The position of the prime minister of Zambia was abolished in 1991, in the last months of Kaunda's presidential term.

At the time, the office of prime minister did not exist, with all executive power being vested in the governor of Northern Rhodesia.

Following the breakup of the federation due to the withdrawal of Northern Rhodesia, the office of prime minister was created for the colony.

[11] Kebby Musokotwane took the role over from Nalumino Mundia in 1985, becoming the youngest prime minister and also the first that was not a member of UNIP's Central Committee.

[13] The constitution allowed for the final prime minister, Malimba Masheke, to remain in office until the 1991 Zambian general election.