Against The Odds: How A Young Journalist Became Solwezi's Youngest Mayor
Figure 1: His Worship, the Mayor of Solwezi, at the Solwezi Municipal Council offices. Photo: ActionAid Zambia.
For years, Evans Lubelenga walked the streets of Solwezi with a microphone in hand, telling the stories of ordinary people. As a journalist, he visited communities affected by poor service delivery, youth unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and limited opportunities. Through his reporting, he witnessed the daily struggles and aspirations of residents firsthand. What he saw in Solwezi was not unique. It reflected the realities facing many communities across Zambia.
Yet Solwezi itself is a town of great contrasts. As the capital of North-Western Province and home to some of Zambia's largest mining operations, it has experienced rapid economic growth and urban expansion. Beneath this growth, however, many residents continue to face challenges related to accountability, inclusion, access to services, and meaningful participation in decision-making. These were the stories Evans encountered and amplified throughout his media career.
In 2026, Evans made a bold decision. Rather than only reporting on the issues facing his community, he would seek to become part of the solution.
As a first-time electoral contestant and independent candidate, Evans entered a political landscape largely dominated by established political structures. Few expected him to emerge victorious, particularly in a municipality considered a stronghold of the ruling party, which recorded one of the highest presidential vote margins in the country. Yet his message resonated with voters, especially young people who saw in him a leader who understood their realities and shared their ambitions.
Against all odds, Evans Lubelenga made history by becoming the youngest Mayor of Solwezi and the youngest mayor in the history of North-Western Province.
Behind this success story lies the power of citizen participation and youth leadership.
Recognising the importance of young people in shaping democratic processes, ActionAid Zambia partnered with Evans throughout the electoral period. As the only strategic partner supporting his journey, ActionAid Zambia provided platforms for media engagement, facilitated visibility through public dialogue and media appearances, and strengthened the capacity of electoral monitors to promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the electoral process.
This support was not about backing an individual candidate. Rather, it reflected ActionAid Zambia's long-standing commitment to youth leadership, state accountability, and meaningful citizen participation.
Figure 3: His Worship, Mayor Evans Lubelenga of Solwezi, interacting with people at the Solwezi Municipal Council. Photo: ActionAid Zambia.
For Evans, the election result represented more than a personal victory. It was proof that young people can lead, organise, and earn the trust of their communities when given the opportunity and support to participate fully in democratic processes.
Today, his journey from newsroom to mayoral office serves as an inspiration to thousands of young Zambians. It challenges the perception that politics is the domain of established elites and demonstrates the transformative potential of youth-led leadership.
As Mayor, Evans now carries the responsibility of translating the hopes and expectations of Solwezi's residents into tangible development outcomes. His election sends a powerful message: when citizens are informed, engaged, and empowered, democracy works.
For ActionAid Zambia, the outcome reaffirms the value of investing in youth agency and civic participation. The story of Evans Lubelenga is not just about winning an election. It is about what becomes possible when young people are empowered to move from observing change to leading it.
"I spent years telling the stories of my community. Today, I have the opportunity to help write a new chapter for it." This is the promise embodied by Evans' journey, and a reminder that Zambia's future will be shaped by the courage, vision, and leadership of its young people.
Figure 4: His Worship, Mayor Evans Lubelenga of Solwezi, interacting with people at the Solwezi Municipal Council. Photo: ActionAid Zambia.
Through the Strengthening Civil Society Effectiveness in Promoting Good Governance and Increasing Citizens' Awareness and Demand for Human Rights in Zambia Project-Phase II funded by the Government of Sweden through Sida, ActionAid Zambia contributed to creating an enabling environment for youth participation, civic engagement, and accountable governance, helping demonstrate that young people can successfully contest for leadership and win the trust of their communities, even in highly competitive political environments.
Watch his story here