The ZIS is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Oscar Mwaanga as a visiting professor at Kwame Nkrumah University in Zambia. This historic moment recognizes his scholarly accomplishments and leadership in sports development, both within Zambia and internationally. Oscar was the first person to achieve a PhD in sports science since 1964, and now becomes the first Zambian to be awarded a professorship in sport. His engagement will be invaluable for KNU's plan of becoming a world-class PE & Sports Education University and leading the University in decolonising its curriculum - two areas where Oscar has specialisms that will bring great value.
Prof. Oscar Mwaanga is known as the father of Sport for Development (SDP) having pioneered SDP movement in Sub-Saharan Africa at the turn of the century. He subsequently founded world-renowned organizations, programmes and methodologies such as Kicking AIDS Out, sports peer coaching, EduSport Foundation, Go Sisters (Zambia), EduMove and EduKicks. Last year The Commonwealth Ministerial Conference commended Prof Mwaanga's leadership in developing African Union Sports Policy for 2020 – 2030 which has created a blueprint for 'sporting Africa'. we want towards 2063.
Prof. Oscar Mwaanga has also been a leader in sport management. He led the development of the first International Sport Management course at the University of London Worldwide (UOLW) in 2019. The now has 200 students from 71 countries, including high-profile tutors and Olympians. He also set up the first Master's degree course in Sport Management & Development at Solent University. Currently, as Chair of the Zambian Institute of Sport, he is leading the professionalization of the Zambian Sports industry through the development and delivery of world-class and TEVETA-accredited courses in various sports disciplines.
Prof Mwaanga has mentored many renowned and unknown sports leaders across Zambia, Africa, and the world. Notable mentees include Dr. Clement Chileshe (founder of Sport in Action), Edgar Musonda (founder of Breakthrough Sports), Lydia Monyepao (Chief Operation Officer, South African Football Association), Lyson Zulu (Technical Director, FAZ) Annie Namukanga (FAZ manager for women football); Florence Mwila (Assistant coach, women national Team Zambia), Noah Mabutwe (Zambia Basketball head coach) and Simon Cartwright (Vice President Olympic for Adidas). Prof believes that quality mentorship should be given to the younger generation to ensure that their achievements surpass ours. "That's how you pass on the leadership baton," he said.
Prof. Mwaanga said his professorship will help towards achieving his life goal of making Zambia Africa's sports hub. He added that "professionalizing the Zambian sports industry through world-class and contextually relevant sports education is the first step in this long puzzle."