Ms. Emelda Musonda first female Zambia Daily Mail since inception in February 1960
The Zambia Daily Mail traces its roots to the Central African Mail, first published in February 1960, evolving into the Zambia Mail post-independence in 1964, and finally becoming the Zambia Daily Mail in 1970 after being acquired by the government, serving as a key national news source. Key Milestones: 1960: The precursor, Central African Mail, launched in February with pro-independence aims, training Zambian journalists. 1964: After Zambia's independence, it was renamed the Zambia Mail. 1970: The newspaper became a daily publication and was officially named the Zambia Daily Mail, becoming a government mouthpiece for nation-building. 1994: The organization computerized its operations and launched an online presence. The Zambia Daily Mail is a government-owned daily newspaper providing news, business, and sports coverage in Zambia, publishing both daily and weekly editions.
By Derrick Sinjela
Women in Media (WIN) ALUMS Zambia Chapter Chairperson Ms. Panic Malawo Chilufya has congratulated Ms. Emelda Musonda on assuming the position of Zambia Daily Mail (ZDM) Managing Director (MD).
Ms. Musonda takes over from Mr. Simate Simate, who was Managing Director up to Friday, 30th January 2026 following a mutual separation.
The ZDM Board of Directors announced that Ms. Musonda will serve in an acting capacity for administrative convenience until further notice.
Prior to her appointment, Ms Musonda held the position of Managing Editor.
Ms. Musonda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Zambia. Ms. Musonda holds other professional qualifications in media and law.
Ms Musonda, who is Country Coordinator of WIN Zambia Chapter, joined ZDM 21 years ago as a Sub-Editor and rose through the rank and file.
“On behalf of WIN Zambia Chapter and all WIN Alumni, we offer our solidarity and support to Ms Musonda as she assumes this new role. We stand ready to support her as she carries the ZDM vision forward. WIN Zambia will continue to capacitate more women in the main stream media to empower them take up such challenging positions. Before her, Ms Mary Mbewe served as the first female Editor-in-Chief, the equivalent to Managing Editor now,” acknowledged Ms. Chilufya.
Ms. Chilufya expressed gratitude to the ZDM board for their confidence in Ms. Musonda by according her a rare opportunity as WIM continues to advocate for more women in the leadership and decision-making positions.
Ms.Mary Mbewe was the first female Editor-in-Chief (equivalent to Managing Editor) of a major newspaper in Zambia, holding that position at the Zambia Daily Mail around 2000 before becoming Executive Editor at the Daily Nation in 2017, a role that has earned her recognition for leadership and dedication to telling authentic human stories and mentoring women in media. Mary Mbewe was the first female Editor-in-Chief (equivalent to Managing Editor) of a major newspaper in Zambia, holding that position at the Zambia Daily Mail around 2000 before becoming Executive Editor at the Daily Nation in 2017, a role that has earned her recognition for leadership and dedication to telling authentic human stories and mentoring women in media.
The Zambia Daily Mail traces its roots to the Central African Mail, first published in February 1960, evolving into the Zambia Mail post-independence in 1964, and finally becoming the Zambia Daily Mail in 1970 after being acquired by the government, serving as a key national news source.
Key Milestones:
1960: The precursor, Central African Mail, launched in February with pro-independence aims, training Zambian journalists.
1964: After Zambia’s independence, it was renamed the Zambia Mail.
1970: The newspaper became a daily publication and was officially named the Zambia Daily Mail, becoming a government mouthpiece for nation-building.
1994: The organization computerized its operations and launched an online presence.
The Zambia Daily Mail is a government-owned daily newspaper providing news, business, and sports coverage in Zambia, publishing both daily and weekly editions.
