Katete Area Profile – Eastern Province

Katete is a vibrant and steadily growing district in Eastern Province, located along the Great East Road between Chongwe and Chipata. Known for its strong agricultural base, cultural heritage, and expanding commercial activity, Katete serves as an important service centre for the surrounding rural communities and a convenient stopover for travellers heading toward Malawi or Lusaka.

With ongoing improvements to road infrastructure, health facilities, and rural development programmes, the district offers increasing opportunities for small businesses, farmers, and property investors. Its strategic location has also supported the growth of retail, hospitality, and education services.

Key Residential Areas

Katete Town Centre

The main commercial area, offering government housing, small businesses, rental properties, supermarkets, and easy access to essential services.

Chadiza Road Area

A growing neighbourhood with new homes, lodges, small farms, and improved access to schools and transport.

Kasenengwa / Msoro Road Area (Greater Katete)

Semi-urban and rural communities expanding due to agricultural activity and increasing demand for family housing.

Katete East Extensions

Emerging residential pockets with rising interest from civil servants, teachers, traders, and residents seeking affordable land.

Amenities & Facilities

Katete offers a strong mix of essential amenities, supported by both government and private sector investment:

• Education: Katete Boarding School, Chigwe Primary, Nyamphande Secondary, and various mission and private schools.
• Healthcare: St. Francis Mission Hospital (one of Zambia’s leading mission hospitals), Katete District Hospital, and several rural health centres.
• Retail & Shopping: Katete Market, grocery shops, hardware supply stores, agricultural input dealers, fuel stations, and local trading centres along the Great East Road.
• Transport: Excellent connectivity via the Great East Road, regular bus services to Lusaka, Chipata, Zimbabwe and Malawi, and improved feeder roads.
• Government & Services: District administration offices, banks, poli
• ce, and agricultural extension services.

Economy & Development Trends

Katete’s economy is anchored by:

• Agriculture: maize, tobacco, groundnuts, cotton, and vegetable farming
• Livestock production: cattle, goats, poultry
• Trading hubs & markets supporting rural supply chains
• Growing hospitality sector serving regional travellers
• Retail expansion due to its strategic transport location
• Small-scale agro-processing (hammer mills, sunflower oil, groundnut products)

Its location on the Lusaka–Chipata–Malawi corridor positions Katete for long-term commercial growth and increased real estate demand.

Summary

Katete is a key Eastern Province district offering agricultural opportunity, improving services, expanding residential zones, and excellent connectivity. Its blend of cultural heritage, strong community life, and growing economic activity makes it appealing for families, civil servants, traders, and property investors.