Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu was a prominent Zambian lawyer, politician, and the sixth President of the Republic of Zambia. Serving from 2015 to 2021, he led the country during a transformative period marked by major infrastructure developments and significant political debates.
Known for his humble beginnings and rapid rise through the ranks of the Patriotic Front (PF), Lungu became a defining figure in Zambia’s modern political history. His recent passing on June 5, 2025, in Pretoria, South Africa, marks the end of an era, prompting tributes and reflection across the nation. This article takes a closer look at his life, family, career, net worth, and legacy.
Read the full biography of Zambia’s sixth President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Discover his early life, wife, children, net worth, political career, and how he died in 2025.
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Full Profile of Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu
Full Name: Edgar Chagwa Lungu
Date of Birth: November 11, 1957
Place of Birth: Ndola, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia)
Date of Death: June 5, 2025
Place of Death: Pretoria, South Africa
Age at Death: 67 years
Nationality: Zambian
Occupation: Lawyer, Politician
Position: Sixth President of Zambia (2015 – 2021)
Dr. Edgar Lungu biography
Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu was born on November 11, 1957, in Ndola, a town in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. He attended Mukuba Secondary School and later studied law at the University of Zambia, graduating in 1981.
He completed his legal practice at the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) and began working at the law firm Andrea Masiye and Company.
How old is Edgar Lungu?
Dr. Edgar Lungu was 67 years old when he died.
Political Career
Lungu joined active politics in the early 2000s under the Patriotic Front (PF), founded by the late President Michael Sata. He quickly rose through the ranks, holding several key ministerial roles, including:
- Minister of Home Affairs
- Minister of Defence
- Minister of Justice
After the death of President Sata in 2014, Edgar Lungu was chosen to lead the PF into the 2015 by-election. He won and was sworn in as Zambia’s sixth president on January 26, 2015. He was re-elected in 2016 and served until August 24, 2021.
During his presidency, he focused on infrastructure development, roads, and energy projects. However, his administration also faced criticism for rising national debt, suppression of dissent, and media restrictions.
Dr. Edgar Lungu Wife and Children
Dr. Lungu was married to Esther Lungu, a former First Lady known for her philanthropic work through the Esther Lungu Foundation. She championed issues related to women’s empowerment, health, and education.
The couple had six children. One of their most prominent children is Hon. Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, who currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency. Tasila confirmed her father’s death in a statement to the public.
Net Worth
Edgar Lungu’s estimated net worth ranged between 2 million to 5 million US dollars. This includes earnings from his career as a lawyer, government roles, and benefits received as a former head of state.
While his actual wealth was never officially declared, he was regarded as financially comfortable post-presidency, enjoying pensions and state security allowances.
Dr. Edgar Lungu Cause of Death
Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu died on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Mediclinic Medforum Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, where he had been receiving specialized medical treatment.
His daughter, Hon. Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, and the family lawyer, Hon. Makebi Zulu, confirmed his passing. The Patriotic Front, through Acting President Given Lubinda, issued an official statement expressing sorrow and promising further updates on funeral arrangements.
Legacy
Dr. Edgar Lungu leaves behind a complex but impactful legacy in Zambian politics. From a lawyer to a head of state, his life was marked by dedication to public service, national development projects, and both praise and criticism from the public.
He will be remembered as a leader who steered Zambia through economic and political changes, and his contributions will remain a significant part of the country’s history.
