Founded on 14 September 2008, Trans Bantu Zambia (TBZ) officially became a registered entity in August 2012. TBZ was officially recognised as a company limited by guarantee by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA). To kick things off, they had some support from the Transitioning Africa (TA) project. Their first strategic plan was supported by the Transitioning Africa (TA) project, of which TBZ was one of the small number of trans organisations that were recipients of the TA sub-granting initiative.

In their early days, TBZ used an info brochure to spread awareness and advocate for their cause. Their vision was crystal clear — they aimed for a fair world where everyone’s rights were respected. They wanted equality and fairness to be the norm, with justice accessible and enjoyed by everyone, including transgender and intersex individuals.