Best Forex Trading Platforms In Zambia 2024

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Written By
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Written By
Michael MacKenzie
Michael is a writer and editor with over a decade in journalism and publishing. His niche lies in editing and fact-checking content in the financial services sector, with a focus on online brokers and trading platforms. Michael previously reported on politics and economics in the Middle East and edits books for established publishers.
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Edited By
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James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. He has worked as a management consultant, where he delivered large-scale operational transformational programmes at some of Europe's biggest banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
Updated

The regulatory frameworks of the Bank of Zambia and the country’s Securities & Exchange Commission are still evolving, with many local investors turning to platforms regulated in other reputable jurisdictions to trade currencies online.

Discover the best forex brokers accepting traders in Zambia. Every platform has been tested by our experts and offers convenient funding for traders making deposits in Zambian Kwacha (ZMW).

5 Top Forex Trading Platforms In Zambia

Based on our evaluations, these 5 platforms excel for forex traders in Zambia:

  1. Vantage - Vantage offers 55+ currency pairs - above the industry average, so experienced traders can explore plenty of opportunities. Vantage's deep liquidity pool provides forex spreads from 0.0 pips in the ECN account, lower than many alternatives. There are also no commissions, deposit fees or hidden charges.
  2. IC Markets - IC Markets maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot.
  3. AvaTrade - AvaTrade offers 50+ currency pairs with competitive spreads from 0.9 pips and zero commissions. You can trade majors, minors and exotics around the clock on industry-leading platforms, including MT4 and MT5. Traders can also access beginner-friendly trading tools and comprehensive forex education.
  4. FOREX.com - FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering over 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $5 commission per $100k, it stands out. Moreover, its SMART Signals help to identify price behaviors across numerous major currency markets.
  5. Pepperstone - Pepperstone offers ultra-competitive forex spreads averaging 0.12 pips on EUR/USD in the Razor account, accompanied by a diverse portfolio comprising 100+ currency pairs - an extensive selection surpassing most competitors. Additionally, Pepperstone distinguishes itself by offering three currency indices (USDX, EURX, JPYX), not commonly found among alternative platforms. Pepperstone has now won our annual 'Best Forex Broker' award twice.

Best Forex Trading Platforms In Zambia 2024 Comparison

Best Forex Trading Platforms In Zambia 2024 Comparison
Broker Forex Assets EUR/USD Spread Forex App Rating Minimum Deposit Regulator Visit
Vantage logo
55+ 0.0
$50 FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC Visit
IC Markets logo
75 0.02
$200 ASIC, CySEC, FSA Visit
AvaTrade logo
50+ 0.9
$100 ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM Visit
FOREX.com logo
80+ 1.2
$100 NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA Visit
Pepperstone logo
100+ 0.1
$0 FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB Visit
XM logo
55+ 1.6
$5 ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA Visit
Eightcap logo
50+ 0.0
$100 ASIC, FCA, xCySEC, SCB Visit
PrimeXBT logo
45+ Variable
$0 - Visit
IQ Option logo
60+ 14 pips
$10 - Visit
IG logo
80+ 0.8
$0 FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA Visit
BDSwiss logo
50+ 1.2
$10 FSC, FSA Visit
FxPro logo
70+ 1.58 pips (Ave)
$100 FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSC Visit
FXCC logo
70+ 0.2
$0 CySEC Visit
XTB logo
70+ 1.0
$0 FCA, CySEC, KNF, CNMV, DFSA, FSC Visit
Plus500 logo
60+ 0.6
$100 FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, MAS, FSA, FSCA, FMA, EFSA Visit

#1 - Vantage

Why We Chose Vantage

Vantage offers 55+ currency pairs - above the industry average, so experienced traders can explore plenty of opportunities. Vantage's deep liquidity pool provides forex spreads from 0.0 pips in the ECN account, lower than many alternatives. There are also no commissions, deposit fees or hidden charges.

"Vantage remains an excellent option for CFD traders seeking a tightly-regulated broker with access to the reliable MetaTrader platforms. The fast sign-up process and $50 minimum deposit make it very straightforward to start day trading quickly."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.5
  • EURUSD Spread: 0.0
  • EURGBP Spread: 0.5
  • Total Assets: 55+
  • Leverage: 1:500
  • Platforms: ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade

About Vantage

Founded in 2009, Vantage offers trading on 1000+ short-term CFD products to over 900,000 clients. You can trade Forex CFDs from 0.0 pips on the RAW account through TradingView, MT4 or MT5. Vantage is ASIC-regulated and client funds are segregated. Copy traders will also appreciate the range of social trading tools.

Pros

  • There’s an excellent suite of day trading software, including the award-winning platforms MT4 and MT5
  • Vantage caters to hands-off investors with beginner-friendly social trading via ZuluTrade & Myfxbook
  • The ECN accounts are very competitive with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $1.50 commission per side

Cons

  • It's a shame that some clients will need to register with the offshore entity, which offers less regulatory protection
  • A steep $10,000 deposit is needed for the best trading conditions, which include the $1.50 commission per side
  • The average execution speeds of 100ms to 250ms are slower than alternatives based on tests

#2 - IC Markets

Why We Chose IC Markets

IC Markets maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot.

"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.23
  • EURUSD Spread: 0.02
  • EURGBP Spread: 0.27
  • Total Assets: 75
  • Leverage: 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade

About IC Markets

IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.

Pros

  • With ultra-fast execution speeds averaging 35 milliseconds and deep liquidity, IC Markets provides an optimal trading environment for scalpers, hedgers, and algorithmic traders.
  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
  • You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.

Cons

  • There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
  • Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.

#3 - AvaTrade

Why We Chose AvaTrade

AvaTrade offers 50+ currency pairs with competitive spreads from 0.9 pips and zero commissions. You can trade majors, minors and exotics around the clock on industry-leading platforms, including MT4 and MT5. Traders can also access beginner-friendly trading tools and comprehensive forex education.

"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • GBPUSD Spread: 1.5
  • EURUSD Spread: 0.9
  • EURGBP Spread: 1.5
  • Total Assets: 50+
  • Leverage: 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
  • Platforms: WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade

About AvaTrade

AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.

Pros

  • Automated trading is supported through MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs), as well as the AvaSocial and DupliTrade tools
  • The broker’s unique risk management tool, AvaProtect, protects against losses up to $1 million and is easy to activate in the platform
  • The broker offers reliable 24/5 multilingual customer support with fast response times during testing

Cons

  • There’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders
  • Traders from the US are not accepted
  • It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here

#4 - FOREX.com

Why We Chose FOREX.com

FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering over 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $5 commission per $100k, it stands out. Moreover, its SMART Signals help to identify price behaviors across numerous major currency markets.

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • GBPUSD Spread: 1.3
  • EURUSD Spread: 1.2
  • EURGBP Spread: 1.4
  • Total Assets: 80+
  • Leverage: 1:200 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral

About FOREX.com

Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.

Pros

  • There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
  • With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
  • Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.

Cons

  • There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
  • FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.

#5 - Pepperstone

Why We Chose Pepperstone

Pepperstone offers ultra-competitive forex spreads averaging 0.12 pips on EUR/USD in the Razor account, accompanied by a diverse portfolio comprising 100+ currency pairs - an extensive selection surpassing most competitors. Additionally, Pepperstone distinguishes itself by offering three currency indices (USDX, EURX, JPYX), not commonly found among alternative platforms. Pepperstone has now won our annual 'Best Forex Broker' award twice.

"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.4
  • EURUSD Spread: 0.1
  • EURGBP Spread: 0.4
  • Total Assets: 100+
  • Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade

About Pepperstone

Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.

Pros

  • Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
  • Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
  • There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.

Cons

  • Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
  • Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
  • There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.

How We Rate Forex Trading Platforms In Zambia

There are several key components we consider when rating forex brokers, notably:

Trust

Despite increasing interest in forex trading among Zambians, like many African countries, there are a limited number of local brokers regulated by the Bank of Zambia or the nation’s Securities & Exchange Commission.

However, if you choose to trade currencies with a global broker, it’s important to pick a platform that’s authorized by another trusted regulator, such as the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia or SEC in the US. This will help protect you from forex trading scams and safeguard your Zambian Kwacha.

We only recommend forex trading platforms to investors in Zambia that we trust after balancing the strength of their regulatory credentials with their years in the industry and the direct experiences of our researchers during the testing process.

  • IG shines as the most trusted forex broker for Zambian traders. Not only does it hold 13 licenses but it boasts over 50 years in the industry, a listing on the London Stock Exchange, and our experts have traded real money on the platform with no withdrawal issues.

Forex Platforms

The top forex brokers in Zambia offer user-friendly platforms that allow you to analyze market trends and identify opportunities in African currencies and those further afield.

We’ve been testing forex brokers for many years and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 remain the most widely supported options. However, we don’t love their outdated designs which we think pose a steep learning curve for newer traders.

Instead, aspiring currency traders may prefer the bespoke platforms offered by several leading forex brokers. Alternatively, TradingView sports slick aesthetics with insights into eight currency pairs with the ZMW, including ZMW/USD, ZMW/EUR and ZMW/ZAR.

TradingView platform showing list of ZMR forex pairs

  • Pepperstone offers a terrific selection of platforms helping it secure our ‘Best Forex Broker’ award twice, including MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView. It also provides Smart Trader Tools with 28 indicator and expert advisor add-ons for MetaTrader.

Currency Pairs

We analyzed our 400-strong database of forex trading platforms and Zambian Kwachas (ZMW) are not commonly traded. However, regional currencies like South African Rands (ZAR) are widely available and most brokers carry a good selection of major, minor and exotic pairs.

Most of our top forex trading platforms offer at least 50 currency pairs, but some of the best options support over 80 forex assets, catering to a diverse range of short-term trading strategies.

  • Forex.com continues to offer among the widest selections of currency pairs for Zambian traders, with over 80 assets coupled with ultra-fast execution speeds of 20ms and tight spreads from 0.0 pips, catering to day traders.

Trading Fees

We score every broker on their trading fees, recording and analyzing spreads on popular currency pairs, including the EUR/USD. This allows us to identify the lowest-cost forex trading platforms for short-term traders.

We also factor in non-trading fees, such as conversion costs if depositing funds from Zambian Kwachas to an account based in another currency, such as US Dollar, which is highly likely as very few firms support ZMW accounts.

Finally, we balance pricing against the trading tools and insights provided. This is because it can be worth paying more for economic calendars that highlight upcoming interest rate decisions from Zambia’s central bank, for example, which can impact currency values.

Economic calendar showing upcoming forex announcements from Zambia central bank

  • Year after year IC Markets stands out for its terrific forex pricing. We’ve experienced their zero-pip spreads on popular currency pairs first-hand, while their volume rebates for active traders and fast execution speeds also help forex traders secure the best prices.

Account Funding

We favor Zambian forex brokers with accessible minimum deposits, allowing traders of all levels to start speculating on currencies online.

Our extensive industry experience and comprehensive directory of forex brokers show most leading platforms accept Zambian traders with a minimum deposit of <250 USD, equivalent to around 6,500 KMW.

However, budget-conscious Zambians can even get started with no minimum at some forex trading platforms – among the highest rated being Pepperstone.

💡
With data from Statista showing the digital payments sector is growing in Zambia, and mobile payments securing the largest share of the market, choose a broker with convenient payment methods, such as local wire transfers and in-app deposits.

Methodology

To find the top forex brokers for Zambia, we identified all the platforms that accept Zambian traders and then ranked them by their overall rating, which factors in important areas, notably:

DayTrading.com broker testing methodology overview

  • Authorization from respected regulators, if not by Zambia’s Central Bank or Securities & Exchange Commission, then trusted bodies in other jurisdictions.
  • A wide selection of currency pairs, including those of interest to Zambian traders like African currencies and majors with the US Dollar.
  • Convenient deposits for Zambian traders, including affordable minimum deposits and secure payment methods.
  • Intuitive forex platforms that we enjoy using with real-time data and tools to help discover short-term trading opportunities.
  • Excellent pricing with low spreads and commissions with no hidden charges for forex trading.

FAQ

Forex trading is permitted in Zambia with residents able to speculate on currencies through online brokers.

You should also make sure you’re aware of tax obligations when trading currencies, in line with the Zambia Revenue Authority.

Who Regulates Forex Trading Platforms In Zambia?

The Bank of Zambia and the Securities & Exchange Commission oversee the financial markets, including forex trading participants.

However, the country’s regulatory framework remains underdeveloped compared to many other jurisdictions with a limited number of locally-registered brokerages to choose from. As a result, many Zambians trade currencies through forex brokers regulated elsewhere.

How Much Money Do I Need To Start Trading Forex In Zambia?

Our findings show most forex trading platforms in Zambia accept investors with an initial deposit of up to 250 USD, around 6,500 KMWs. The most affordable forex brokers go considerably lower, however, and Pepperstone even has no minimum.

Article Sources

The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com