A flight path to leadership: Ackim Njobvu aims for Zambia’s transformation

By Simon Muntemba

In a country yearning for fresh momentum, Ackim Antony Njobvu, the president of the Democratic Union (DU) and 2026 republican aspirant, is charting a different course for Zambia’s future.

A man of many hats—engineer, chartered accountant, economist, global investment analyst, insurance practitioner of the Chartered Insurance Institute, and former Zambia Air Force (ZAF) flight engineer—Njobvu has traded a lucrative career for a calling: leading Zambia with integrity and purpose.

Growing up in Livingstone, Southern Province, Njobvu’s journey is one of resilience.

After his mother’s passing in 1993, a pivotal moment that shaped his drive, Njobvu relocated to Chipata, Eastern Province.

It was there, at Hillside Secondary School, where his determination took root—studying hard, dreaming big.

From there, Njobvu took a path less traveled, joining the Zambia Air Force in 2000, where he did his military training in Mbala district of the Northern Province before proceeding to Mumbwa district where he trained as an aircraft technician and later served as a flight engineer in the Presidential Squadron at ZAF Lusaka base.

Balancing service with studies, Njobvu became a chartered accountant (ACCA), a Master’s holder in Economics from the University of Lusaka, and a global investment analyst, insurance practitioner of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

But it was a sense of patriotism, ingrained in his military days, that steered him into politics.

“I took politics as a calling, not a career. To improve the living standards of ordinary citizens, and offer leadership Zambia hasn’t seen,” Njobvu says, his voice steady with conviction.

This writer caught up with Njobvu and below is a verbatim exclusive interview where he shares his background and outlines DU’s vision for Zambia:

Interviewer: Good afternoon, Sir. Thanks for allowing me to have this interview with you. Kindly, tell us about yourself—who is Ackim Antony Njobvu?

Njobvu: Afternoon! Thank you. I’m a fourth-born in a family of seven, born in 1980 in Livingstone, where the Zambezi river flows. I did my early education at Zambezi Primary School. My childhood was full of curiosity and challenges—my mother passed away in 1993, and that loss pushed me and my siblings to adapt, to be resilient. We moved to Chipata, and I completed secondary school at Hillside in 1998, where I learnt to chase dreams despite the odds.

Then the Zambia Air Force called, and I served with pride as a flight engineer. I applied in 1999, and got accepted and went for military training at Samora Base in Mbala, Northern Province in 2000. I also went for technical training in aircraft repair and maintenance in Mumbwa district of the Central Province, and worked as an aircraft technician, later became a flight engineer in the Presidential Squadron. Thereafter, I pursued accounts, economics, and more, always aiming to add value. In 2008, I started ACCA, and was among 10 who began, but I was the only one to finish in three years and six months. I also worked as a treasurer at Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Mess, then joined Celpay as an Internal Auditor before joining Mayfair in 2011 as a company accountant, turning around their books in a tough spot. I later became Finance Manager and Company Secretary. In 2018, I joined Marsh as Chief Finance Officer. Exactly on my seventh anniversary, February 2025, I resigned to join politics—to be a valuable asset, serve. In short, I’m an engineer, chartered accountant, economist, global investment analyst, insurance practitioner of the Chartered Insurance Institute, and former Air Force flight engineer.

Interviewer: That’s quite rich Curriculum Vitae (CV)! What sparked this leap into politics, leaving a lucrative career behind you?

Njobvu: “The dream of joining politics has always been there because I love serving people. In fact, my military background taught me patriotism and discipline—serving the country comes first. I see Zambia’s huge potential, but we are lagging. I want to lead with integrity, transparency, and people-centered governance. No more just talking, it’s time for solutions. A prosperous, united, fair Zambia—where everyone has a shot.

Interviewer: How did your relatives and close friends react when you decided to quit your job to join politics?

Njobvu: I faced resistance. Almost everyone was against it, warning me politics would cost me what I had built over the years. But I insisted: I’m in politics to offer leadership, transform the country, not to get wealthy. When I explained our manifesto to some bishops in my Catholic church, they liked it and gave me blessings. Even my father eventually understood, accepted, and blessed me.

Interviewer: You made a bold decision! The DU manifesto talks about economic empowerment. How do you plan to tackle job creation, inflation, and the high cost of living?

Njobvu: “We will transform Zambia through strategic cooperations. For us, agriculture, mining, engineering, construction, and tech innovations are our levers. To tackle high cost of living, we will provide subsidies on fuel, farming inputs—and ensure mining companies pay proper royalties. We shall also create jobs, cut harmful power exports, and deliver farm inputs on time. It will be solutions, not excuses” .

Interviewer: Fuel prices are a pain point for many. How would you address this?

Njobvu: Like I said earlier on, we will provide subsidies to ease the burden. No more passing costs to Zambians. We will also focus on affordable energy, and boost local production.

Interviewer: Corruption’s a big concern. How will DU ensure accountability?

Njobvu: A serious undertaking in our manifesto is to be accountable to God and people. No finger-pointing. Issue-based politics, ideas that transform lives. We shall strengthen anti-corruption institutions, remove interference, make procurement transparent. We will also protect and reward whistle blowers.

Interviewer: How about youth and women empowerment?

Njobvu: Thirty percent of leadership roles for youth and women—it’s non-negotiable for us. But of course, appointments will be made on merit, regardless of gender or tribe. We shall also support small farmers with affordable loans, optimize inputs. Create an empowerment fund specifically for youths. Inclusivity for all.

Interviewer: Zambia’s rich in resources. How will DU manage this for the people?

Njobvu: “Through the Natural Resources Corporation (NARC), manage precious metals wisely, expedite debt repayment. A Mining Investment Agency lets Zambians invest, own a piece and become domestically grown billionaires. No leakage—growth for all” .

Interviewer: What’s the biggest challenge ahead, and how do you tackle it?

Njobvu: Delivering on promises. With integrity and accountability, we start by being transparent. Engaging Zambians, listening, acting. No shortcuts.

Interviewer: Final word to Zambians?

Njobvu: “It’s time to serve, not just seek. I urge Zambians from all 10 provinces to join us in building a country that works for everyone. With integrity, unity, and a vision for all. Let’s take flight. And to members of both the ruling party and the opposition—especially the young ones who feel sidelined or frustrated with poor leadership—I say: feel free to join DU. You will be embraced, and if you want to contest any position in the 2026 general elections, we’ll adopt you. Together, we can do this”.