Lusaka's Ever-Evolving Relationship with Malls: A Journey Through Time
Lusaka, like many growing African cities, has a fascinating relationship with malls. Over the last few decades, malls have transitioned from being a symbol of luxury and modernity to becoming everyday essentials. Yet, in recent years, we’ve seen a shift in how people interact with them. Some, like Arcades, once the darling of the city’s social scene, have become shadows of their former selves, while others have adapted and thrived, such as the revamped Manda Hill. In this opinion piece, I explore Lusaka’s mall culture, reflecting on its history, evolution, and the changing preferences of the city’s residents.
The Rise of Malls: A Symbol of Lusaka’s Growth
The arrival of malls in Lusaka in the late 1990s was a pivotal moment. It marked the city’s evolution from a relatively quiet capital to a bustling urban centre. Malls like Manda Hill, which opened in 1999, were much more than shopping complexes. They were symbols of development and progress. People flocked to Manda Hill, not just to shop but to marvel at the idea of an organised space that brought together supermarkets, clothing stores, and eateries all in one place.
Manda Hill stood out as the pioneer, and it wasn’t long before other malls followed suit, each vying to outdo the other in terms of design, variety, and prestige. The introduction of Arcades Shopping Centre in the early 2000s offered a fresh, modern alternative to Manda Hill. Arcades, with its open design and proximity to the bustling Great East Road, quickly became a favourite hangout for Lusaka’s urban dwellers.
Arcades: The Rise and Fall of a Social Hub
In its heyday, Arcades Shopping Centre was the heart of Lusaka’s social life. Its popularity stemmed from its blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Every Friday evening, Arcades was packed with families enjoying meals at the open-air restaurants, teenagers heading to the cinema, and young professionals unwinding at nearby bars. The Arcades Sunday Market became an iconic part of Lusaka’s weekend culture, where locals and tourists mingled to buy crafts, clothes, and curios.
But fast forward to today, and Arcades doesn’t hold the same charm. Once a go-to spot for everyone in Lusaka, it now feels dated, overshadowed by the newer, sleeker malls that have cropped up across the city. The introduction of larger shopping complexes like East Park Mall, just a stone's throw away, with its vast parking space, wider range of restaurants, and modern design, offered what Arcades no longer could—a fresher experience. Of course, we’ll never forgive East Park for letting Food Lovers Market leave—an absolute travesty for foodies everywhere! Now, many Lusakans only visit Arcades for the market or out of convenience, as its former vibrancy has faded.
However, there may be hope for a revival. Recently purchased by East Park Mall, Arcades is undergoing a much-needed refurbishment. Will it return to its former glory or perhaps even surpass it? Only time will tell.
Manda Hill: From Pioneer to Powerhouse
If Arcades lost its spark, Manda Hill took a different approach. After its grand opening in 1999, Manda Hill was Lusaka’s crown jewel, and it remained relevant through strategic upgrades. The initial structure, though celebrated at the time, was rather simple compared to the more recent malls. However, in 2010, Manda Hill underwent a massive renovation, transforming from a basic shopping centre into a sprawling, two-storey complex that rivals any major mall in Southern Africa.
The new Manda Hill is home to international brands like LC Waikiki, Game, and the beloved South African grocery chain Shoprite. It also introduced a variety of restaurants, high-end clothing stores, and even office spaces, ensuring it remained not just a mall but a multi-purpose space that caters to a wide audience. The recent improved security has only increased its appeal. As a result, while other malls have stagnated, Manda Hill continues to draw crowds, from families to business professionals.
The Shift in Lusaka’s Mall Culture
So, why have Lusakans stopped going to some malls, like Arcades, while others continue to thrive? Part of the answer lies in how malls have positioned themselves. Lusaka has seen a significant rise in middle-class consumers who are looking for more than just a place to shop. They want malls that offer experiences, places where they can work, play, and socialise all at once. The newer malls, like Levy Junction and East Park, have tapped into this demand by providing more comprehensive environments. They are designed not only for shopping but also for leisure, offering trendy restaurants, spacious food courts, cinemas, and even live music events.
Another key factor is infrastructure. Malls like Longacres Mall or Lewanika Mall are situated in neighbourhoods where people want a more intimate shopping experience without the chaos of the larger complexes. These newer malls have focused on aesthetics, maintaining a clean, minimalist feel—something Arcades once had but failed to maintain over time.
There’s also the issue of convenience. Lusaka’s traffic congestion is a growing challenge, and residents are now more likely to visit malls that are conveniently located near their homes or workplaces. East Park’s proximity to the University of Zambia and several office blocks has made it a popular spot for students and professionals. Meanwhile, malls like Cosmopolitan Mall and Woodlands Mall cater to suburban dwellers, offering a quick and easy shopping experience without the hassle of travelling across the city.
What the Future Holds for Lusaka’s Malls
Lusaka’s mall culture is still very much alive, but the dynamics have shifted. Malls must evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing population. There’s a growing desire for unique, curated experiences, something that goes beyond the usual retail and dining options. Some malls, like Levy Junction, are already adapting by incorporating hotels, gyms, and even health services into their spaces.
The older malls, like Arcades, have two choices: innovate or fade into irrelevance. With so much competition, the malls that offer nothing new will continue to see dwindling foot traffic. The nostalgia of what Arcades once was may keep some people coming, but Lusaka is looking for more.
MosiaTunya Recreational Mall: A Glimpse into the Future
While many of Lusaka’s malls are focused on retail, MosiaTunya Recreational Mall is changing the game by offering an experience-driven approach. With a bouldering wall, callisthenics space, a sand pit for kids, and even a rec room, this is a mall that actually encourages people to stick around and enjoy more than just shopping. It’s the kind of forward-thinking space Lusaka needs to embrace—a sign that malls in the city are evolving to offer more diverse, engaging experiences. MosiaTunya is leading the charge, and Lusaka needs to get with the program.
Lusaka’s relationship with malls is a reflection of the city’s growth and changing identity. Once a symbol of modernisation, malls like Arcades have now become relics of an earlier era, while others, like Manda Hill, have adapted and remained at the forefront of the shopping scene. As Lusaka continues to expand, its malls must also evolve, offering more than just retail therapy. The city’s consumers are no longer impressed by size and scale alone—they want community spaces, experiences, and convenience. Only the malls that embrace this shift will thrive in Lusaka’s ever-evolving urban landscape.
Want to stay in the loop with all things Lusaka? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest events, hotspots, and hidden gems. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram [@Lusaka365] for daily updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more!
