Zambian ranch hits international property market

Knight Frank’s Zambian office has just launched a large ranching property that could appeal to the increasing number of investors targeting international farmland.

The Foresythe Estate near Zimba, about 280 miles from the capital Lusaka, includes over 19,425ha (48,000) acres of land and currently supports 4,200 head of Bonsmara/Sussex/Boran cross cattle.

It is guided at US$7m (about £4.6m) with the cattle available for a further US$3.75m.

Knight Frank’s Tanya Ware said it was very rare for a ranch of this size and quality to come up for sale, and interest was building.

“The ranch has been run efficiently and makes a healthy annual profit. However, there is no shortage of water and lots of scope to increase its profitability even more. There is huge demand for beef from the mines in Zambia and the best quality meat even gets exported to Europe,” she said.

Although many would regard Africa as a high-risk investment, Mrs Ware said the Zambian government was actively encouraging foreign buyers.

Andrew Shirley, head of Rural Research at Knight Frank, added: “Africa has huge potential for those who select the right assets and are prepared to take a hands-on approach to their investment.” (Knight Frank 020 7861 5040)