Edith Nawakwi
Edith Nawakwi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 1998 – 1999 | |
| President | Frederick Chiluba |
| Preceded by | Ronald Penza |
| Succeeded by | Katele Kalumba |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 27, 1959 Monze, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) |
| Died | April 7, 2025 (aged 65) Lusaka, Zambia |
| Nationality | Zambian |
| Political party | Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) |
| Spouse(s) | Geoffrey Hambulo (deceased) |
| Children | 6 |
| Education | University of Zambia, Imperial College London |
| Occupation | Politician, Economist |
Edith Zewelani Nawakwi (27 June 1959 – 7 April 2025) was a Zambian politician and economist. She made history as the first woman to serve as Zambia's Minister of Finance from 1998 to 1999, and was also the first woman in the Southern African region to hold this position. As the president of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), a party she co-founded in 2001, Nawakwi was a trailblazer for women's participation in Zambian politics, becoming the first woman to run for the presidency.
Early life and education
Nawakwi was born on 27 June 1959 in Monze District, then part of Northern Rhodesia. She pursued higher education at the University of Zambia, earning a degree in Agricultural Economics. Furthering her studies, she obtained a postgraduate diploma in economics from Imperial College London.
Political career
Nawakwi's political journey began with the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), where she held several key ministerial roles under President Frederick Chiluba:
- Deputy Minister of Energy & Water Development (1992)
- Minister of Energy & Water Development (1994–1997)
- Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (1997–1998)
- Minister of Finance (1998–1999)
In 2001, she departed from the MMD and played a pivotal role in establishing the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD). She ascended to the position of party president in 2005, marking another first for women in Zambian politics. Nawakwi contested the presidential elections in 2011, 2015, and 2016, breaking new ground as Zambia's first female presidential candidate.
Advocacy and public life
Beyond her political roles, Nawakwi was a staunch advocate for women's rights, democracy, and economic development. She championed increased female participation in governance and worked extensively in both the private sector and with civil society organizations to promote social justice and economic reforms.
Personal life
Nawakwi was married to Geoffrey Hambulo, a businessman who tragically passed away in a road traffic accident in 2013. The couple had six children together.
Death
Edith Nawakwi passed away on 7 April 2025 at the age of 66, after a prolonged illness. She died at Coptic Hospital in Lusaka, where she had been receiving medical care. Her health had been deteriorating over the past two years, necessitating multiple trips to India for specialist treatment. Plans were underway to evacuate her for further medical attention abroad, but her condition worsened in recent weeks, leading to her hospitalization.
See also
References
- Zambia country profile – BBC News
- Deutsche Welle: Edith Nawakwi - Zambia's first female presidential candidate
- Lusaka Times: Nawakwi says she is ready to rule Zambia
- Edith Nawakwi's contributions as Finance Minister – ZambiaInvest
- Lusaka Times: FDD President Hon. Edith Zewelani Nawakwi Dies at 66