Zambia's former vice president Guy Scott dies at 82

Zambia's former Vice President Guy Scott, who briefly served as the country's acting president in 2014 and became Africa's first white head of state in two decades, has died at the age of 82.

The Zambian government announced on Wednesday that Scott died at his farm in the Leopards Hill area of Lusaka following an illness.

President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded the veteran politician a state funeral in recognition of his contribution to Zambia's public service.

Scott served as Zambia's vice president from 2011 to 2014 under the late President Michael Sata, popularly known as "King Cobra." Following Sata's death in October 2014, Scott assumed the role of acting president, leading the country until January 2015 pending the election of a new head of state.

His appointment made history, as he became Africa's first white head of state since former South African President F.W. de Klerk left office in 1994.

Born in Zambia to Scottish parents, Scott was educated as an economist at the University of Cambridge before returning home to pursue a career in public service and politics.

Although he served as acting president, Scott was constitutionally barred from contesting the 2015 presidential election because Zambia's Constitution at the time required presidential candidates to have parents who were both Zambian by birth.

Throughout his political career, Scott was regarded as one of Zambia's most outspoken and unconventional leaders, playing a prominent role in the Patriotic Front government during President Sata's administration.

His tenure as acting president was widely viewed as a demonstration of Zambia's constitutional stability, ensuring a peaceful transition of power following the death of a sitting head of state.

Details of funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Zambian government in the coming days as the country prepares to honour the former vice president with a state funeral.