Who is Edith Nawakwi?

By Eric Gondwe 

Edith Nawakwi is Zambia’s first elected woman president of a political party - the Forum for Democratic Development ((FDD) formerly led by retired army general, Christon Tembo). 

She was also Zambia’s first woman Minister of Finance, in 1998, after 33 years of Zambia's independence and the first in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. 

Nawakwi is among the women pioneers that opened the door for gender equality and representation in Zambian politics and development. Other pillars include Inonge Mbikusita Lewanika, Gwendolyn Konie and Professor Nkandu Luo (Zambia’s first woman professor). 

Born in 1958, Nawakwi has a degree in agriculture economics and business management and a post-graduate diploma in the economics of energy and development from the University of London Imperial College. Her tough minded personality has enabled her to survive the male-dominated political environment. 

Political Positions Held by Edith Nawakwi: 

* President - Forum for Democracy and Development (Apr 2005 - ) 

* Secretary General - Forum for Democracy and Development (2001 - 2001) 

* Vice President - Forum for Democracy and Development (2001 - 2005) 

* Minister of Labour & Social Security - Government of Zambia (1999 - 2001) 

* Minister of Finance - Government of Zambia (1997 - 1999) 

* Minister of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries - Government of Zambia (1996 - 1997) 

* Minister of Energy & Water Development - Government of Zambia (1993 - 1996) 

* Minister of State for Energy & Water Development - Government of Zambia (1992 - 1993)