It is with profound shock and sorrow that we report to our country and the world, the passing of our former Republican Vice President, Dr. Guy Lindsay Scott, today 15th July 2026 at his farm in Leopalds Hill, Lusaka.
Until his death, Dr. Scott had remained in the background and out of political limelight, and leaves a huge illustrious legacy of public life and service to Zambia. Dr. Guy Scot was loved by Zambians.
Early Life & Roots
Guy Lindsay Scott was born on June 1, 1944, in the border town of Livingstone, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). His Scottish father was a doctor and an independent Member of Parliament who openly supported Zambian nationalists during the struggle for independence. This early exposure to anti-colonial politics deeply influenced Scott's worldview.
Academic Pursuit & Government Work
After studying economics at Cambridge University, Scott returned home to work as a planner in Zambia's newly formed Ministry of Finance. Later, he went back to the UK to earn a master's and a PhD in Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Sussex, followed by robotics research at Oxford.
Agribusiness & Farming Success
Scott founded Walkover Estates, an agribusiness focused on high-value crops like irrigated wheat and strawberries. He earned a strong local reputation as a fair employer who took the time to learn and speak local languages.
First Political Breakthrough
Scott joined the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) and was elected MP for Mpika Central. Appointed as the Minister of Agriculture, he successfully navigated Zambia through the "drought of the century" in 1992, averting a major food crisis.
Co-Founding the Patriotic Front
2001
After leaving the MMD, Scott teamed up with his close friend and charismatic political ally, Michael Sata, to form the Patriotic Front (PF). Together, they spent a decade building a grassroots, pro-poor coalition.
Becoming Vice President
2011
Following the PF's historic election victory, President Michael Sata appointed Guy Scott as the 12th Vice President of Zambia. He was widely popular for his approachable, down-to-earth demeanor.
Acting President of Zambia
2014
When President Sata tragically passed away in office in October 2014, Scott assumed the role of Acting President for 90 days. This historic transition made him the first white head of state in sub-Saharan Africa since F.W. de Klerk.
His contributions to the Country are enomous. Dr. Scott is survived by a wife, four children. The Government of the Republic of Zambia will accord Dr Scott a State Funeral as former Vice President and Acting President of the Republic of Zambia.
May His Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.
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