The Sisters of Mercy first arrived in Zambia in 1971 when three Irish Sisters of Mercy became missionaries in the Monze Diocese. At first, they worked as volunteers with other religious congregations, and additional Sisters of Mercy from Ireland and Newfoundland were inspired to follow in years to come.

In 1982 a mission was opened by the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise in in the Diocese of Chipata. A total of 14 sisters ministered there during the 12 years of the mission. They worked in the areas of education and health care before handing the mission over to native sisters.

Today, Zambia forms a Region affiliated to the Northern Province of the Congregation of Sisters of Mercy (Ireland), and there are six sisters from Ireland ministering there. They operate in three areas of southeastern Zambia: (1) Kaleya Community, Mazabuka; (2) Lyzyalo, Mazabuka; and (3) Buckley Estate, Lusaka.

The Sisters of Mercy are involved in a diversity of ministries in Zambia. There is a significant focus on responding to HIV/AIDS and its impact on people of the country. The Mercy community is involved in teaching, training teachers, and coordinating food programmes for school children. In addition to these ministries, Sisters of Mercy are involved in home visitation, hospital visitation, and prison visitation; parish ministry; serving on the diocesan catechetical team; spiritual direction and retreat ministry; and coordinating a women’s centre.