Northern Rhodesia When the country was founded as the British colony of
Northern Rhodesia separate from
British South Africa Company rule in the Rhodesias, the elected Legislative Council was created. At the time, the office of prime minister did not exist, with all executive power being vested in the
governor of Northern Rhodesia. However, the leader of the largest elected party on the council was considered as the "unofficial" prime minister. The office of prime minister was abolished accordingly. In 1973, following an amendment to the
Constitution of Zambia, the office of prime minister was re-established as the titular head of the government but the holder would be subordinate to the Secretary-General of UNIP in governing Zambia. This was because the Central Committee of UNIP had precedence over the
Parliament of Zambia under the Constitution. In 1975, Chona resigned and was replaced by
Elijah Mudenda. In 1977, Chona became prime minister again for a year before the role was taken over by
Daniel Lisulo.
Kebby Musokotwane took the role over from
Nalumino Mundia in 1985, becoming the youngest prime minister and also the first that was not a member of UNIP's Central Committee. He was removed in 1989 and given an overseas diplomatic post due to President Kaunda believing he was aiming to become the next president. In 1991, the office was abolished again following a new constitution being created to allow for multi-party democratic elections following UNIP negotiations with the
Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD). The constitution allowed for the final prime minister,
Malimba Masheke, to remain in office until the
1991 Zambian general election. ==List of officeholders==