Solwezi history

Foundation and First Mentions

The city of Solwezi, currently serving as the administrative centre of the North-Western Province, possesses deep historical roots. Unlike many industrial hubs that emerged from scratch, this territory was inhabited long before the onset of active urbanization. Initially, settlements of the Kaonde people were located here. The city received its name in honour of the local ruler — Chief Solwezi, whose residence was situated in these lands. The official establishment of the city as an administrative unit occurred during the colonial period, when European explorers and administrators assessed the strategic potential of the region, located in the modern country of Zambia.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Solwezi was defined by a unique combination of geographical and geological conditions:

• Mineral Wealth: The presence of the Kansanshi deposit played a decisive role. This is one of the oldest copper mines in Africa, where mining was conducted by local inhabitants as early as the 4th century AD.
• Geography and Climate: Its location on a plateau with a moderate climate and sufficient rainfall facilitated the development of settled life and agriculture.
• Trade Routes: The region historically served as a crossroads for migration routes and exchange between the tribes of Central Africa.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period was built not only on farming but also on developed metallurgy. Local craftsmen mastered the technologies of smelting copper and gold, fashioning them into jewellery, tools, and traditional items of exchange, which were highly valued by neighbouring peoples.

The cultural landscape was formed under the influence of the traditions of the Kaonde people. The communal way of life, respect for ancestors, and a close connection to the land were the foundations of the social structure. Even with the arrival of the modern mining industry, these early cultural traditions continue to influence the atmosphere of the city.

Development Timeline

• Circa 6300 BC: Creation of rock paintings at the Kifubwa Rock Shelter, evidencing ancient habitation of this region.
• 4th Century AD: Beginning of artisanal copper mining by local tribes in the territory of the future Kansanshi deposit.
• 1899: Expedition by George Grey, who rediscovered the rich copper deposits for European industrialists.
• 1908: Launch of the first industrial mining at the mine, marking the beginning of the formation of a permanent settlement.
• 1914: Suspension of mining operations due to the outbreak of World War I and a drop in global raw material prices.
• 1964: Following the declaration of independence of Zambia, the city of Solwezi received the status of administrative centre of the North-Western Province.
• 1970s: A period of slowing industrial growth, when the city developed primarily as an administrative and trading hub of the province.
• 2001: First Quantum Minerals acquired a controlling stake in the Kansanshi mine, initiating a massive investment programme.
• 2005: Resumption of full-scale commercial copper mining, triggering a sharp economic and demographic boom in the city.
• 2009: Official opening of the large Lumwana copper mine in the city's vicinity, reinforcing the region's status as the "New Copperbelt".
• 2014: Completion of the airport runway reconstruction, allowing for the reception of larger commercial airliners.
• 2015: Implementation of an administrative reform, resulting in new independent districts being carved out of the Solwezi district.
• 2019: Opening of major shopping malls and improvement of urban infrastructure, marking the transformation of a mining settlement into a modern city.

Major Development Milestones

The journey of the city of Solwezi from a tribal settlement to a modern industrial centre was defined by several key events. These turning points shaped not only the economy but also the cultural appearance of the capital of the North-Western Province.

• Discovery of Kifubwa Rock Paintings. The discovery of ancient petroglyphs in the Kifubwa shelter confirmed that these lands were inhabited thousands of years ago. For the city, this holds immense cultural significance, transforming it from a purely industrial centre into a place with deep historical heritage and tourism potential.
• Start of Industrial Copper Mining (Early 20th Century). The expeditions of George Grey and the launch of work at the Kansanshi mine laid the economic foundation of the settlement. It was this event that determined the industrial specialization of the region, which remains relevant to this day.
• Attaining Administrative Centre Status (1964). After the proclamation of independence of the state of Zambia, the city became the provincial capital. This decision led to the creation of government institutions and social infrastructure, allowing the city to subsist not only on mines but also to perform important administrative functions.
• Arrival of Investor First Quantum Minerals (2001–2005). The revival of the Kansanshi mine after a period of stagnation became the main economic driver in recent history. Large-scale investments triggered a sharp influx of population, the creation of thousands of jobs, and the development of small businesses serving the mining sector.
• Formation of the "New Copperbelt" (2009). The opening of the giant Lumwana mine in the vicinity of the city secured the region's status as the country's new economic powerhouse. The city transformed into a key logistics hub through which the industry's main financial and commodity flows pass.
• Modernization of Transport Accessibility (2014). The reconstruction of the airport and runway opened the skies to large commercial airliners. This event brought the city out of transport isolation, simplifying business contacts and increasing the investment attractiveness of the region.
• Urbanization and Retail Development (from 2015). The construction of modern shopping centres, such as Solwezi City Mall, and new residential districts marked the transition to an urban lifestyle. The appearance of quality services and entertainment made the city more comfortable for the permanent residence of professionals and their families.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of the city of Solwezi reflects its rapid transformation from a small administrative post into a dynamic industrial centre. You will not find Gothic or Baroque monuments here; the city's appearance was shaped by functionality, climatic conditions, and the needs of the mining industry. The urban fabric represents a mosaic of colonial heritage, standard mid-20th-century development, and modern commercial properties that emerged on the wave of the "copper boom".

Evolution of Styles and Eras

The development of the urban environment can be roughly divided into three key stages, each corresponding to a specific approach to construction:

• Colonial Period (pre-1964): Characterized by a utilitarian colonial style. Buildings of this era, primarily administrative offices and housing for officials, are distinguished by practicality: single-storey structures with wide verandas, pitched roofs for protection against tropical downpours, and whitewashed walls. They were built taking natural ventilation and sun protection into account.
• Post-Colonial Period (1970–1990s): The era of functionalism and simple modernism. After Zambia gained independence, standard concrete buildings for government institutions, schools, and hospitals appeared in the city. The architecture of this time is devoid of excesses and subordinated to the strict utilitarian task of providing basic infrastructure.
• "Copper Renaissance" Era (from the 2000s): A period of modern commercial and residential development. The influx of investment led to the appearance of glass and concrete shopping malls, as well as gated communities for mining company specialists. This style is distinguished by the use of modern materials, air conditioning, and an orientation towards Western standards of comfort.

Urban Features and Districts

Solwezi's layout demonstrates a contrast between the planned development of the centre and the spontaneous expansion of the outskirts.

• Administrative Centre (The Boma): The historical core of the city, where government buildings, the court, and old colonial structures are concentrated. This district retains an atmosphere of calm and order, inherited from the old layout with wide streets lined with Jacaranda trees.
• Retail Clusters: The emergence of facilities such as Solwezi City Mall has created new centres of attraction. These modern complexes have become not just places for shopping, but important public spaces forming a new, urbanized image of the city.
• Mining Townships and Suburbs: Vast residential zones have formed around the city. Some of them, like Kansanshi Golf Estate, represent elite districts with manicured lawns and modern cottage architecture. At the same time, rapid population growth has led to the appearance of areas of dense unplanned development, where traditional brickwork and self-made structures prevail.

Notable Figures

The history and modernity of the city of Solwezi are inextricably linked with the names of people who influenced its formation — from traditional chiefs to explorers and modern politicians. Their contributions helped turn a small settlement into the economic heart of the North-Western Province of Zambia.

• Chief Solwezi
  Role: Traditional ruler and founder.
  The historical figure after whom the city is named. As the leader of the Kaonde community, he founded the settlement that subsequently became the administrative centre of the region. His legacy is preserved in the name of the city and the title passed down to successors to this day.
• George Grey
  Role: British explorer and geologist.
  Led the 1899 expedition that rediscovered the ancient Kansanshi copper workings for the industrial world. It was his findings that predetermined the industrial fate of the city and attracted the first major investments to the region.
• Benny Tetamashimba
  Role: Influential politician and MP.
  A prominent statesman who long represented the interests of Solwezi Central in parliament. He served as Deputy Minister and actively lobbied for the interests of the North-Western Province at the national level, contributing to the city's political weight.
• Lucky Mulusa
  Role: Minister and economist.
  Former MP for the Solwezi constituency and Minister of National Development Planning. Known for his work in drawing attention to the infrastructural challenges of the rapidly growing city and promoting projects to address them.
• Charles Kasonde
  Role: Catholic Bishop.
  Bishop of the Diocese of Solwezi, playing a key role in the social life of the city. Under his leadership, numerous educational and humanitarian programmes are implemented, supporting the local population amidst rapid urbanization.
• Grace Njapau
  Role: Politician and public figure.
  One of the first women of the region to achieve significant heights in politics. She represented the interests of the constituency and held ministerial positions, becoming an example of female leadership in a traditionally male industrial environment.