Here are brief, clear comparison comments and demographic trends drawn directly from the 2024–2025 Zambia Service Year Reports.
1. Overall Growth Trend
Zambia experienced strong, accelerated theocratic growth in 2025 compared to 2024.
Average publishers rose from 228,281 to 253,206 — an increase of 24,925 publishers.
Percentage increase improved from 8% (2024) to 11% (2025), showing faster growth momentum.
Comment: Jehovah is clearly blessing the preaching work with increasing responsiveness, not just steady growth.
2. Population Coverage & Field Effectiveness
Population slightly declined from 21.315 million to 21.177 million.
Publisher-to-population ratio improved from 1:93 to 1:84.
Comment: Despite a stable population, the message is reaching more people per publisher, indicating better coverage and effectiveness in the field.
3. Baptisms & Spiritual Progress
Baptisms increased from 18,073 (2024) to 20,634 (2025).
This reflects a 14% rise in baptisms, outpacing population change.
Comment: Not only are more people studying, but a higher proportion are making dedication and baptism, showing depth, not just interest.
4. Pioneer Strength & Workforce Maturity
Average pioneer publishers rose from 23,330 to 27,548.
That is an increase of 4,218 pioneers in one year.
Comment: The growth is being supported by a stronger core of full-time ministers, which stabilizes congregations and fuels further expansion.
5. Congregational Expansion
Congregations increased from 3,654 to 3,908 (+254 congregations).
Comment: Organizational growth is keeping pace with publisher increase, preventing overcrowding and improving shepherding care.
6. Bible Studies vs. Memorial Attendance
Average Bible studies rose from 421,860 to 450,950.
Memorial attendance decreased slightly from 1,085,831 to 1,046,891.
Comment: While Memorial attendance dipped slightly, the increase in ongoing Bible studies shows more sustained, long-term interest, not just seasonal attendance.
7. Demographic & Social Trends Reflected
Zambia continues to have a young, receptive population, especially in urban and peri-urban areas.
Growth in pioneers and baptisms suggests:
Strong youth engagement
Family-based studies
Increased retention from Bible study to baptism
Comment: The work in Zambia is shifting from broad interest to disciple-making, reflecting spiritual maturity in the field.
Summary Comment (One-Sentence)
The 2025 service year shows that despite stable population figures, Zambia is experiencing accelerated spiritual growth marked by stronger field coverage, increased baptisms, more pioneers, and expanding congregational structure—clear evidence of Jehovah’s blessing on the work.