HIGH COMMISSION

HIGH COMMISSIONNER

Current High Commissioner - AMBASSADOR BOBBY MBUNJI SAMAKAI
(2012 - Present)

PROFILE

Ambassador Bobby Mbunji Samakai was appointed as the new Zambian High Commissioner to Canada by His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia, on 2nd October 2011. He presented his credentials to the Governor General of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Canada on 8th March 2012. Ambassador Samakai is also accredited to the Republic of Cuba and the Caribbean Islands (Jamaica, Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Bermuda, Barbados and Grenada).

On 28th September 2011, prior to his appointment by His Excellency President Michael Chilufya Sata as Zambia's High Commissioner to Canada, he served at State House as Chief of State Protocol and Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Permanent Secretary.

Ambassador Samakai completed a Diploma in International Diplomacy and Communications in Italy in 1981. In 1982, he was appointed to serve at the Zambian Mission to the United Nations in New York, where he served in several positions until 1992, a period of ten (10) years.

In 1997 was appointed Roving Ambassador /Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Samakai relished dynamic challenges in his leadership roles as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Communication from July 2004 to April 2006, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development from April 2006 to February 2009, also as Chief of State Protocol at State House from February 2009 to October 2011. In these Ministries he was a highly effective contributor to the team environment in his quest to see the success of different government developmental projects and programmes.

He also served as Chairman of TAZARA Board of Directors and Board member of National AIDS Council, SOS Children's Village, National Airports, Communication Authority, Zambia Telecommunication Company and Chikondi Foundation (Orphanage).

Ambassador Samakai has excellent theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of diplomacy and vast civil service experience with a background of working as a Civil Servant/Diplomat for thirty seven (37) years having joined the civil service in January 1975.

He is married and has three children.


Major Roles and responsibilities of the High Commissioner

• The High Commissioner is appointed by the President of Zambia to be an official representative of the President of the Republic of Zambia, the Government and people of Zambia.

• Head of the High Commission

• Explaining the Zambian Government policies to the Canadian Government, accredited countries and their peoples and also explaining the Canadian Government policies and those of accredited countries to the Zambian Government.

• Enhancing and maintaining foreign relations in order to promote, protect and enhance Zambia’s foreign interests

• High Commissioner Activities- see List of Activities

• Former High Commissioners

  1. H.E. Dr. Nevers S. MUMBA 2009-2011
  2. H.E David C. SAVIYE 2007-2009
  3. H.E Newstead L. ZIMBA 2006-2007
  4. H.E Joshua S. SIYOLWE 1992-1995
  5. H.E Kebby S. K. MUSOKOTWANE 1989-1991
  6. H.E Humphrey MULEMBA 1986-1989
  7. H.E Lt. Gen. Benjamin Ndabila MIBENGE 1981-1985
  8. H.E Lt. Gen. Peter Dingiswayo ZUZE 1979-1980
  9. H.E Wilson Mofya CHAKULYA 1975-1978

His Excellency
MICHAEL CHILUFYA SATA
President of the
republic of Zambia



His Excellency
AMBASSADOR BOBBY MBUNJI SAMAKAI
High Commissioner
of the
Republic of Zambia
in Ottawa