In today’s business landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to be the backbone of economies worldwide. In Zambia, SMEs contribute nearly 70% of the country’s GDP and employ the majority of the workforce. Despite their critical role, SMEs often face barriers that limit growth and sustainability, especially when it comes to securing affordable, professional, and flexible workspaces.

Traditionally, office setups in Lusaka have required long leases, high deposits, and significant overhead costs. For SMEs, startups, and freelancers, these financial and logistical demands often divert resources away from the very activities that drive growth like marketing, innovation, and talent acquisition.

Enter OfficePhase, a coworking pioneer in Lusaka that is reshaping how businesses access workspace. By offering flexible, affordable, and community-driven solutions, OfficePhase is not just providing office space it is building ecosystems that fuel collaboration, reduce risk, and empower SMEs to thrive in Zambia’s evolving economy.

The Global Coworking Movement

Coworking is not a passing trend; it’s a global movement.

• In 2010, coworking was still in its infancy with fewer than 1,000 spaces worldwide.

• By 2023, there were over 20,000 coworking spaces globally, serving more than 5.1 million members.

• Analysts project the global coworking industry to surpass US $34 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of nearly 17% CAGR.

From Silicon Valley to Singapore, coworking has become the preferred model for startups, SMEs, and even multinational corporations seeking flexible and innovative work environments.

Africa has been no exception:

• In 2013, fewer than 30 formal coworking spaces existed across the continent.

• By 2022, the number had surpassed 295 active hubs.

• Africa’s coworking market is projected to hit US $1.56 billion by 2030, potentially rising beyond US $2 billion depending on adoption rates.

This growth reflects a simple reality: businesses today value flexibility, collaboration, and cost-efficiency over traditional office setups.

Why Lusaka Needs Coworking

Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, is home to a growing entrepreneurial class. With increased digital adoption, a young workforce, and supportive government policies for SMEs, the city has become a hotspot for startups and professionals looking to innovate.

However, challenges persist:

• High office rents: Prime office space in Lusaka can be prohibitively expensive for young businesses.

• Overheads and hidden costs: Utilities, internet, furniture, and cleaning costs pile up quickly.

• Rigid leases: SMEs often struggle with long-term lease commitments in an unpredictable economy.

• Isolation: Working from home or cafés often results in missed opportunities for networking and collaboration.

This is where OfficePhase’s coworking model becomes a strategic solution, not just a convenience.

OfficePhase: More Than a Workspace

OfficePhase is not just a coworking provider it’s a business growth partner for Lusaka’s SMEs. By offering professional infrastructure, collaborative environments, and access to networks, OfficePhase empowers businesses at every stage of growth.

Let’s break down the core benefits:

1. Affordability and Cost Savings

OfficePhase packages are designed with SMEs in mind:

• All-inclusive pricing that covers internet, utilities, furniture, and cleaning.

• Average rates of US $150 per desk per month, compared to traditional offices that cost 2–3x more.

• Daily passes (around US $15–20) for freelancers or those who don’t need full-time space.

• Flexible memberships scale up or down without penalty.

For an SME, this means predictable costs and the ability to redirect savings into marketing, innovation, and staff development.

2. Collaboration and Networking

At OfficePhase, coworking is about community, not just desks. The shared environment fosters:

• Peer-to-peer learning among entrepreneurs, freelancers, and SMEs.

• Regular networking events, workshops, and meetups.

• Connections with mentors, investors, and corporate partners.

Many businesses in Lusaka have found clients, partners, or even investors simply by working alongside each other at OfficePhase.

3. Access to Growth Opportunities

One of the hidden strengths of coworking spaces globally is their role as bridges to accelerators, investors, and VCs.

• Globally, coworking hubs like WeWork Labs and Station F (Paris) have become launchpads for startups connecting with global capital.

• In Lusaka, OfficePhase is replicating this model, creating opportunities for SMEs to connect with both local and international investors.

This access is invaluable in an environment where traditional funding channels can be difficult to navigate.

4. Professional Infrastructure

Professionalism matters especially when meeting clients, partners, or investors. OfficePhase provides:

• High-speed internet with reliable uptime.

• Backup power to counter Lusaka’s energy fluctuations.

• Fully equipped meeting rooms and event spaces.

• Comfortable lounges and productivity-driven workstations.

• Onsite administrative and security support.

This ensures that SMEs can project credibility without investing heavily in setup costs.

5. Flexibility and Reduced Risk

In a volatile economy, long leases are risky. OfficePhase reduces this risk by offering:

• Short-term memberships.

• Scalable options to expand or contract as needed.

• Zero penalties for adapting to changing business needs.

This agility is critical for SMEs navigating Zambia’s uncertain economic climate.

OfficePhase in Lusaka’s Business Ecosystem

By positioning itself as more than just a workspace, OfficePhase is actively shaping Lusaka’s startup and SME ecosystem.

• Entrepreneurs use it as a launchpad for ideas.

• Freelancers find a professional alternative to working from home.

• SMEs scale sustainably without crippling overheads.

• Investors and corporates view OfficePhase as a hub for identifying talent and startups.

This role mirrors how global coworking brands have become epicenters of innovation in their cities.

Global Comparisons and Lessons

Cities like Nairobi, Cape Town, and Kigali have already seen coworking fuel their entrepreneurial rise.

• In Nairobi, hubs like iHub and Nairobi Garage have nurtured startups that secured millions in funding.

• In Kigali, Westerwelle Startup Haus has become a pipeline between entrepreneurs and global investors.

• In Cape Town, coworking communities have been integral to South Africa’s fintech boom.

With OfficePhase at the forefront, Lusaka is poised to follow a similar trajectory using coworking as a foundation for innovation and SME resilience.

Real Stats That Matter

To underline the impact, here are numbers that reflect the coworking opportunity for Lusaka SMEs:

• SMEs in Zambia contribute 70% of GDP and employ nearly 88% of the workforce.

• Coworking members globally report 30% higher productivity compared to working from home.

• 82% of SMEs say coworking helps reduce overhead risks.

• 64% of coworkers worldwide cite networking opportunities as the top benefit.

• In Lusaka, coworking costs are 40–60% lower than traditional leases, making it the most cost-effective option for small businesses.

These stats highlight why OfficePhase is not only relevant but necessary for Zambia’s SME ecosystem.

Conclusion: OfficePhase as a Growth Enabler

The rise of coworking is reshaping how businesses operate worldwide, and Lusaka is no exception. For SMEs, freelancers, and startups, OfficePhase provides more than office space it delivers affordability, flexibility, collaboration, and access to growth opportunities.

By reducing risk, fostering community, and connecting entrepreneurs to global networks, OfficePhase is driving a new era of business in Lusaka.

As Zambia continues its journey toward innovation and digital transformation, coworking will play a defining role. With OfficePhase leading the charge, SMEs now have the tools, infrastructure, and support they need to not just survive but to thrive.

Looking to grow your business without the burden of traditional office costs? Join the OfficePhase community today and experience how coworking can transform your entrepreneurial journey.