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{{Featured article}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix  =
| name         = Edith Nawakwi
| name               = Edith Nawakwi
| image       = Edith Nawakwi portrait.jpeg
| image             = Edith Nawakwi portrait.jpeg
| caption       =  
| image_size        =
| birth_date    = {{Birth date|1959|06|27}}
| smallimage        = <!--If this is specified, "image" should not be.-->
| birth_place  = [[Monze]], [[Northern Rhodesia]] (now [[Zambia]])
| alt                =
| death_date   = {{Death date and age|2025|04|07|1959|06|27}}
| caption           = Edith Nawakwi in 2015
| death_place  = [[Lusaka]], [[Zambia]]
| order    =
| nationality   = Zambian
| office            = Minister of Finance
| education    = University of Zambia, Imperial College London
| term_start        = {{Start date|1997}}
| occupation    = Politician, Economist
| term_end          = {{End date|1999}}
| party         = [[Forum for Democracy and Development]] (FDD)
| appointer      =
| spouse        = Geoffrey Hambulo (deceased)
| president          = [[Frederick Chiluba]]
| children      = 6
| predecessor        =
| office       = Minister of Finance
| successor          =
| president    = [[Frederick Chiluba]]
| birth_name        = Edith Zewelani Nawakwi
| term_start    = 1998
| birth_date        = {{Birth year and age|1959}}
| term_end      = 1999
| birth_place        = [[Mwenzo]], [[Northern Province, Zambia|Northern Province]], Zambia
| predecessor  = [[Ronald Penza]]
| death_date         = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| successor    = [[Katele Kalumba]]
| nationality       = Zambian
| spouse            = Geofrey Hambulo
| children          = 3
| alma_mater         = {{plainlist|
*[[University of Zambia]]
*Imperial College London}}
| occupation        = {{hlist|politician|advocate}}
| profession       = Economist
| known_for          =
| religion          =
| awards            = <!-- For civilian awards - appears as "Awards" if | mawards= is not set -->
| module            =
}}
}}


'''Edith Zewelani Nawakwi''' (born {{circa|1959}}) is a Zambian politician and economist by profession. She is the first woman in [[Zambia]] to hold the post of [[Minister of Finance]] following her appointment in 1997. She is the President of the [[Forum for Democracy and Development]] under which she ran for president at the [[Zambian general election, 2016|2016 general election]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.africareview.com/special-reports/Meet-Zambia-sole-woman-presidential-contender/979182-3306730-cd54am/index.html|title=Meet Zambia's sole woman presidential contender|work=Africa Review|author=Michael Chawe|location=Lusaka, Zambia|date=22 July 2016|accessdate=29 August 2016}}</ref>
'''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==
==Early life and education==
Nawakwi was born in [[Mwenzo]], in [[Nakkonde]] [[Northern Province, Zambia|Northern Province]] of [[Zambia]]. She holds a degree in Agriculture Economics and Business Management from the [[University of Zambia]] and a post-graduate diploma in Economics of Energy and Development from Imperial College London, London.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zambian.com/zambia/directory/people/last-name-nn/html/edith-nawakwi-zambian.html|title=Edith Nawakwi|work=zambian.com|author=Eric Gondwe|date=|accessdate=30 August 2016}}</ref>
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.


==Career==
==Political career==
Her political career saw her join the [[Movement for Multi-Party Democracy]] (MMD) in 1990 and went on to hold various political positions including Minister of State for Energy & Water Development, Minister of Energy & Water Development, Minister of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries, Minister of Finance and Minister of Labour & Social Security between 1992 and 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zambianeye.com/archives/42898|title=The positive side of your candidates – Edith Nawakwi|work=Zambian Eye|author=David Kapoma|date=9 February 2016|accessdate=30 August 2016}}</ref>
Nawakwi's political journey began with the [[Movement for Multi-Party Democracy]] (MMD), where she held several key ministerial roles under President [[Frederick Chiluba]]:


In 2001, she and some ex-members of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy formed the [[Forum for Democracy and Development]] where she served as the party's secretary-general and vice-president before she was elected party president in 2005, making her the first woman in Zambia to achieve such feat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lusakavoice.com/2015/01/23/women-leaders-perform-badly-presidential-elections/|title=Why women leaders perform badly in presidential elections|work=[[Times of Zambia]]|publisher=[[Lusaka Voice]]|author=Hildah Lumba|date=23 January 2015|accessdate=30 August 2016}}</ref> In 2011, under the platform of the Forum for Democracy and Development, she was the only woman who contested in the [[Zambian general election, 2011|2011 general election]], placing seventh on the log with a total of 6,833 votes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newstimeafrica.com/archives/22573/edith-nawakwi-set-to-be-the-countrys-first-female-president|title=Edith Nawakwi – Set to be the country's first female President|work=News Time Africa|date=20 September 2011|accessdate=30 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://africacheck.org/factsheets/a-guide-to-zambias-presidential-candidates-and-their-promises/|title=FACTSHEET: Zambia’s presidential candidates and their promises|website=Africa Check|author=Paul Shalala|date=20 January 2015|accessdate=30 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.org.zm/media/28092011_public_notice_-_2011_presidential_election_results.pdf|title=2011 presidential election results|website=Electoral Commission of Zambia|date=28 September 2011|accessdate=30 August 2016}}</ref> She also contested in the [[Zambian presidential election, 2015|2015 presidential election]], placing third with a vote percentage of 0.92%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elections.org.zm/results/2015_presidential_election/candidate/nawakwi,edith,fdd|title=2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: National Totals / NAWAKWI, Edith Z NAWAKWI, EDITH Z|work=Electoral Commission of Zambia|date=|accessdate=30 August 2016}}</ref> In 2016, she ran for the presidency at the [[Zambian general election, 2016|2016 general election]] where she placed third, receiving a total of 24,149 votes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elections.org.zm/results/2016_presidential_election/candidate/nawakwi,edith,fdd|title=2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: National Totals / NAWAKWI, Edith Z NAWAKWI, EDITH Z|work=Electoral Commission of Zambia|date=|accessdate=30 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sardc.net/en/southern-african-news-features/edgar-lungu-re-elected-zambian-president/|title=Edgar Lungu re-elected Zambian president|work=Southern African Research and Documentation Centre|publisher=Southern African News Features|author=Kizito Sikuka|date=15 August 2016|accessdate=30 August 2016}}</ref>
* 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==
==Personal life==
She is married to Geofrey Hambulo with whom she has three children.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200505090661.html|title=Zambia: I'm Happily Married - Nawakwi|work=The Post|publisher=[[allAfrica]]|last=Malupenga|first=Amos|date=8 May 2005|accessdate=30 August 2016}}</ref> In January 2013, one of her daughters, Hatamba Hambulo was murdered. Her dumped body was found in a manhole in Ibex Hill with her hands and legs tied.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.zambiawatchdog.com/nawakwis-daughter-murdered/comment-page-1/|title=Nawakwi’s daughter murdered|work=[[Zambian Watchdog]]|date=9 January 2013|accessdate=30 August 2016}}</ref>
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 and State Funeral ==
Edith Zewelani Nawakwi died on 7 April 2025 at the age of 66, after a prolonged illness. She passed away at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she had been receiving specialist treatment.<ref>ZNBC News. "President Hichilema declares official funeral for Edith Nawakwi". 8 April 2025. https://znbc.co.zm/news/34372-2/</ref>
 
In recognition of her contributions to Zambia’s national development, President [[Hakainde Hichilema]] accorded her an official funeral. A day of national mourning was declared on Friday, 11 April 2025. Her body arrived in Lusaka on 10 April 2025 and she was laid to rest at [[Leopards Hill Memorial Park]] following a funeral service at the [[Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross]].<ref>Zambia Monitor. "Body of late Nawakwi arrives Lusaka ahead of state funeral". 10 April 2025. https://www.zambiamonitor.com/body-of-late-nawakwi-arrives-lusaka-ahead-of-state-funeral/</ref>
 
== Legal Challenges and Final Years ==
In her final years, Nawakwi faced a number of legal battles. She was involved in a high-profile case concerning the alleged abduction and threatening of Feluna and Milton Hatembo. Despite her poor health, the [[Lusaka Magistrates’ Court]] ruled that she had a case to answer and placed her on defence, with trial proceedings set to begin on 2 December 2024.<ref>Zambia Monitor. "Body of late Nawakwi arrives Lusaka ahead of state funeral". https://www.zambiamonitor.com/body-of-late-nawakwi-arrives-lusaka-ahead-of-state-funeral/</ref>
 
She was also preparing to call at least 75 witnesses in a separate case involving allegations of seditious practices. Her legal team informed the court of her medical unfitness to attend proceedings, resulting in several adjournments.<ref>Youth Village Zambia. "Zambia Mourns the Passing of Trailblazing Politician Edith Nawakwi". April 2025. https://youthvillagezm.com/2025/04/zambia-mourns-the-passing-of-trailblazing-politician-edith-nawakwi/</ref>
 
==See also==
* [[List of Zambian politicians]]
* [[List of finance ministers of Zambia]]
 
== Legacy and Tributes ==
Following her death, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. President Hichilema described Nawakwi as a trailblazer who dared to lead and shape Zambia’s political landscape.<ref>Lusaka Times. "President Hichilema Mourns Edith Nawakwi, Puts Humanity Before Politics". 7 April 2025. https://www.lusakatimes.com/2025/04/07/president-hichilema-mourns-edith-nawakwi-puts-humanity-before-politics/</ref>
 
Former President [[Edgar Lungu]] also expressed sorrow, noting her significant contributions to the nation’s development.<ref>Efficacy News Africa. "Zambians Mourn the Loss of FDD President Edith Nawakwi". April 2025. https://efficacynews.africa/2025/04/07/zambians-mourn-the-loss-of-fdd-president-edith-nawakwi/</ref>
 
As Zambia’s first female Minister of Finance and a long-time political leader, Edith Nawakwi’s legacy as a fearless advocate for democracy and development remains deeply influential.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
<references/>


===Other references===
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13949550 Zambia country profile – BBC News]
* [https://www.dw.com/en/edith-nawakwi-zambias-first-female-presidential-candidate/a-18251983 Deutsche Welle: Edith Nawakwi - Zambia's first female presidential candidate]
* [https://www.lusakatimes.com/2016/08/06/nawakwi-says-ready-rule-zambia/ Lusaka Times: Nawakwi says she is ready to rule Zambia]
* [https://www.zambiainvest.com/economy Edith Nawakwi's contributions as Finance Minister – ZambiaInvest]
* [https://www.lusakatimes.com/2025/04/07/fdd-president-hon-edith-zewelani-nawakwi-dies-at-66/ Lusaka Times: FDD President Hon. Edith Zewelani Nawakwi Dies at 66]


{{2011 presidential candidates, Zambia}}
==External links==
* [https://www.fddzambia.org Forum for Democracy and Development official website]


==Categories==
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:People of Zambia]]
[[Category:2025 deaths]]
[[Category:Zambian women in politics]]
[[Category:Zambian women in politics]]
[[Category:Finance Ministers of Zambia]]
[[Category:Government ministers of Zambia]]
[[Category:University of Zambia alumni]]
[[Category:University of Zambia alumni]]
[[Category:People from Northern Province]]
[[Category:Zambian economists]]
[[Category:Forum for Democracy and Development politicians]]
[[Category:Forum for Democracy and Development politicians]]
[[Category:Zambian economists]]
[[Category:People of Zambia]]

Latest revision as of 11:37, 4 June 2025

Edith Nawakwi
Office Minister of Finance
Term start 1998
Term end 1999
Predecessor Ronald Penza
Successor Katele Kalumba
Nationality Zambian
Political party Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD)
Residence
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 and State Funeral

Edith Zewelani Nawakwi died on 7 April 2025 at the age of 66, after a prolonged illness. She passed away at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she had been receiving specialist treatment.[1]

In recognition of her contributions to Zambia’s national development, President Hakainde Hichilema accorded her an official funeral. A day of national mourning was declared on Friday, 11 April 2025. Her body arrived in Lusaka on 10 April 2025 and she was laid to rest at Leopards Hill Memorial Park following a funeral service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross.[2]

In her final years, Nawakwi faced a number of legal battles. She was involved in a high-profile case concerning the alleged abduction and threatening of Feluna and Milton Hatembo. Despite her poor health, the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court ruled that she had a case to answer and placed her on defence, with trial proceedings set to begin on 2 December 2024.[3]

She was also preparing to call at least 75 witnesses in a separate case involving allegations of seditious practices. Her legal team informed the court of her medical unfitness to attend proceedings, resulting in several adjournments.[4]

See also

Legacy and Tributes

Following her death, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. President Hichilema described Nawakwi as a trailblazer who dared to lead and shape Zambia’s political landscape.[5]

Former President Edgar Lungu also expressed sorrow, noting her significant contributions to the nation’s development.[6]

As Zambia’s first female Minister of Finance and a long-time political leader, Edith Nawakwi’s legacy as a fearless advocate for democracy and development remains deeply influential.

References

  1. ↑ ZNBC News. "President Hichilema declares official funeral for Edith Nawakwi". 8 April 2025. https://znbc.co.zm/news/34372-2/
  2. ↑ Zambia Monitor. "Body of late Nawakwi arrives Lusaka ahead of state funeral". 10 April 2025. https://www.zambiamonitor.com/body-of-late-nawakwi-arrives-lusaka-ahead-of-state-funeral/
  3. ↑ Zambia Monitor. "Body of late Nawakwi arrives Lusaka ahead of state funeral". https://www.zambiamonitor.com/body-of-late-nawakwi-arrives-lusaka-ahead-of-state-funeral/
  4. ↑ Youth Village Zambia. "Zambia Mourns the Passing of Trailblazing Politician Edith Nawakwi". April 2025. https://youthvillagezm.com/2025/04/zambia-mourns-the-passing-of-trailblazing-politician-edith-nawakwi/
  5. ↑ Lusaka Times. "President Hichilema Mourns Edith Nawakwi, Puts Humanity Before Politics". 7 April 2025. https://www.lusakatimes.com/2025/04/07/president-hichilema-mourns-edith-nawakwi-puts-humanity-before-politics/
  6. ↑ Efficacy News Africa. "Zambians Mourn the Loss of FDD President Edith Nawakwi". April 2025. https://efficacynews.africa/2025/04/07/zambians-mourn-the-loss-of-fdd-president-edith-nawakwi/

Other references

Categories

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