Lusaka became the capital of Northern Rhodesia in 1935. The city figured prominently in the movement for independence and was where the Federation of African Societies founded the Northern Rhodesian Congress in 1948.

Lusaka is famous primarily as the capital and largest city of Zambia, serving as the country's political, economic, and diplomatic heart. It gained international prominence in the 1970s as a key hub for the liberation movements of Southern Africa; the "Lusaka Manifesto" and various peace talks hosted here were instrumental in the independence struggles of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Today, it is famous for its vibrant open-air markets, such as the Lusaka City Market, and its proximity to the Lusaka National Park, which is unique for being one of the few national parks located just outside a major capital city. It is also known as the "Gateway to Victoria Falls," as most international travelers use Lusaka as their primary entry point before connecting to Livingstone. Culturally, the city is a "melting pot" of Zambia's 72 ethnic groups, reflected in its diverse culinary scene and the Kabwata Cultural Village.