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Driving in Zambia? Here’s What You Should Know About E-Tolling in Zambia

If you're planning to drive out of Lusaka—whether you're commuting daily or heading on a road trip—Zambia’s e-tolling system is something you need to know about. Introduced in 2018 by the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA), e-tolling has made traveling on Zambia’s highways faster, safer, and completely cashless.

Let’s break down what this means for you as a driver.


Driving in Zambia? Here’s What You Should Know About E-Tolling in Zambia
The Rueben Chitandika Kamanga Toll Plaza | Credit: NRFA
What Is E-Tolling?

E-tolling is a cashless toll payment system. Instead of paying with cash at toll gates, you use a prepaid E-Toll Card that you simply tap at the booth. It’s fast, easy, and reduces the hassle of carrying change.


Why Was It Introduced?

E-tolling helps:

  • Reduce traffic delays at toll plazas

  • Improve security by reducing cash handling

  • Promote transparency in toll collection

  • Ensure better maintenance of Zambia’s roads through smarter funding


Who Pays Tolls?

If your vehicle uses a tolled road, you pay—whether it’s a private car, taxi, minibus, or truck. The only exceptions are:

  • Emergency vehicles (like ambulances and fire trucks)

  • Military or government convoys

  • Road maintenance equipment on official duty

Even foreign-registered vehicles are required to pay.


How Much Are the Toll Fees?

Toll fees depend on your vehicle type:

Vehicle Type

Typical Fee per Plaza

Small cars & minivans

~ZMW 20

Medium vehicles (3.5–6.5 tons)

~ZMW 40

Large buses & 3-axle trucks

~ZMW 50–250

Articulated or heavy trucks

ZMW 250–800+

You pay each time you pass a toll gate.


How the E-Toll Card Works

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Buy a card – Get one at toll gates or NRFA offices (cost: ZMW 30).

  2. Top it up – Use:

    • Mobile money (Zamtel: 344#, Airtel: 700#, MTN options available)

    • Online via etoll.nrfa.org.zm

    • In-person at toll stations

  3. Tap & go – Hold the card near the reader at the toll gate for a fast, contactless payment.

💡Bonus tip: Your balance never expires!


Discounts & Benefits

  • Frequent User Discount: After 10 trips in one month at the same gate, your 11th trip is 80% off.

  • Local User Discount: Live near a toll gate? You may qualify to pay as little as ZMW 2 per trip—ask at your nearest plaza to register.


Important Reminders

  • Always stop and pay at toll gates. Skipping a toll is illegal and can lead to fines of up to ZMW 1,800 or more.

  • Keep your card safe. If lost or stolen, call 700 (NRFA’s toll-free support line) immediately.

  • Carry some cash just in case your card balance runs low or the system is offline.

  • Receipts are useful—keep them for personal or business records.


Explore Tip

If you’re heading out of Lusaka to explore places like Siavonga, Livingstone, or the Copperbelt, grab your E-Toll card before you go. It’ll make your road trip smoother, especially if you're passing through multiple toll points.


Ready to hit the road?

For more info or to register your card, visit the official portal: https://www.nrfa.org.zm


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