Edith Nawakwi passed away during her cancer treatment in South Africa. She led the Forum for Democracy and Development party in Zambia until her death. Many remember her as a groundbreaker who made history as the first woman to serve as finance minister across all Southern African nations. Her amazing life journey took her through government service, political leadership, and major economic changes for her country.
She came into this world on June 24, 1959, in the small community of Mwenzo, located in the Northern Province's Nakonde District. Her sharp mind helped her become an excellent economist before she jumped into politics. Back in 1990, she helped create the Movement for Multi-party Democracy, quickly climbing to important roles. She won an election as a Member of Parliament for Nakonde, serving from 1990 until 2001, then represented the people of Munali from 2001 through 2006.
Her career smashed through glass ceilings at every turn. She first worked as Deputy Minister for Energy and Water Development before taking over the full minister job from 1992 to 1996. Later, she ran the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries. Her biggest achievement came in 1997 when she became Finance Minister - no woman had ever held this powerful position before in Zambia or anywhere else in the Southern African Development Community region.
She came into this world on June 24, 1959, in the small community of Mwenzo, located in the Northern Province's Nakonde District. Her sharp mind helped her become an excellent economist before she jumped into politics. Back in 1990, she helped create the Movement for Multi-party Democracy, quickly climbing to important roles. She won an election as a Member of Parliament for Nakonde, serving from 1990 until 2001, then represented the people of Munali from 2001 through 2006.
Her career smashed through glass ceilings at every turn. She first worked as Deputy Minister for Energy and Water Development before taking over the full minister job from 1992 to 1996. Later, she ran the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries. Her biggest achievement came in 1997 when she became Finance Minister - no woman had ever held this powerful position before in Zambia or anywhere else in the Southern African Development Community region.
