kg at Kasumbalesa border in the month of September 2026.

 Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Kasumbalesa border trading agent, Clever Chishiba, who has five years of experience in the market, attributed the increase to low production and rising demand.

 Chishiba said the absence of rains has affected lemon production, resulting in reduced supply on the market.

 “The prices at Kasumbalesa for lemons have gone up at the moment and they are trading around K800 to K900 per 50kg bag because we currently do not have rains, so there is low production and high demand,” he said.

 The agent revealed that the shortage has also pushed prices higher in local markets, where small heaps of lemons are now selling for about K10 to K20. Chishiba said the current market presents an opportunity for traders, with prices potentially reaching K2,000 per 50kg bag in October if demand remains high and supply stays limited.

 “Kasumbalesa is profitable at the moment and the prices can even go as far as K2,000, especially in October, so we are urging traders to come on board and supply where they can manage,” he said.

Chishiba noted that the price surge is seasonal rather than a permanent market condition, with the highest prices applying to good-quality green lemons.

“Right now people are making money because lemons are on demand, and as an individual I can sell up to 30 bags a day and sometimes close to 50 bags,” he said.

 Chishiba said traders should take advantage of the current demand while recognising that lemon prices are not fixed and can change depending on supply and quality.

 Article by Philip Sinkala