Zambia’s former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa has passed away at the age of 61. She died late Tuesday after a brief illness at a hospital in Lusaka, her family confirmed. Mwanawasa, who was married to Zambia’s third President Levy Mwanawasa, served from 2002 until his death in 2008, was known for her advocacy in social justice, community development, and public health.
Trained as a lawyer, Maureen Mwanawasa co-owned a law firm with her husband before he entered politics. She played a significant role in his successful presidential campaign in 2001 and was viewed as a potential successor after his death. However, she chose not to pursue a political career following his passing. In 2016, she made an unsuccessful bid for the position of Lusaka mayor.
Mwanawasa was a founding member and former president of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS, now known as the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development. Her contributions to community development were recognized with several awards, including the International Hope Award from World Vision in 2006.
President Hakainde Hichilema expressed his condolences, describing her death as a “deep shock” and urging the nation to unite in prayer during this period of mourning. Nevers Sekwila Mumba, leader of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), praised her legacy, stating, “May her legacy of hardworking, kindness, compassion, and dedication to our nation continue to inspire us.”
As Zambia reflects on her contributions, the nation mourns the loss of a prominent advocate and former first lady whose impact on social and public health issues was widely acknowledged.
