52 PEOPLE HELPING SHAPE THE FUTURE OF ZAMBIA
Who is changing Zambia, and what makes their contribution worth recognising?
Across boardrooms, rural communities, classrooms, laboratories, sports arenas and creative industries, Zambians are developing ideas, building institutions, creating opportunities and inspiring change. Through an independent editorial search, ARISE Africa Magazine has identified 52 Zambians whose work, leadership and achievements merit wider recognition.
Our aim is to spotlight people contributing to national development, challenging limitations and creating opportunities for others. Their stories can encourage the next generation to dream bigger, lead boldly and take part in building solutions for Zambia.
OUR EDITORIAL APPROACH
Our research considered publicly available professional biographies, organisational profiles, published reports, documented initiatives, professional recognition and evidence of contribution.
LEADERSHIP: The ability to guide people, institutions or initiatives towards meaningful goals.
INNOVATION: New ideas, approaches or solutions that respond to real challenges.
IMPACT: Evidence of contribution to communities, industries and national development.
INTEGRITY: Professional credibility, conduct and the availability of supporting evidence.
SUSTAINABILITY AND LEGACY: The potential to create lasting value beyond immediate achievements.
Community contribution, influence, sector diversity and different pathways to changemaking were also considered.
EDITORIAL NOTE: This is ARISE Africa Magazine’s independent editorial selection. It is not an official government list, popularity contest or ranking from 1 to 52. Inclusion recognises a person’s contribution and potential significance; it does not imply equal impact across all candidates.
MEET THE ARISE 52 CHANGEMAKERS
BUSINESS, GOVERNANCE, AGRICULTURE AND ECONOMIC LEADERSHIP
01. Chilekwa Mumba
Environmental justice advocate and Goldman Environmental Prize recipient, recognised for championing community-led action against mining-related pollution.
02. Monica Musonda
Founder and CEO of Java Foods, advancing local food manufacturing and strengthening Zambia’s food-production sector.
03. Linda Kasonde
Lawyer, governance advocate and founder of Chapter One Foundation, advancing human rights, constitutional democracy and accountable leadership.
04. Chanda Chungu
Legal practitioner and author specialising in employment and labour law, recognised for legal publications and pro bono service.
05. Mukwandi Chibesakunda
CEO and Managing Director of ZANACO, bringing extensive financial-sector experience to one of Zambia’s major banking institutions.
06. Grace Bwanali
Managing Director of Seed Co Zambia, contributing to seed production, agricultural development and the country’s farming sector.
07. Mfikeyi Makayi
CEO of KoBold Metals Africa, working at the intersection of mineral exploration, technology and responsible resource development.
08. Mizinga Melu
Senior banking executive and Managing Director of Absa Bank Zambia, with extensive experience in financial services and institutional leadership.
09. Jito Kayumba
Special Assistant to the President for Finance and Investment, with experience in private equity, investment advisory and business development.
10. Nkandu Beltz
Founder and Managing Director of Beltz Mining Limited, entrepreneur, author and philanthropist supporting mining, youth empowerment, women’s leadership and community development.
11. Nambula Kachumi
Founder and Executive Director of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Access Center, supporting women and young entrepreneurs to develop and grow their ventures.
12. Chilufya Mutale-Mwila
Co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of eShandi, working to expand access to digital financial services.
13. Linda Shachinda
Agribusiness entrepreneur associated with PV Farms–Beets, promoting value-added food products and agricultural opportunities for rural communities.
14. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe
Secretary-General of COMESA, contributing to regional economic integration, trade cooperation and African institutional leadership.
15. Hon. Kelvin Kaunda
Businessman, education entrepreneur and Member of Parliament for Lima Constituency; founder, proprietor and President and CEO of Eden University.
16. Komba Malukutila
Chief Executive Officer of MTN MoMo Zambia, working to advance digital financial services, mobile money innovation and financial inclusion.
17. Faith Mukutu
CEO of Zambeef Products PLC, leading a major Zambian agribusiness and food-production company.
18. Dingani Banda
Commissioner-General of the Zambia Revenue Authority, leading national tax administration and revenue collection.
19. Dr Denny H. Kalyalya
Governor of the Bank of Zambia, providing leadership in central banking, monetary policy and financial-system oversight.
20. Dr Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti
Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia and senior legal figure in the country’s parliamentary system.
21. Maggie Musanje Bukowa
Co-founder and CEO of CredorSave Services, advancing climate-smart agricultural finance and sustainable livelihoods for rural smallholder farmers.
TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
22. Dr Pooja Gupta
Technology and digital transformation professional working across artificial intelligence, technology consulting and innovation.
23. Lukonga Lindunda
Co-founder and Executive Director of BongoHive, supporting Zambia’s startup ecosystem and innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
24. Chitula Lukonde
Founder of Zanfit Enterprise, applying drone technology and aerial magnetic surveys to mineral exploration.
25. Matambila Karima-Chuunga
Cybersecurity professional associated with information security, digital risk management and the protection of digital systems.
26. Mable Chileshe
Founder of AmplifyHer in STEM and co-founder of Strong Buddies Foundation, advancing girls’ digital skills and youth wellbeing.
27. Niza Aritha Zulu
Co-founder and CEO of Bio-Green Technology, developing technology solutions for aquaculture and fish-farming management.
28. Evelyn Chilomo Kaingu
Co-founder and CEO of Lupiya, a fintech company working to expand digital financial services and access to credit.
EDUCATION, HEALTH, DISABILITY INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
29. Frankson Musukwa
Director-General of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities, working to advance disability inclusion and implementation of disability policy.
30. Hon. Princess Kasune Zulu
Zambian parliamentarian, humanitarian and HIV/AIDS advocate, recognised for her work in public service, health awareness, women’s empowerment and children’s rights.
31. Hon. Professor Roma Chilengi
Zambian epidemiologist, vaccinologist and public health leader serving as Minister of Health, bringing extensive experience in health research and public-health leadership.
32. Norris Mphanga
Teacher and entrepreneur with albinism whose achievements highlight disability inclusion, entrepreneurship and economic participation.
33. Kapampa Mwape
Founder and CEO of Kulanda House, developing children’s books and educational content that promote literacy and Zambian stories.
34. Dr Rozious Siatwambo
Founder and CEO of Great North Road Academy Group of Companies, education entrepreneur, author and philanthropist supporting education, rehabilitation, youth mentorship and community development.
35. Dr Daniel Ngombo Kabani
Pharmacist, consultant and educator whose professional interests span pharmaceutical practice, healthcare development and education.
36. Ignicious Bulongo
Co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Healthy Learners, helping connect schoolchildren to basic health services through trained teachers.
SPORTS AND NATIONAL INSPIRATION
37. Barbra Banda
Zambian international football star and Orlando Pride forward, recognised for her achievements and influence in women’s football.
38. Christopher Katongo
Former Chipolopolo captain who led Zambia to its historic 2012 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
39. Patson Daka
Zambian international striker whose professional career has taken him to major European football leagues.
40. Fashion Sakala
Captain of the Zambia national football team, Chipolopolo, and professional forward for Al-Fayha in Saudi Arabia.
41. Muzala Samukonga
Olympic bronze medallist and Zambian 400-metre sprinter who set a national record at the Paris 2024 Games.
MEDIA, BROADCASTING AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
42. Costa Mwansa
Chief Visionary Officer of Diamond Media and Diamond TV, a journalist and media entrepreneur advancing broadcasting, African storytelling and media innovation.
43. Yo Maps (Elton Mulenga)
Zambian singer, songwriter and music producer whose work has helped shape contemporary Zambian popular music.
44. Chanda Kangwa (Roxy Zambia)
Media personality and entrepreneur associated with 8O8 Communications Network and initiatives that recognise achievement.
45. Frank Nchimunya Sibbuku
Filmmaker, scriptwriter and executive producer known for creating the Zambian drama series Mpali.
46. Oscar Chavula
Media entrepreneur and Group Chairperson of Hot FM Zambia, with leadership experience in the country’s broadcasting industry.
47. Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya
Zambian journalist with the BBC World Service and recipient of the 2022 BBC News Komla Dumor Award.
LITERATURE, ENVIRONMENT AND YOUTH LEADERSHIP
48. Namwali Serpell
Zambian-born novelist, literary scholar and Harvard University professor whose writing has received international recognition.
49. Dr Musonda Mumba
Environmental scientist and Secretary-General of the Convention on Wetlands, contributing to wetland conservation and global environmental policy.
50. Natasha Mwansa
Youth advocate and founder of the Natasha Mwansa Foundation, championing child rights, girls’ rights and women’s health.
51. Chomba Mwansa
Founder and CEO of MERAKI, a Zambian food and hospitality business that has grown from a home-based venture into a wider enterprise.
52. Brighton Kaoma
Environmental activist and co-founder of Agents of Change, promoting youth participation in climate action and environmental education.
WHY THIS LIST MATTERS
Changemaking is not confined to political office, corporate leadership or international recognition. It can be seen in a business creating jobs, a scientist advancing public health, an advocate defending rights, an entrepreneur opening markets for farmers, an athlete inspiring a nation or a young leader creating opportunities for others.
Through ARISE 52, we aim to document contributions, amplify credible stories and encourage more Zambians especially young people to see themselves as active participants in the country’s future. Recognition should do more than celebrate success: it should document impact, inspire action and preserve stories worth passing on.
ARISE Africa Magazine will continue to verify biographies, current professional titles and reported achievements as the editorial process advances.
ARISE AFRICA MAGAZINE
Inspiring a generation to rise.