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David Livingstone Arrives in Zambia.
Scottish missionary David Livingstone arrives in what is now Zambia and spends the next several years exploring the region. His goal is to convert the local people to Christianity. He also tries, unsuccessfully, to end slave trade by attempting to convince the people to trade ivory and cotton instead of slaves. -
Victoria Falls Sighting by David Livingstone.
Dr. Livingstone first sets eyes on the magnificent Victoria Falls, prompting him to write these famous words: “It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” -
SAC Takes Control of the Zambezi River Area.
Britain gives official permission for the British South African Company (SAC), a mining company, to take control of the area around the Zambezi River. The company then expands into modern Zambia (Northern Rhodesia at the time, named after Cecil Rhodes the head of the SAC, who wanted to colonize Africa and use it for its valuable natural resources ). -
Lusaka Founded.
Lusaka, the modern capital of Zambia, is founded by Europeans. It is named after a tribal leader in a nearby village. -
Northern Rhodesia Becomes a British Protectorate.
- Britain takes control of Northern Rhodesia (modern Zambia). It becomes a British protectorate.
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Kitwe Founded.
In this year, the city of Kitwe was founded. With a current population of 363,000, Kitwe is the third largest city in Zambia and is an important copper mining area, with two main mines: Nkana and Mindolo. The famous Zambia Institute of Technology is also located in Kitwe. -
Kuanda Becomes Zambia's Firsst President.
October 24th, 1964. Zambia becomes independent under the control of their first president, Kenneth Kaunda. He rules the newly independent Zambia for 27 years (1964-1991) -
First Case of AIDS Reported.
The first case of AIDS is reported in Zambia. This marks the beginning of what is now the most pressing health problem in Zambia. -
Fredrick Chiluba Becomes President.
Fredrick Jacob Titus Chiluba starts his presidency. Chiluba is president of Zambia from 1991 to 2002. -
Levy Mwanawasa Fills Chiluba's Place.
Chiluba’s second term ends. A new president, Levy Mwanawasa, takes over in January 2002. -
National Food Disaster.
-On May 30th 2002 Zambia's food shortage is declared a national crisis. Four million people are looking at starvation. One Zambian politician estimates the Zambian people will run out of food by July or August. The region is suffering from droughts, floods and economic uncertainty. As a result, Zambia has a 630-ton shortage of maize, an essential food for many people in southern Africa. -
Chiluba Found Guilty!
Former President Chiluba is found guilty of stealing $46 million from the people of Zambia. At this time, most Zambians are living on less than 1US dollar a day. Chiluba spent $500,000 of this stolen money on hundreds of suits and shirts from an expensive boutique in Switzerland, along with 72 pairs of high-heeled, handmade shoes in attempt to add to his 5-foot height. The judge in this case points out that the president stole this money is “the most telling example of corruption” in Zambia. -
Banda Takes Over After Mwanawasa's Death.
Rupiah Banda takes over for President Levy Mwanawasa when Mwanawasa dies in office. -
Mark Storella Sworn in as Ambassador.
Mark C. Storella is officially sworn in Ambassador to Zambia on August 30, 2010. -
Michael Sata Sworn in as President.
Michael Sata officially won the presidential election against the incumbent Rupiah Banda. Sata won with 1,150,045 votes, compared to Banda’s 961,796. Sata supporters filled the streets of Lusaka to celebrate.
