SPOTLIGHT: In a world where governance, entrepreneurship, and policy often exist in silos, Chipokota Mwanawasa stands out as a dynamic leader seamlessly bridging these spheres. A lawyer by training, a cattle rancher by trade, and the Policy Advisor to the President of Zambia, Mwanawasa is a true embodiment of modern African leadership—driven, innovative, and deeply committed to creating a lasting impact.

Chipokota Mwanawasa currently serves as the Deputy Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit under the leadership of His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia. In her role, she plays a pivotal part in advising and ensuring the government’s priorities are effectively executed, helping Zambia navigate critical national and global challenges.

Before stepping into her role in the Zambian government, Mwanawasa built a successful corporate career as Legal Officer and Executive Assistant to the Vice-President of Human Capital at one of Africa’s largest integrated copper mines. Her legal acumen and strategic insight in commercial law set her apart early on.

However, Mwanawasa’s story does not stop at boardrooms or government offices. She is also an agri-entrepreneur who transformed an innovative livestock crowd-farming venture into a thriving meat retail SME. Through this enterprise, she has created jobs, offered grants, and provided training to youth and women in Zambia’s agricultural sector, contributing to both economic empowerment and food security.

Mwanawasa’s success is underpinned by a stellar academic career. She holds:

• MSc in Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• LLM in Commercial Law from the University of Cape Town
• LLB in English and French Law from the University of Kent

Her education, bolstered by a 2018 Chevening Scholarship, laid the groundwork for her expertise in governance, legal frameworks, and sustainable development.

Mwanawasa’s intellectual curiosity also led her to co-author the paper Elections in Africa: Preparing a Democratic Playbook with the South African think-tank, The Brenthurst Foundation. Her research and writing continue to contribute to conversations on democracy and policy in Africa.

In her current role, Mwanawasa has emerged as a strong advocate for critical minerals, emphasizing their importance to the future of green energy and advanced technologies like AI. At the Wilson Center Africa Program, Mwanawasa shared Zambia’s vision of becoming a global leader in meeting the surging demand for minerals like copper—an essential element in the energy transition.

“Make no mistake: copper is the future. Make no mistake: critical minerals are the future,” Mwanawasa declared, highlighting the need for innovation and sustainability in mining.

She detailed Zambia’s bold steps toward creating a Sovereign Wealth Fund, a strategy aimed at ensuring that the country’s mineral wealth translates into savings for future generations while delivering benefits today. Her message underscored the urgency of moving Africa beyond being merely a supplier of raw materials toward a hub for processed goods and technological innovation.

Mwanawasa’s entrepreneurial ventures reflect her belief in inclusive economic development. As a cattle rancher and agri-business owner, she has led initiatives aimed at improving nutrition in underprivileged communities while creating sustainable livelihoods. By empowering youth and women in agriculture, she is helping to build a sector that remains central to Africa’s economic growth and food security.

Chipokota Mwanawasa’s work reflects a powerful vision for Zambia and Africa as a whole—one that embraces innovation, sustainability, and equitable growth. Her advocacy for leveraging critical minerals to fuel green energy and technological advancements aligns with the mission of Elevate Africa: to transform the continent into a global leader in value addition and innovation.

As Mwanawasa puts it:
“Together, we can drive innovation and sustainability in this important sector.”

Through her leadership in policy, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, Chipokota Mwanawasa is not only inspiring a new generation of African leaders but also laying the groundwork for a prosperous and sustainable Africa.