Zambia is in mourning again, as the nation bids farewell to a distinguished economist and former Minister of Finance and National Planning, Hon. Ng’andu Peter Magande. The 76-year-old statesman, whose remarkable journey from humble beginnings to international leadership has inspired many, succumbed to a short illness, according to family members (more details later).
Hon. Magande, who served as Minister of Finance during Levy Patrick Mwanawasa’s presidency, had been hospitalized for the past few weeks, battling the ailment with unwavering resilience. His passing marks the end of an era for Zambia, as he leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and economic expertise that has left an indelible mark on the country.
Magande, an economist by profession, played a pivotal role in shaping Zambia’s economic landscape. He served as the Minister of Finance and National Planning of the Republic of Zambia from 2003 to 2008, a period during which he made significant contributions to the nation’s financial stability and growth.
Recently, Hon. Magande had been actively engaged in promoting his memoir, titled “The Depth of My Footprints.” This memoir chronicles the remarkable journey of a young boy who, in the remote and rugged Zambezi Escarpment of southern Zambia, tended cattle and watched over forlorn millet fields. It vividly narrates how this same boy would go on to become one of Zambia’s most charismatic, powerful, and intelligent economists and a global leader.
Magande’s ascent from these humble beginnings to his leadership role in the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP), representing countries from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, is a testament to his unparalleled determination and dedication to public service.
During his political career, Magande served as a Member of Parliament for Chilanga Constituency from 2006 until 2010. He was a member of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) and played a key role in the National Executive Committee, where he served as Chairperson of the Committee on Economy and Finance.
His educational journey began at Namaila, Chikankata, and Munali Schools before he pursued higher education at the University of Zambia, where he graduated with a degree in Economics and Mathematics in 1970. His academic pursuits didn’t stop there; Magande continued to excel by obtaining a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.
Magande’s illustrious career in the civil service commenced in 1971 as a freshman. He served as an economist in the Ministry of Rural Development from 1972 to 1980 and subsequently held the position of Secretary in the Department of Economics within the Zambia National Service.
His achievements led to his appointment as the Director of Budget in the Ministry of Finance. From 1983 to 1986, he assumed the role of Permanent Secretary for various ministries, including Commerce, Industry & Trade, Decentralisation (Central Province), Agriculture & Rural Development, and the National Commission for Development Planning.
Following his distinguished service in the government sector, Magande transitioned to the parastatal sector from December 1986 to March 1991. During this period, he served as the Managing Director of Lima Bank Limited, a newly incorporated development bank. He later took on the role of Executive Director at the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia (INDECO).
From November 1991 to May 1993, Magande managed the Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZNCB), the largest commercial bank in the country. Subsequently, he became the Executive Director of the Zambia Industrial & Mining Company Ltd (ZIMCO).
In May 1994, he made the shift to the private sector, working as a consultant. Later, in June 1994, he returned to government service as a Project Coordinator for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries, under technical assistance from the African Development Bank.
Magande’s influence extended to the international stage when, from July 1996 until February 2000, he served as the Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. His extensive expertise allowed him to undertake consultancy work for various organizations, including SADC, COMESA, AU, UNDP, MEFMI, Maxwell Stamp, IMANI, and the governments of Zambia and Malawi between 2000 and 2003.
His dedication to global development continued, as from July 2011 to May 2012, he joined a 23-person global think tank established by the Centre for Global Development (CGD) in Washington DC, USA, to deliberate on “The Future of the International Development Association (IDA)” of the World Bank.
Ng’andu Peter Magande’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, both in Zambia and on the global stage. His remarkable journey from a young boy in the remote Zambian wilderness to a celebrated economist and leader is an inspiration for generations to come. Zambia will remember his contributions, and his legacy will continue to shape the nation’s economic and political landscape for years to come
Rip sir. You did your best and I respect you unlike the hateful upnd thugs who don’t respect those that came before them
You dont know the meaning of RESPECT
He deserved be president than your ECL.
When a person dies, people find it so hard to say the truth. This is the man who wanted to become MMD President and struck a deal with Mmembe so that The Post would support him to get the MMD Nominations. Magande was willing to let off Mmembe from paying the overdue taxes. RB won the nomination beating Magande and refused to let off Mmembe from paying taxes. That in the end let to the hatefulness Mmembe had on RB. Magande was a crook. He was willing to become the President at the cost of short-changing Zambians and let a crook like Mmembe walk scot-free. Lets not forget the dirty deal at DBZ Bank.
My deepest condolences to the family
He had an illustrious career. He wasn’t a thief. Condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace
RIP GALLANT MAN OF THE SOIL.
Why are so many prominent people dying of the? Is the Satanist at work sacrificing people. This story of humble beginnings is becoming boring. Magande never save as “Minister of Finance and National Planning”. He save as “Minister of Finance”. The National Planning part was added recently these failures who are making Zambians by Mealie Meal at k300, fertilizer at k1200 not to mention fuel.
These are names that will be difficult to erase in books of history of Zambia.The best finance minister Zambia will ever have. A finance minister who would tell the president to cut down his international movements because money was not there. Great brain that called a spade a spade not a spoon. He was beyond bootlicking and appeasement. When the history of our nation is being rewritten, his name will never be forgotten.
Hambakahle!!kwaheli!!lalanokhuthula!!Go well Mr Magande.
A real economic giant has fallen. May God guide his spirit
So sorry to learn the former Finance Minister is no more. He was humble and dedicated to his work. He was more deserving of the Zambian Presidency than what we have today. His CV speaks for him.
Go well sir. I personally learnt a lot from you. You define selfless, dedicated and disciplined leadership. RIP.
Rip gallant leader
What a loss, Mr Magande will surely be missed. MHSRIP
RIP great economist, great son of the soil.
The criminal PF wiped out all your achievements.
1) GDP growth at 7%
2) Total national debt of only $2billion
3) Exchange rate of K3.3 per USD$ 1 ( unrebased K3,300)
We have to start all over again
Yes..The HIPC guy,,,Farewell
Magande was a true national RIP
An illustrious record indeed but only blemished by the GIVING AWAY KCM to VEDENTA without
the company bringing any DOLLAR A ALL, but paying from our own COPPER sold a London Stock
Exchange. RIP, but future generation shall never forget the KCM SAGA.
One of the best Finance Ministers that this Country has ever had. MHSRIP and may the bereaved family be comforted in the Lord.
Our primary school curriculum needs to be revised to include names like Magande. Not aya ma rubbish ati David Livingstone discovered Vic falls.
My children will definitely know about him.True son of the nation. Even those that are not yet born will.
REF: Wikipedia.
Please give credoit to sources otherwise it is called plegiarism.
If Jesus Christ died in Zambia, some would still accuse him if having been a crook, philanderer and corrupt who cut deals with Judas Iscariot to sell an expensive perfume. That’s how bad we are. We’re all sinners and only God knows which skeletons we keep in our closets. Magande was a good man
@@ Ba Ayatollah
You are entitled to your opinion. Magande was not an Angel and not perfect.
Why bring in Jesus when in the past you have said, you dont believe in God.
If you dont believe in God and religion then Jesus does not exist for you…………………………..
Best FM ever! He was supposed to have taken over after Levy but due to the latter’s untimely death he was dribbled by RB. If he had indeed taken over after levy today Zambia would have been another singapore.
How was he dribbled by RB when RB was the Vice President and according to the Constitution, the Vice President assumes the Office of President upon the incumbent being incapacitated? If he was scheming to pull a fast one on RB then that was an illegal act. Moreover, his failure to support RB is what partly led to PF slipping in – and the rest is history.
Rip… great man
Sad indeed, rest in eternal peace great son of the soil.
This is shocking! Isn’t it last when he issued a statement…..urging the Zambian youths to work hard?
Go well Sir, You did your best. Best Finance Minister Zambia produced. MHSRIP
A giant tree has fallen!
Rip the son of the soil
Sad news, 76 is young. His resume is quite impressive and he had an illustrious career serving his country. My condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace!
RIP PROFESSOR MAGANDE