Edith Nawakwi
| 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]
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.[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
- ↑ ZNBC News. "President Hichilema declares official funeral for Edith Nawakwi". 8 April 2025. https://znbc.co.zm/news/34372-2/
- ↑ 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/
- ↑ 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/
- ↑ 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/
- ↑ 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/
- ↑ 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
- 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
