By Ollus Ndomu
In an intriguing business shift, Zambian sex workers, increasingly known as ‘Slay Queens’ in the country’s capital, Lusaka, have implemented a dramatic reduction in service charges, providing clients with a temporary pricing alteration as the festive season approaches.
The adjustment in rates aims to accommodate the economic challenges faced by both providers and clients amidst the country’s profound financial struggles.
New pricing structure reveals a significant change in the industry, with short-time services marked down to as low as K25, while whole-night services are offered within the range of K135 to K320, varying based on the body type of the service provider.
This pricing adjustment has garnered attention and serves as a direct response to the harsh economic environment created by austerity measures and an unprecedented debt burden faced by the nation.
In Lusaka, the evolution of this industry, now fondly referred to as ‘Slay Queens,’ is notably linked to the surging number of individuals participating in the world’s oldest profession, and this growth is a clear consequence of the challenging economic conditions gripping the nation, compelling these individuals to adapt and restructure their business strategies to navigate financial hardships.
Amid the economic crisis, often perceived as taboo and sidestepped in national discussions, sex work has become a pivotal source of livelihood for numerous young women and single mothers across the country.
The trade’s adaptation in pricing not only reflects the reality of harsh economic circumstances but also underscores the pivotal role that this sector plays in providing financial sustenance for a segment of the population in distress.
New adjustment in service charges by Zambian sex workers comes against a backdrop of stringent austerity measures enforced by the government to alleviate the significant debt burden—the worst in the nation’s history.
This economic strain has perpetuated financial difficulties for many, driving individuals towards creative business adaptations to maintain their financial stability.
While the subject of sex work remains a sensitive and evasive topic in Zambian public discourse, the recent pricing adjustments offer a snapshot of the industry’s adaptability and the economic realities faced by those involved and the reduction in service fees serves as a unique response to the economic hardships witnessed in the country, providing insights into how these ‘Slay Queens’ are adjusting to navigate the financial challenges posed by the country’s economic adversities.
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