Zambia Mourns: Former Vice President Dr. Guy Scott Passes Away at 82

Dr. Guy Scott, a distinguished figure in Zambian politics, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at his Trotover Farm in Leopards Hill, Lusaka. In recognition of his profound professional and political contributions to the nation, President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded him a State Funeral. Dr. Nevers Mumba, former Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, urged all Zambians to use this solemn occasion for deep reflection, advocating for unity and respect, and imploring against tainting Dr. Scott's memory with divisive political rhetoric. The government has stated that details of the State Funeral burial programme will be announced in due course.

Born in Livingstone in 1944, Dr. Scott was the son of Alec Scott, a known ally of the Zambian independence movement. His academic prowess was notable, holding a degree in Economics from Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and further pursuing a Master’s and Ph.D. in Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Sussex. He also conducted significant research in robotics at Oxford University, showcasing a diverse intellectual background that extended beyond politics.

Before embarking on his political career, Dr. Scott served as a planner in the Ministry of Finance. He later founded Walkover Estates, a successful agribusiness that became a major exporter of Zambian produce to European markets, demonstrating his expertise in agriculture long before his ministerial role. His deep understanding of the sector proved critical during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in the Cabinet of the Second President, Dr. Frederick Chiluba, from 1991 to 1993. During this period, he was widely credited with averting a national catastrophe during the “drought of the century” by modernizing logistics and securing emergency imports, actions that paved the way for a record harvest in 1993.

In 2001, Dr. Scott co-founded the Patriotic Front (PF) alongside Michael Sata, where he was highly regarded as a strategic “voice of reason” instrumental in transforming the party into a national powerhouse. His political ascent continued as he served as Republican Vice-President from 2011 to 2014 under the Fifth President, His Excellency Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata.

Following President Sata’s death on October 28, 2014, Dr. Scott made history by assuming office as Acting President of the Republic of Zambia from October 2014 to January 2015. His historic 90-day tenure marked him as the first white head of state in a democratic African nation, and the first on the African mainland since 1989. During this critical transition, he maintained national stability and diligently oversaw the democratic election of his successor, President Edgar Lungu. This unique chapter cemented his legacy as the only White Zambian to have served as Vice President and Acting President since the country attained independence in 1964, making him one of Zambia’s most distinctive political figures. Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Scott earned a reputation as an outspoken politician, an esteemed agricultural expert, and a public intellectual, serving Zambia with distinction, dedication, and patriotism. May his soul rest in eternal peace.