Lewanika I

His Highness Lewanika I

Born	18 July 1842 Lealui, Barotseland
Nationality	Barotse / British protectorate
Occupation	Litunga (Paramount Chief of Barotseland)
Years active	1878–1916
Known for	Establishing Barotseland as a British protectorate
Notable work	Strategic treaties with the British South Africa Company; consolidation of the Lozi kingdom
Awards
Children

His Highness Mulena Yomuhulu Mbumu wa Litunga Lewanika I (born Lubosi; 1842–1916) was one of the most consequential Litungas (kings) of Barotseland. He ruled during a critical period of European colonization in Southern Africa and is primarily remembered for placing his kingdom under British protection to safeguard it from Portuguese expansion and rival southern kingdoms.

Early life

Lewanika was born as Lubosi in 1842 at Lealui, the royal capital of Barotseland. He was a member of the Lozi royal family and ascended to the throne in 1878. During a brief interruption in 1884–1885, he was temporarily overthrown but reclaimed the throne, taking the royal name Lewanika, meaning "gatherer" or "conqueror of lands".

Reign (1878–1916)

Under Lewanika’s leadership, the Lozi kingdom reached its peak influence, extending sovereignty over parts of present-day Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Angola. He centralized authority, reformed administrative structures, and maintained diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms.

Key treaties

Lewanika is particularly known for negotiating treaties with the British, represented by Cecil Rhodes and the British South Africa Company (BSAC), to protect Barotseland.

Treaty	Date	Significance
Lochner Concession	1890	Granted BSAC exclusive mineral rights across Barotseland in exchange for annual subsidies and the kingdom being placed under British protection.
Lawley Concessions	1898 & 1900	Refined the terms of the relationship, confirming BSAC’s administrative role over North-Western Rhodesia while preserving Lewanika’s authority in the Barotse Valley.

Consequences

These treaties secured Barotseland’s status as a British protectorate, distinguishing it from surrounding territories. While they protected the kingdom from immediate threats, they gradually eroded Barotse sovereignty, granting the BSAC substantial economic and political control and laying the groundwork for incorporation into Northern Rhodesia, the predecessor to modern-day Zambia.

Legacy

Lewanika I remains a controversial historical figure. He is lauded for safeguarding Barotseland from external conquest but criticized for surrendering crucial economic and political control to the British. His reign established the framework for Barotseland’s unique status under colonial rule and influenced the kingdom’s later negotiations at Zambia’s independence.

Death

Lewanika I died in 1916 while still serving as Litunga. His son and successor continued his policies of balancing traditional authority with colonial pressures.

See also

• Barotseland
• Barotseland Agreement 1964
• Litunga
• British South Africa Company
• Northern Rhodesia

References

• Caplan, G. L. (1970). Barotseland: The Secessionist Challenge in Zambia. Praeger.
• Mutumba Bull, L. (1972). The Kingdom of Barotseland: A Historical Overview. Lusaka: Institute for African Studies.
• Roberts, A. D. (1976). A History of Zambia. Heinemann.
• Cammack, D. (1981). Barotseland under Lewanika. Lusaka: Zambian Historical Review.