Unilever Zambia

(ESA) region. We market, distribute and sell international and local brands of repute at a price that meets the pockets of discerning, quality-conscious consumers everywhere in Zambia. We employ world-class internationally competitive local talent who are globally exposed and highly connected to back our local operation. Unilever Globally
Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of fast-moving consumer goods. Our history in the Zambian market

Lever Brothers first came to Zambia in 1964 when they built the Ndola Factory-NSD, Soap, EF & O & PP. In 1974, the Company was nationalised and the name was changed to Refined Oil Products (ROP). In 1995- Lever Brothers purchased ROP in October.

1996/7- The Cooking Oil, Soap and NSD Plants are rehabilitated and the business was right-sized

In 1998, we saw the withdrawal of Unilever from the Cooking Oil market, rationalisation of the asset base and the purchase of the leading laundry soap brand (Chik).

2000-2001- Lever Brothers rationalised its operations in Zambia.


2002 - In its bid to empower the Zambian business, the company out-sourced its manufacturing to a third party. In 2003, Lever Brothers formally changed its name to Unilever South East Africa (Zambia) in line with the Global directive. In 2004 Unilever further increased its investment by USD $5 million. Balancing profit with responsible corporate behaviour

Unilever South East Africa Zambia became a part of Zambia in 1964 when it was known as Lever Brothers. Since then, it has grown, not only in the reach of its products into the community, but also, and more importantly, in its contribution to the well being of the communities in which it operates. Over the years, Unilever South East Africa Zambia has touched various aspects of Zambian life. In recent years, and after studying the needs of the country, Unilever South East Africa Zambia developed a deliberate social investment policy focusing on children in need, education and health (with particular emphasis on HIV and AIDS). To fulfil the objectives of this policy, a number of programs and projects were born. To address the plight of children in need, the company embarked on efforts to find out in which areas of existing efforts they could assist. Zambia has many children’s homes, all of which are trying to make a better life for disadvantaged children – many under very challenging circumstances. The company identified Kabwata orphanage as a starting point in its efforts and committed donations of Unilever products to the value of K1.2 million on a monthly basis. Unilever South East Africa Zambia has also taken the lead in supporting education in Zambia. In keeping with their focus in education, Unilever South East Africa Zambia has also sponsored the construction of a 1X3-classroom block at Dag Hammasjold community school in Ndola rural. The school was identified through UNDP Zambia after the organisation learnt that several children were walking long distances to school. The caretaker at the site built a makeshift structure to assist. Unilever South East Africa Zambia has since constructed a 1X3 classroom block at the site. Funds allowing, Unilever wish to construct hostels for the teachers as well, which was part of the initial project plan. In the area of HIV and AIDS, Unilever South East Africa Zambia has again assisted Kabwata Home Based Care project. The company provides care kits to enable home-based caregivers to execute their duties better. In addition to the Social Responsibility policy, Unilever South East Africa Zambia ensures that all its activities are sensitive to their potential social impact. The company therefore adheres to a clearly laid out environmental policy, consumer and public safety. It adheres to highest international standards of safety, health, environment and quality. As the company grows, it has maintained its focus on its greater role – that of improving the lives of those around it.