100 Most Influential Zambians Of All Time

Zambia, a nation rich in history, culture, and resilience, has been shaped by numerous influential individuals across various sectors. From politics and business to sports, arts, and social activism, these remarkable Zambians have left an indelible mark on the country’s development and global presence. Their contributions have not only propelled Zambia forward but have also inspired generations to strive for excellence. In this list of the top 100 most influential Zambians of all time, we celebrate the legacies of these trailblazers, whose impact continues to resonate in every corner of the nation.

Politics and Leadership

1. Kenneth Kaunda – First President of Zambia, independence leader.
2. Levy Mwanawasa – Third President of Zambia, anti-corruption crusader.
3. Frederick Chiluba – Second President of Zambia.
4. Michael Sata – Fifth President of Zambia.
5. Edgar Lungu – Sixth President of Zambia.
6. Hakainde Hichilema – Current President of Zambia, businessman, and opposition leader.
7. Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe – Independence leader, Vice President.
8. Harry Nkumbula – Independence leader.
9. Godfrey Miyanda – Former Vice President, military officer, and politician.
10. Emmanuel Kasonde – Politician, economist, and former Minister of Finance.
11. Vernon Mwaanga – Diplomat and politician.
12. Grey Zulu – Former Minister and freedom fighter.
13. Mutale Nalumango – Vice President of Zambia, former Minister of Education.
14. Nevers Mumba – Politician, former Vice President, and religious leader.
15. Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika – Politician, founder of the MMD.
16. Mainza Chona – First Prime Minister of Zambia.
17. Rueben Kamanga – First Vice President of Zambia.
18. Nkandu Luo – Politician, academic, and former Minister.
19. Inonge Wina – Former Vice President of Zambia.
20. Moses Katumbi – Governor of Katanga Province in DR Congo, influential Zambian businessman.

Business and Entrepreneurship

21. Andrew Sardanis – Businessman, journalist, and politician.
22. Hakainde Hichilema – Businessman and politician, now President of Zambia.
23. James Ndambo – Business tycoon and philanthropist.
24. Roberto Banda – Business magnate and founder of Madison Financial Services.
25. Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda – Founder of Heritage Party, former Vice President.
26. Charles Milupi – Politician, engineer, and businessman.
27. Mark O’Donnell – Businessman, property developer, and hotelier.
28. Dr. Rajan Mahtani – Businessman and founder of Finance Bank Zambia.
29. Peter Cottan – Entrepreneur and founder of the Galaxy of Peace Church.
30. Andrew Sardanis – Businessman, journalist, and historian.

Arts and Culture

31. Maureen Lilanda – Renowned Zambian singer and cultural icon.
32. Gloria Huwiler – Actress and singer.
33. Pompi – Gospel musician and social influencer.
34. Mampi – Zambian pop singer and entertainer.
35. Chanda Mbao – Hip-hop artist and entrepreneur.
36. Rikki Ililonga – Musician and pioneer of Zamrock.
37. Angela Nyirenda – Folk musician and cultural ambassador.
38. B Flow – Musician, activist, and social influencer.
39. Mutinta Michelo – Television personality and media influencer.
40. Sampa the Great – Internationally acclaimed musician and rapper.

Sports

41. Kalusha Bwalya – Former footballer, coach, and FAZ President.
42. Samuel Matete – Olympic silver medalist and world champion in 400m hurdles.
43. Esther Phiri – Professional boxer and world champion.
44. Godfrey Chitalu – Legendary footballer.
45. Kennedy Mweene – Renowned Zambian goalkeeper.
46. Christopher Katongo – Captain of the 2012 AFCON-winning team.
47. Patson Daka – Professional footballer playing in Europe.
48. Charly Musonda – Zambian footballer and father of footballers in Europe.
49. Emmanuel Mayuka – Professional footballer, part of the 2012 AFCON team.
50. Felix Bwalya – Former boxing champion.

Social Activism and Philanthropy

51. Princess Nakatindi Wina – Freedom fighter and politician.
52. Chilufya Tayali – Social commentator and politician.
53. Laura Miti – Human rights activist and social commentator.
54. Chibesa Kankasa – Women’s rights activist and freedom fighter.
55. Nkandu Luo – Advocate for women’s rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.
56. Lucy Sichone – Human rights lawyer and activist.
57. Josephine Sikazwe – Women’s rights activist.
58. Rev. John Mambo – Clergyman and social activist.
59. Father Frank Bwalya – Priest and political activist.
60. Yvone Chaka Chaka – Singer, philanthropist, and activist with influence in Zambia.

Media and Journalism

61. Edem Djokotoe – Renowned journalist and media trainer.
62. Chanda Chimba III – Investigative journalist.
63. Frank Mutubila – Veteran broadcaster and journalist.
64. Richard Sakala – Journalist and editor of the Daily Nation.
65. Amos Chanda – Journalist, former presidential spokesperson.
66. Chansa Kabwela – Journalist known for her activism.
67. Fred M’membe – Journalist, founder of The Post newspaper.
68. Anthony Mukwita – Author and journalist, former ambassador to Germany.
69. Geoffrey Mwamba – Media proprietor and businessman.
70. Doreen Mukanzo – Broadcaster and journalist.

Religion

71. Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo – Controversial Catholic Archbishop and faith healer.
72. Bishop Telesphore Mpundu – Prominent Catholic Bishop.
73. Dr. Nevers Mumba – Televangelist and former Vice President.
74. Pastor Isaac Phiri – Influential religious leader.
75. Bishop Joe Imakando – Founder of Bread of Life Church International.
76. Pastor Danny Pule – Politician and religious leader.
77. Father Justin Zulu – Catholic priest and social activist.
78. Reverend Pukuta Mwanza – Leader of the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia.
79. Bishop Joshua Banda – Leader in the Pentecostal Assemblies of God.
80. Pastor Joshua Banda – Influential religious leader and activist.

Academia and Education

81. Professor Nkandu Luo – Academic, microbiologist, and former Minister of Education.
82. Professor Clive Chirwa – Engineer and academic.
83. Professor Oliver Saasa – Economist and academic.
84. Professor Lameck Goma – Environmentalist and academic.
85. Professor Mwanalushi – Renowned academic and educationist.
86. Dr. Dambisa Moyo – Economist, author, and international public speaker.
87. Professor Kenneth Mwenda – Legal scholar and academic.
88. Dr. Caleb Fundanga – Economist and former Bank of Zambia governor.
89. Dr. Vernon Mwanga – Academic and public policy expert.
90. Professor Royson Mukwena – Academic and political scientist.

Law and Justice

91. Ireen Mambilima – Former Chief Justice of Zambia.
92. Mumba Malila – Justice of the Supreme Court.
93. Mutembo Nchito – Former Director of Public Prosecutions.
94. Florence Mumba – First female judge on the Supreme Court of Zambia.
95. Albert Wood – Renowned legal practitioner.
96. Lillian Fulata Shawa-Siyuni – Current Director of Public Prosecutions.
97. Martha Mushipe – Prominent lawyer and political figure.
98. Patrick Matibini – Lawyer, academic, and Speaker of the National Assembly.
99. Elias Chipimo Sr. – Lawyer, former Solicitor General.
100. Eric Silwamba – Lawyer and former Minister of Justice.

The influence of these 100 remarkable Zambians transcends their individual achievements. They have collectively shaped the course of Zambia’s history, culture, and future, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come. Their stories remind us of the power of determination, innovation, and leadership in transforming a nation. As Zambia continues to evolve, the contributions of these influential figures will remain a testament to the nation’s enduring spirit and potential.