Francis Kaunda
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Francis Kaunda | |
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 | |
| Born | c. 1930s |
| Died | 31 October 2020 |
| Nationality | Zambian |
| Education | Munali Secondary School |
| Alma mater | Howard University, Georgetown University |
| Occupation | Economist, Industrialist, Civil Servant |
| Known for | Former CEO of Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) |
Notable work | Things to Remember Not to Forget |
Francis Herbert Kaunda (c. 1930s – October 2020) was a Zambian industrialist, economist and public servant best known for his leadership of Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) during the peak of Zambia’s post-independence industrial era. He was a key figure in the country’s mining sector and played a significant role in Zambia’s economic development during the 1970s and 1980s.
Early life and education
Kaunda was born in the 1930s and attended Munali Secondary School in Lusaka. He initially pursued medical studies at the University of Ghana in 1961 but was persuaded by future president Kenneth Kaunda to switch to social sciences to support Zambia’s emerging government.
He later studied at Howard University in the United States, graduating in 1966 with a degree in Economics and Political Science. He also attended summer programs at Georgetown University, which was known for training future African leaders. During his time abroad, Kaunda engaged with global civil rights and independence leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Sam Nujoma of Namibia.
Career
Upon returning to Zambia, Kaunda joined the civil service and rose through the ranks to become Secretary to the Cabinet. He was later appointed chairman of the Zambia Industrial and Mining Corporation (ZIMCO), a conglomerate that consolidated the country’s major parastatal enterprises.
In the 1980s, he became chairman and CEO of Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM), overseeing one of the world’s largest copper mining operations at the time. Under his leadership, ZCCM played a central role in Zambia’s economy, though it also faced challenges due to fluctuating global copper prices and economic pressures.
Legal issues
In 2008, Kaunda was convicted of abuse of office and conspiracy to defraud in connection with his tenure at ZCCM. He was sentenced to two years in prison with hard labour.[1]
Writings
In his later years, Kaunda authored an autobiography titled Things to Remember Not to Forget, reflecting on his life, career, and experiences during Zambia’s formative years.[2]
Death
Francis Kaunda passed away in 31 October 2020. He is remembered as a significant figure in Zambia’s industrial history and for his contributions to the nation’s development during the post-independence period.