While the world scrolls past another year of headlines, some Zambians are rewriting what it means to represent the nation on the global stage. These people are proof that Zambian excellence can't be contained by borders.
Numerous Zambians are reaching for the stars, but in this piece, we’re shining a spotlight on three Zambians who are making headlines around the world and at home.
Paul Mwanza
Paul Mwanza proved that 40+ athletes can still dominate when he successfully defended his title at the 2025 Official Strongman Games, a championship testing strength, endurance, and technique among athletes over 40.
A four-time Africa's Strongest Man and former Arnold Classic Africa Champion, Mwanza made history in 2024 by becoming the first African to win the Official Strongman Games championship. In 2025, he returned to defend his crown, defeating nine other competitors in the Men's Masters 40+ 105kg category to retain the title he'd claimed the previous year.
His dominance continued at the 2025 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic, where he won gold in the lightweight division, adding yet another international title to his growing collection. This followed his victory in the 2024 African Strongman Championship, where he was crowned champion.
President Hakainde Hichilema honoured him for making history as the first African to win the Official Strongman Games championship, recognising his role in putting Zambian sports on the global map.
Beyond competing, Mwanza mentors young athletes, helping to grow strongman sport in Zambia. While most athletes slow down after 40, Mwanza shows no signs of stopping. 2024 and 2025 have been his most successful years yet, proving that dedication and discipline can defy age.
Anna Musonda
Anna Musonda is a qualified clinical and psychosocial practitioner, a passionate humanitarian, and an advocate for ending violence against women and girls. She's also Miss Grand Zambia.
As Miss Grand Zambia, she represented the country at Miss Grand International 2025, where she showcased Zambian creativity and elegance on the global stage. At Miss Grand International 2025, she won:
- Grand Talent Runner-Up.
- Best National Costume.
- Best Evening Gown (SADC region).
A former Miss Heritage Zambia, she uses her platform in modelling and fashion to challenge stereotypes and advocate for women and girls worldwide.
In June 2025, Anna toured Northern Ireland on an official visit focused on international partnership, cultural exchange, and peacebuilding. She conducted a workshop at Integrated College Glengormley, where she met local students and shared her work in domestic violence prevention and women's empowerment.
She also visited Mossley Mill, where the mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council welcomed her, along with representatives from organisations focused on youth empowerment, domestic violence prevention, and women's leadership.
Her visit strengthened ties between Zambia and Northern Ireland across education, arts, business, and community development—demonstrating how beauty pageants can serve as platforms for meaningful diplomatic and humanitarian work.
A queen who serves her community both on stage and beyond.
Jonah Buyoya
Jonah Buyoya's rise to international journalism began in 2022 when, at just 25, he became the youngest recipient of the BBC News Komla Dumor Award. At the time, he was a TV host and reporter with Diamond Television.
The award was created to honour Komla Dumor, a presenter for BBC World News who died suddenly aged 41 in 2014. It recognises exceptional African journalists who demonstrate Dumor's commitment to telling African stories with integrity and insight.
As part of the award, Jonah spent three months working with BBC News teams in London across TV, radio, and online platforms, receiving training and mentorship from leading BBC journalists. He also reported from elsewhere in Africa for the BBC's global audiences. Judges praised Buyoya for his journalism, charisma, and passion for sharing African stories through digital platforms.
This year, in 2025, after eight years with Diamond TV, Buyoya officially joined the BBC as a permanent correspondent.
He credits a chance encounter at Addis Ababa airport with changing his trajectory. A Zambian man living in South Africa approached him to praise his journalism and encouraged him to "spread his wings beyond Zambia." Weeks later, a BBC talent acquisition officer reached out via LinkedIn about a new opportunity.
"It all happened when I was waiting for my flight in Addis Ababa," Buyoya recounted. "A certain Zambian gentleman found me sitting in the terminal, listening to music. He told me he was proud of my journalism and would still love to see me spread my wings beyond Zambia."
He now tells Zambian stories to millions on the BBC's global platforms.
Why These Zambians Represent Excellence Beyond Borders
These three stories share a common thread: hard work, service to others, and achieving goals that transcend borders.
Paul Mwanza demonstrates that age is no barrier to excellence. Anna Musonda proves that beauty pageants can be platforms for humanitarian impact. Jonah Buyoya shows that Zambian journalism deserves a global stage.
As the world takes notice, Zambia proves itself a force to be reckoned with—not only through its copper reserves or natural resources, but through its people.
Here's to the Zambians who did the most in 2025. May their stories inspire the next generation to reach even higher.
