President Edgar Lungu’s Appointment of 30 Cabinet Ministers and 10 Provincial Ministers

President Edgar Lungu’s formation of his Cabinet—comprising 30 Ministers and 10 Provincial Ministers—marked a significant step in structuring Zambia’s governance priorities under Article 116 (1)(2) of the Constitution. This configuration reflected a strategic alignment of national development goals with ministerial expertise, ensuring that key sectors such as finance, health, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and education were placed under experienced leadership.

This article provides an in-depth, structured overview of the appointed ministers, the importance of each ministry, and the broader implications for Zambia’s administrative and developmental trajectory.

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National Cabinet Ministers: Roles and Strategic Importance

1. Finance – Felix Mutati

Felix Mutati’s appointment placed him at the helm of economic management, budget policy, fiscal responsibility, and debt strategy. The Ministry of Finance traditionally oversees macroeconomic stability, investment climate improvement, and public financial oversight—critical areas for Zambia’s long-term growth.

2. Commerce and Industry – Margaret Mwanakatwe

Given Zambia’s drive toward industrial diversification and SME development, Mwanakatwe’s role involved shaping trade policy, strengthening industrial competitiveness, and creating an enabling business environment.

3. Foreign Affairs – Harry Kalaba

Tasked with representing Zambia on the international stage, Kalaba managed diplomatic relations, regional integration within SADC, and foreign policy formulation.

4. Health – Dr. Chitalu Chilufya

Dr. Chilufya oversaw national healthcare delivery, hospital administration, disease prevention strategies, and public health programs—especially crucial in improving national health indicators.

5. National Planning – Lucky Mulusa

A pivotal ministry focused on development planning, long-term national strategies, and monitoring implementation of Zambia’s development frameworks.

6. Defence – Davies Chama

Responsible for national security, military readiness, and defence policy.

7. Labour and Social Security – Joyce Nonde

Nonde guided labour relations, employment standards, pension systems, and worker protections.

8. Home Affairs – Stephen Kampyongo

Oversaw domestic security, immigration, policing, and internal administration.

9. Agriculture – Dora Siliya

Siliya’s position covered food security, crop diversification, livestock development, and agricultural export policy.

10. Local Government – Vincent Mwale

Local governance, municipal infrastructure, and decentralization policies were under Mwale’s leadership.

11. Chiefs and Traditional Affairs – Lawrence Sichalwe

Focused on traditional governance systems, cultural preservation, and engagement with customary authorities.

12. Lands – Jean Kapata

Handled land allocation, management systems, and land reform.

13. Gender – Victoria Kalima

Responsible for gender equality policies, women empowerment programs, and national strategies against gender-based violence.

14. Higher Education – Nkandu Luo

Oversaw universities, tertiary institutions, research policy, and educational reform.

15. Youth and Sport – Moses Mawere

Mawere’s portfolio included youth empowerment, skills development, and national sports programs.

16. General Education – Dennis Musuku Wanchinga

Managed basic and secondary education, curriculum reform, and school infrastructure.

17. Information and Broadcasting – Chishimba Kambwili

Responsible for media policy, national broadcasting, and public communication.

18. Justice – Given Lubinda

Oversaw legal reforms, judiciary policy, and constitutional matters.

19. Mines and Mineral Development – Christopher Yaluma

A critical ministry due to Zambia’s mining-driven economy, covering mining regulation, exploration, and mineral resource management.

20. Communication and Transport – Brian Mushimba

Managed ICT policy, postal systems, road transport, aviation, and communication infrastructure.

21. Tourism and Arts – Charles Banda

Handled tourism development, cultural preservation, and arts promotion.

22. Infrastructure – Ronald Chitotela

Oversaw roads, bridges, public buildings, and national construction projects.

23. Energy – David Mabumba

Tasked with electricity policy, energy diversification, and fuel sector oversight.

24. Fisheries and Livestock – Michael Katambo

Focused on livestock development, fish farming, and sectoral modernization.

25. Presidential Affairs – Freedom Sikazee

Facilitated coordination of government operations directly connected to the Presidency.

26. Office of the Vice President – Sylvia Bambala Chalikosa

Managed disaster response systems, humanitarian programs, and high-level administrative support.

27. Water Development and Sanitation – Lloyd Mulenga Kaziya

Oversaw water supply systems, sanitation projects, and clean water policies.

28. National Guidance – Rev. Godfridah Sumaila

Promoted national values, ethics policies, and civic responsibilities.

29. Works and Supply – Mathew Nkhuwa

Handled government assets, public procurement systems, and maintenance of state facilities.

30. Community Development – Emerine Kabanshi

Focused on social welfare programs, poverty reduction, and community-level empowerment projects.

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Provincial Ministers: Strengthening Local Governance

The ten Provincial Ministers provided leadership across Zambia’s regions, serving as key links between central government and local administrative structures.

1. Central Province – Sydney Mushanga
2. Copperbelt Province – Bowman Lusambo
3. Luapula Province – Nixon Chilangwa
4. Muchinga Province – Malozo Sichone
5. Northern Province – Brian Mundubile
6. Eastern Province – Makebi Zulu
7. Lusaka Province – Japhen Mwakalombe
8. North-Western Province – Richard Kapita
9. Southern Province – Edify Hamukale
10. Western Province – Nathaniel Mubukwanu

Provincial Ministers act as coordinators of regional development programs, implementers of national policies, and representatives of local interests in the central government.

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Broader Implications of the Cabinet Structure

President Lungu’s appointments demonstrated strategic attempts to:

• Balance political representation across regions
• Place critical economic sectors under seasoned leadership
• Strengthen governance structures through specialized ministries
• Enhance sector-specific development such as energy, mining, education, and infrastructure
• Improve decentralization through empowered Provincial Ministers

This Cabinet structure laid the foundation for reforms, economic stability efforts, and governance continuity.

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The appointment of 30 Cabinet Ministers and 10 Provincial Ministers by President Edgar Lungu represented a structured and deliberate approach to national governance. Each ministry plays a vital role in Zambia’s development architecture, and the appointed leaders were positioned to implement key policies, manage national resources, and support long-term socio-economic progress.