Famous Zambian Leaders

Kenneth Kaunda is a Zambian former politician. He served as the first president of Zambia from 1964 to 1991. A major figure in Zambia’s struggle for independence from British rule, he became the first president of independent Zambia. As the president, he implemented many educational and economic reforms to accelerate the rate of modernization in the country.

Michael Sata was a Zambian politician best remembered for his service as the fifth President of Zambia from 2011 until his death in 2014. He also served as the leader of a major political party called the Patriotic Front (PF). A social democrat, Michael Sata was praised for his strong values and admirable abilities as a politician. 

Frederick Chiluba was a Zambian politician best remembered for his service as the President of Zambia from 2 November 1991 to 2 January 2002. After leaving office, he became the subject of an arduous investigation regarding alleged corruption. He even went on trial and was acquitted in 2009.

Former Zambian president Rupiah Banda is known for his efforts to reduce corruption. Born in Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, he was sponsored by a preacher and later studied at the Rusangu University in Zambia. He made headlines when he married his second wife, who was 30 years his junior.

Inonge Wina is a Zambian politician who became the highest ranking woman in Zambian history in 2015 when she was elected to serve as the Vice President of Zambia, a position which she held until 2021. An important politician, Wina has also served as the Minister of Gender and Child Development and as the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs.

Victoria Kalima was a Zambian politician best remembered for her service as the Minister of Gender from 6 October 2016 until her death on 11 June 2018. During her political career, Victoria Kalima spoke against social evils such as child marriages and was an activist against gender inequality.

Charlotte Harland Scott is a British-born Zambian social development and economic specialist. She is best known for her service as the Acting First Lady of Zambia from 2014 to 2015, during which her husband Guy Scott served as the interim president of Zambia.

Esther Lungu is a Zambian public figure best known for her service as the First Lady of Zambia from 2015 to 2021. During her tenure as Zambia's First Lady, Lungu focused on campaigns against child marriage. Esther Lungu is currently serving as the chairman of the Esther Lungu Foundation, which aims at empowering Zambian women and children.

Nkandu Luo is a Zambian politician and microbiologist. She is best known for her extensive research into HIV/AIDS at the University Teaching Hospital, where she was the former Head of Pathology and Microbiology. An important politician, Luo has held various ministerial offices, including the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Higher Education, and Ministry of Gender and Child Development.

Mainza Chona was a Zambian diplomat and politician. He is remembered for his service as the Vice-President of Zambia from October 1970 to August 1973. Mainza Chona also served as the first Prime Minister of Zambia from 25 August 1973 to 27 May 1975. He then served as the prime minister again from 20 July 1977 to 15 June 1978. 

Margaret Mwanakatwe is a Zambian politician best known for her service as the Minister of Finance from February 2018 to July 2019. Prior to holding the office of the finance ministry, Mwanakatwe served as the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry from 2015 to 2018. Previously, Margaret Mwanakatwe worked as a bank executive and accountant. 

Thandiwe Banda is a Zambian educator and political science teacher. She is also known as the widow of former President of Zambia, Rupiah Banda, as she served as Zambia's first lady during Rupiah Banda's presidential term from 19 August 2008 to 23 September 2011. Thandiwe Banda was the youngest First Lady in the history of Zambia. 

Sylvia Masebo is a Zambian politician and entrepreneur. She is best known for her service as the Minister of Health from 2005 to 2006. She first came into prominence in the 1990s when she served as the Deputy Mayor of Lusaka. In 2021, Sylvia Masebo was appointed as the Minister of Health, marking her second term in the office.

Christine Kaseba is a Zambian surgeon, physician, and politician. She is perhaps best known for her service as the First Lady of Zambia from 23 September 2011 until her husband President Michael Sata's demise on October 28, 2014. Christine Kaseba is currently serving as Zambian Ambassador to France. As a physician, she specializes in gynecology and obstetrics.

Brenda Muntemba was a Zambian diplomat who was involved in a fatal accident in 2019 when she was serving as the Zambian High Commissioner to Kenya. A multi-talented personality, she also worked as a teacher at Leopards Hill High School between 1993 and 1995. Brenda Muntemba also authored four motivational books before passing away at the age of 48.

Vera Tembo is a Zambian politician best known for her service as the First Lady of Zambia from 1991 to 2001. Her separation and eventual divorce from Frederick Chiluba attracted a lot of attention, an experience which she later termed as humiliating. Vera Tembo made a comeback in 2006 when she was elected to the National Assembly from Kasenengwa constituency.

Dora Siliya is a Zambian politician best known for her service as the former Minister of Communication and Broadcasting. An important politician, Siliya has also held various ministerial positions, such as the Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Energy and Water Development. In 2018, Dora Siliya was appointed as the Minister of Information by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

Edith Nawakwi is a Zambian politician and economist. In 1998, she became the first woman to serve as the Minister of Finance in Zambia. In 2005, Edith Nawakwi also became the first Zambian woman to serve as party president when she was elected as the president of the Forum for Democracy and Development.              

Chileshe Kapwepwe is a Zambian corporate executive and accountant. She is currently serving as the Secretary General of a regional economic community in Africa called the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. Chileshe Kapwepwe has also served on the boards of Zambia Revenue Authority, the Bank of Zambia, and the Zambia Privatization Trust Fund.

Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika is a Zambian diplomat and politician. In 2003, she was selected as the Zambian Ambassador to the USA. In 2006, Lewanika was named ambassador of the year. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika started her career as a teacher and worked as a lecturer and professor at the University of Zambia prior to her career as a diplomat and politician. 

Princess Kasune is a Zambian politician and AIDS activist. In 2016, she became the first National Assembly member to publicly disclose her HIV-positive status. Since then, Princess Kasune has been an important AIDS activist and educator.

Nakatindi Wina was a Zambian politician best remembered for her service as the Minister for Community Development and Social Welfare from 1993 to 1994. From 1992 to 1993, Nakatindi Wina also served as the Minister of State for Tourism.

Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II is a Zambian politician. Apart from fulfilling the traditional role as chieftainess of the Soli people of Chongwe District, Nkomeshya also serves as an important member of the United National Independence Party. From 1979 to 1986, Nkomeshya also served as the Minister of State of Home Affairs.

Gwendoline Konie was a Zambian diplomat, politician, and poet. She is best remembered for her service as the Zambian ambassador to the United Nations, Scandinavia, and Germany. Gwendoline Konie is also credited with forming her own political party called the Social Democratic Party, which she founded in 2000 to focus on issues faced by women and children.

Catherine Namugala is a Zambian politician best known for her service as the Minister of Tourism and the Environment from 2008 to 2011. In 2010, her work as the minister of tourism was recognized as she was honored with the African Tourism Minister Of The Year Award. Catherine Namugala is currently serving as the First Deputy Speaker.

Jean Kapata is a Zambian politician best known for her service as the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. She also previously served as the Minister for Tourism and Arts. In an attempt to boost tourism in Zambia, Jean Kapata lifted the ban on big-game hunting cats while serving as the Minister for Tourism and Arts.

Nakatindi Yeta Nganga was a Zambian politician who was elected as a member of the National Assembly in 1964, becoming one of the first women to be elected to the National Assembly. Nakatindi Yeta Nganga was also the first female junior minister of Zambia.    

Mutumba Mainga is a Zambian politician and historian. The first Zambian woman to earn a PhD, Mainga is also the first woman from Zambia to work as a lecturer at the University of Zambia. An important politician, Mutumba Mainga is also the first woman from Zambia to serve as a full Cabinet Minister.

Sylvia Bambala Chalikosa is a Zambian politician and the current Minister of Works and Supply. Prior to her political career, Sylvia Bambala Chalikosa worked at SawPower Company Limited as an accountant.       

Gladys Nyirongo is a Zambian politician best known for her service as the former sports minister. She also served as the Lands Minister from 2006 until her suspension in 2007; she was accused of corruption which led to her suspension. Subsequently, Gladys Nyirongo was found guilty of misusing her position as the Lands Minister. 

Besnat Jere was a Zambian politician who was elected to the National Assembly in 2002. An important member of the United National Independence Party, Besnat Jere was also a member of the African Parliament. Also a princess, Besnat Jere was one of the members of the Ngoni Royal Establishment.

Joyce Nonde-Simukoko is a Zambian politician and the current Minister of Labor and Social Security. Previously, she served as the president of a Zambian trade union centre called the Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia.