The Untold Story of My Role at the Levy Mwanawasa Foundation: A Legacy of Vision and Values

In 2016, I was approached about an idea—an idea rooted in rebuilding and amplifying the values that former President Levy Mwanawasa instilled in Zambia and across Africa. Back then, it was just an intriguing thought brewing among a few key individuals. The approach was simple and unassuming, but the mission it hinted at was grand. I remember telling them, “I’ll think about it.”

It wasn’t until Ms. Maureen Mwanawasa, the former First Lady, personally painted the vision that I fully grasped the depth of the opportunity before me. It wasn't just about remembering a man; it was about preserving and spreading the core values President Mwanawasa stood for—integrity, justice, accountability—across generations. That’s when I said yes.

But there was one condition. I would only join if I had the creative freedom to explore, to innovate, to experiment. After all, rebuilding a legacy is no small feat, and I didn’t want to play it safe. I wanted to think bigger.

The Vision: Dream Big, Build Bigger

My vision was straightforward—dream as big as we intend. When you’re entrusted with the legacy of a leader like Levy Mwanawasa, there’s no room for half measures. But vision alone isn’t enough. Strategy is where the magic happens.

The first real challenge was the upcoming 10th Anniversary Memorial for the former president. This event wasn’t just a remembrance—it was an opportunity to do something bold, something that could inspire a nation.

1. Live Broadcasting: Bringing the Memorial to the Nation

One of my key strategies was live broadcasting the memorial. In a country where large-scale events often don’t get the kind of media attention they deserve, I saw a gap. Live coverage wasn’t just about documenting the event; it was about making the people feel connected to it. I believed that if we could motivate the nation to take live broadcasting seriously, it would change the way Zambia engaged with important events.

It wasn’t just for those in urban centers. The goal was to reach beyond the popular demographics and connect with those in rural areas, many of whom lacked access to technology. The strategy involved tapping into every possible channel to make sure the broadcast was accessible and inclusive.

2. Modernising the Brand for a New Generation

The second part of the strategy was branding—not just a logo or a catchy tagline, but creating a brand with substance, one that spoke both to today’s generation and tomorrow’s. This wasn’t a dusty, nostalgic nod to the past. It was about building something that evolves as the world does, something that stays true to the values but also embraces innovation and forward-thinking.

To put it simply: it was time for the Levy Mwanawasa Foundation to enter a new era.

Why I Stayed Silent

Now, you might wonder why I never talked about my role in this. Why not shout it from the rooftops? Why not bask in the glow of working alongside some of the brightest minds in the country?

The answer is simple: I believed in the dream. I believed in the vision we were crafting, and I didn’t want the spotlight on me. This wasn’t about a man behind a computer screen pulling the strings. This was about values leading the charge—values that were bigger than any one person.

I wanted the brand and the legacy to evolve with ease, without being tethered to individual personalities. It needed to stand on its own two feet and have its guiding principles speak louder than any one voice.

What’s Next?

Looking back, I’m proud of what we’ve built—and I’m excited for what’s to come. The Levy Mwanawasa Foundation is more than just an institution; it’s a living testament to the former president’s ideals. And as we continue to grow and adapt, the legacy will remain grounded in the values that made President Mwanawasa a towering figure in Zambia and beyond.

It’s been a journey of quiet creativity, deep reflection, and bold experimentation. And while I may have kept my role under wraps, I’ve always believed that sometimes the most impactful work happens behind the scenes.

Key Takeaways for Leaders Today

For those of you leading teams, organisations, or even personal projects, there’s a lesson in this journey. Building something meaningful—something with legacy—requires:

1. Vision: Always think bigger than what’s immediately in front of you.

2. Strategy: It’s not enough to dream—you need a clear plan to bring that dream to life.

3. Creativity: Don’t be afraid to experiment, to push boundaries. Innovation rarely happens within comfort zones.

4. Values: At the end of the day, values are your anchor. They’ll guide you through uncertain times and help your brand stand the test of time.

Remember, a true legacy isn’t built overnight. It’s the result of consistent effort, guided by a set of unwavering principles.

And for me? The Levy Mwanawasa Foundation continues to be one of the most rewarding endeavors I’ve ever been a part of—and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us.