List of Presidents of Zambia: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Zambia from 1964 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Zambia, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Zambia: Hakainde Hichilema (in office since 2021).

Presidents of Zambia in order, with years in office

Kenneth Kaunda

Served: 1964–1991

First president of independent Zambia; left office in 1991 when the country returned to multiparty democracy.

Frederick Chiluba

Served: 1991–2002

Former trade unionist who won the 1991 election and served two terms.

Levy Mwanawasa

Served: 2002–2008

Chiluba's chosen successor; died in office on 19 August 2008.

Rupiah Banda

Served: 2008–2011

Vice president who became acting president, then won the October 2008 election; lost to Michael Sata in 2011.

Michael Sata

Served: 2011–2014

Patriotic Front leader who defeated Banda in 2011 and died in office on 28 October 2014.

Guy Scott

Served: 2014–2015 (acting)

Vice president who served as acting president for 89 days after Sata's death.

Edgar Lungu

Served: 2015–2021

Won the 2015 by-election and the 2016 election; lost to Hichilema in 2021.

Hakainde Hichilema

Served: 2021–present

Businessman who won the 2021 election; re-elected in August 2026 with 61.4% of the vote and sworn in on 1 September 2026.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Zambia

Who is the current president of Zambia?

The current head of state of Zambia is Hakainde Hichilema, in office since 2021.

Who were the previous presidents of Zambia?

The presidents and heads of state of Zambia listed on this page, in order, are: Kenneth Kaunda, Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda, Michael Sata, Guy Scott, Edgar Lungu, Hakainde Hichilema.

Who was the first president of Zambia?

Kenneth Kaunda was the first president of Zambia, in office 1964–1991.

Sources: Wikipedia, President of Zambia and List of presidents of Zambia; Archontology.org, Zambia: Heads of State; news reports on the August 2026 election (checked Nov 2026). Includes all presidents since 1964, with the acting president labelled.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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