ZAMBIA’S SON AT OXFORD’S HELM

First Black Lord Mayor of Oxford pledges to use historic position to promote cooperation in education, investment, research and community development.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 6-08-2026 -- The first Black Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Chewe Munkonge, has pledged to use his historic position to promote stronger relations between Zambia and the United Kingdom, with a focus on expanding cooperation in education, investment, research and community partnerships.

Councillor Munkonge said his journey from humble beginnings in Zambia to one of Britain’s oldest civic offices should inspire young people to believe that opportunities are possible regardless of their background.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa at Cabinet Office in Lusaka, Councillor Munkonge said returning home was an emotional moment because Zambia shaped his character and provided the foundation for his journey.

“I am humbled to be the first Black Lord Mayor of Oxford for the 2026–2027 civic year. I am proud to have come from Zambia, and I want the relationship between Zambia and the United Kingdom to grow even stronger,” he said.

He said his achievement was a reminder to young Zambians that their dreams could be achieved wherever they are in the world.

“My humble beginnings and the education I received in Zambia have made me who I am today. I want every young person in Zambia to know that they can make it wherever they are. Coming back home makes this achievement even more special,” Councillor Munkonge said.

The Lord Mayor said he would use his office to encourage stronger links between Zambia and Oxford, particularly in education, investment and community development.

He said he would build on ongoing engagements aimed at expanding connections between institutions in Zambia and Oxford, including encouraging Zambian organisations based in Oxford to contribute to development initiatives.

Councillor Munkonge said Zambia has opportunities that could support greater economic engagement with Oxford, adding that partnerships between businesses and institutions in both countries could create mutual benefits.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between Zambian universities and Oxford-based institutions through research collaboration, academic exchanges and skills development programmes.

Receiving the delegation, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa congratulated Councillor Munkonge on his historic election as Oxford’s first Black Lord Mayor, describing the achievement as a proud moment for Zambia.

Mr Kangwa said the visit provided an opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation between Zambia and the United Kingdom, particularly through partnerships involving education, research and professional exchanges.

He said Government was interested in strengthening collaboration with Oxford-based institutions in areas such as higher education, public health research, climate science, agriculture and local governance.

Mr Kangwa said Oxford’s global reputation in education and research presented opportunities for Zambia to strengthen its institutions through academic partnerships, research initiatives and knowledge sharing.

He said cooperation in public health and medical research could contribute to efforts aimed at improving Zambia’s healthcare sector, while collaboration in climate science and agriculture could support responses to challenges affecting livelihoods and food security.

The Secretary to the Cabinet further encouraged the expansion of scholarship and fellowship opportunities to allow more Zambians to benefit from international education and research programmes.

On local governance, Mr Kangwa urged Councillor Munkonge to support continued engagement between Oxford and the City of Lusaka once a new Mayor assumes office after the August 13 General Elections.

He said cooperation between the two cities could create opportunities in areas such as sustainable urban development, trade and economic growth.

Mr Kangwa also thanked the United Kingdom for its support towards Zambia’s debt restructuring programme, saying the partnership had played an important role in supporting the country’s economic recovery efforts.

He said progress in areas such as inflation management, exchange rate stability and economic growth reflected Government’s reform efforts and cooperation with international partners.

Mr Kangwa recalled his long-standing relationship with Councillor Munkonge, saying the Lord Mayor had previously worked as an intern at his private company before he joined the Public Service.

He described Councillor Munkonge’s rise to Oxford’s highest civic office as an inspiration to Zambians at home and abroad.

“It is a proud moment for Zambia to host the first Black Lord Mayor of Oxford. We congratulate you on this historic achievement and wish you every success during your term of office,” Mr Kangwa said.

He added that President Hakainde Hichilema had encouraged Government institutions to engage skilled Zambians in the diaspora and explore ways their expertise and networks could contribute to national development.

Councillor Munkonge’s visit forms part of efforts to strengthen Zambia–United Kingdom relations through education, research, investment, public service cooperation and community partnerships.